I don't really know if this is a CS forum question or not, but I need opinions. I have an oak table and chairs that has seen better days. I don't know whether to have it refinished or buy a new set. The top of the table is formica finished and it's a mess. My question is about the formica top. Can it be removed and replaced without ruining the table? Or, can it be replaced with wood? Any opinions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002

Answers

whats the formica attached too? wood? is it oak??, how about putting another peice on top of the old?

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 22, 2002.

Ardie, I have placed formica over formica. Is the substrate solid? Depending on the type of edge you can use contact cement and glue down a slightly oversize piece. When it dries use a router or laminate trimmer and a flush trim bit and just run it around the outside. If the skirt meets the top at 90 degrees do the sides first then the top. Run some sandpaper over the edge and there you go. You may also want to consider using tile and a nice wood trim band along the edge. Lay the tile then band it then grout it once you have the band the same height as the tile. If you really want to remove the old formica try an iron to loosen the glue but if its tight just work around it. good luck tom

-- tom (wysfarm@yahoo.com), April 22, 2002.

You might be able to use car wax, on the formica to save it, as is.

-- lacyj (hillharmony@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002.

Sorry, Ardie...but this isn't a solution to your problem, but you just triggered another related question I've had for some time.

I inherited a beautiful solid red maple kitchen table, weighs a ton (figuratively), approx 75 years old, that my grandparents put arborite on with the metal trim around the edging, that was so popular in the 50's. It's glued down pretty tight. My question is...how can I get it off without totally destroying what's underneath? I had thought of a heat gun but am scared to try it in case it doesn't work and makes things worse.

Any suggestions?

Russ

-- (imashortguy@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002.

I have removed formica by using a sanderto remove the glued down material and have resurfaced with oak veneer.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), April 23, 2002.

Hi Ardie, I have to agree with the last response: remove the formica and recover with oak veneer. You will be happy with the results. I have a small octagon spindle leg table that was done this way years ago and turned out really nice, but I'm not exactly sure how the original top was removed. I've also got an old oak table, chair and buffet set that's been in my family for over 100 years that is badly in need of some refinishing and repair work. I also know that if at all possible, don't entirely strip and restain unless absolutely necessary.

-- rose marie wild (wintersongfarm@yahoo.com), April 23, 2002.

Of course, do what you think best. But Tom has the simplest, least expensive solution. You're not dealing with a valuable heirloom here. Put formica over formica. Not that difficult, and your local formica (or other similar product) dealer will gladly explain the process. No problem, really! GL!

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), April 24, 2002.