How To Fix And Remove Laminate Countertop Burns And Scratches

Removing a burn mark on laminate countertops is not an easy task but can be accomplished using some proper techniques. We have all set a scorching hot pan on a laminate countertop and burned or discolored the laminate surface. This happens quite frequently and there are ways to fix and repair this. Whether you have scratches, burns or scuff marks, you can remove them all. Severe burns will require you to replace or paint the whole countertop, while light scorch marks can be repaired without replacing the whole countertop.

burned laminate countertop

Removing light burns from your laminate countertop

Depending on how bad the burn is, you can try this repair method. Here is what you will need: White toothpaste, a medium toothbrush, soft scrub cleaner with bleach, a rag, liquid soap and warm water.

First, wipe the surface burn down with a small amount of liquid soap and warm water and clean the surface entirely.
Next, use a small amount of the white toothpaste and completely cover the burn surface area.
Let the toothpaste sit on the burn for about 5 minutes.
Then, scrub the entire area with your brush for a few minutes.
Scrub well enough to get the white toothpaste to penetrate into the burn mark.
Next, wipe the surface down with warm water. If you have only a light stain on your countertop then this method should remove it.
If the burn mark remains repeat the same procedure using the soft scrub cleaner with bleach.

If you have a severe burn that cannot be removed using the above method, then here are a few other methods to fix it. Here is what you will need: Fine grit sandpaper, warm water, a rag and a fine bristle brush.

First clean the burned surface.
Then lightly sand the burn mark using the sandpaper.
Do not apply too much pressure when sanding as you may remove multiple layers of the laminate surface.
Use light pressure and try to just remove the outline of the burn.
If the burn mark is not severe or deep, then the sandpaper should remove it.
Repeat this method a few times for best results.

Another method is to use a countertop paint kit that hides everything such as scratches and burns. These universal painting kits work amazingly well and is the perfect alternative to replacing all of your countertops because of just one small burn mark.

Counter Top Paint Kit

Counter Top Paint Kit Can Hide Burn Marks and Scratches and make your Kitchen Look Like New!

If the above helpful tips to remove burns from your countertop did NOT work, then we have a few ways to try and hide it. Since in all probability a hot pan created the burn mark in the first place, you can use the area to place your hot pans there when cooking. Using 4 to 8 small decorative matching tiles (or one very large tile with rubber feet attached to the bottom of it), you can adhere the tiles on top of the burn mark and have a nice spot for your hot pans when cooking. If that won’t work then consider buying a large cutting board and placing it over the burn mark.

None of the above burn mark removal solutions are working for you? Unfortunately the only way to truly fix your burned laminate countertop is to remove and replace the entire countertop. Many of the newer styles of laminate countertops have the look of stone and marble. So consider replacing your countertop with the new modern material and turn your mistake into a kitchen remodel.

Have a better, cheaper and easier idea? Please comment below!

4 thoughts on “How To Fix And Remove Laminate Countertop Burns And Scratches”

  1. This product turned my 1978 counter tops into contemporary stone-looking counter tops. It was not hard to use, nor was it the complete mess that others have claimed it to be. Yes, you will need to cover your floors and cabinets with plastic sheeting and, yes, the color chips will go all over your kitchen, but it is nothing that a vacuum cleaner won’t pick up! Once the protective topcoat had dried overnight, it took me about 30 minutes to clean up my kitchen of tape, plastic and chips — that’s it! Others that used this and had problems must not be able to follow directions or just have no patience when doing home projects.

  2. DIY Project Help Tips

    Hi Patricia,
    Depending on where you live it is probably best to go to your local home improvement store and check prices and quality. Then go online and see if there are better deals to be had. Build Direct has just about everything you could ask for.
    -RR

  3. Patricia Geisler

    I have a small condo and would like to put in new flooring. How do I go about ordering some?

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