Appling plastic laminate to melamine

[cabinetboy]

I want to build some frameless cabinets that are covered with plastic laminate, and what I was planning on doing is applying the laminate to 3/4'' melamine for the doors and drawers with contact cement.  It would be on the face and edges of the doors and drawers,  leaving the backs white to match the interior.  What I wanted to know is if anyone has ran into any problems with this method of applying laminate to melamine? Also any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

Thanks
  Joe

 

[Eli]

I'd sand and thoroughly clean the substrate. Rough is fine.

 

[bruegf]

You might want to take a look at the FastEdge self adhesive edge tape made by Fastcap.  I recently used it on some laundry cabinets I built using 3/4 PC covered with Melamine.  Very quick and very easy, especially using the Fastcap trimmer.

Fred

 

[mastercabman]

I've laminated melamine before with no problem.just sand the surface and spray the glue.get your glue from a laminate supplier.
you can use the glue on the edge as well.
but don't use that brush on/roll on contact cement,that stuff doesn't work for crap.
if your project is small enough,you can get spray glue in the can.(like a spray can of paint)3m makes it.
i used "con-bond"and now i use a spray can from"wilsonart",pretty good stuff

 

[semenza]

You might want to take a look at the FastEdge self adhesive edge tape made by Fastcap.   I recently used it on some laundry cabinets I built using 3/4 PC covered with Melamine.   Very quick and very easy, especially using the Fastcap trimmer.

Fred

Hi,

  Yes, good stuff. 

        bruegf,  Is that trimmer the double sided blue one?  Do you have the end trimmer/cutter?  Work well?

Seth

 

[bruegf]

Yes, the one I have is the blue one.  I don't have the end trimmer (haven't seen that one yet), but the edge trimmer is wonderful.  It takes about 2 seconds to trim an edge perfectly.  I've just been using a sharp chisel to do the end trimming.

I know this stuff isn't the cheapest way to edge trim, but it's certainly the fastest way I've seen and as long as I'm not doing 100's of feet, the ease of use and time advantages far outway the cost disadvantage.

Fred

 

[semenza]

Hi,

          I think that doing hundreds of feet (with out a production machine) is even more reason to use it. It saves that much more time and frustration.  Maybe I got a lucky first roll but I think it looks better than the other that I had been using. The fact that the adhesive REALLY sticks and water base stain won't loosen it is a real benefit for me.

Seth

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Help me to understand.  What trimmers are you writing about?  I know what melamine coated particle board is, and don't like to work with it.  Are you covering some of its surfaces with thicker "Formica" like materials?  I thought those are usually trimmed with a router or other carbide edged tools.

Dave R.

 

[Eli]

this one maybe?

 

[bruegf]

That's the one.  It's amazingly quick and simple to use. 

Here's the FastEdge tape I've been using.  The local Johnson's Workbench sells the white pvc edging for $0.25 per foot.
http://www.amazon.com/FastCap-FastEdge-Peel-Stick-White/dp/B0006NNK8K

Fred

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Thanks, all!

Dave R.

 

[cabinetboy]

Thanks for all the info guys!

Joe

 

[avlamonte]

I am in the process of building a wall unit and am laminating 1/8 inch ply to melamine.  I have rolled on contact cement with a short nap roller and it has worked great...just make sure to rough up the melamine really well or it wont stick!

I am a newcomer to Festool but am very excited about my 55, 22, and Domino machines.

Allan

 

[semenza]

I am in the process of building a wall unit and am laminating 1/8 inch ply to melamine.  I have rolled on contact cement with a short nap roller and it has worked great...just make sure to rough up the melamine really well or it wont stick!

I am a newcomer to Festool but am very excited about my 55, 22, and Domino machines.

Allan

Hi,
 
  Welcome   I am curious about why you are laminating plywood to melamine?

Seth

 

[avlamonte]

Hello Semenza,
I wanted the clean white look inside the cabinets, and the easiest accessibility was melamine from HD.  for the exterior cabinet parts that are showing, I just laminted the ply on the outside.  I know that is not the easiest way to do this, but it is working very well and achieving the look I am after.    I have bought products which already have the wood veneer on one side, but it has been a long time and none of the lumber supply places are close by where I live now.
Allan