Ruined Kitchen Work Surface

pennypincher3562

Hi

I tried to 're-vitalise' my formica (I think) kitchen work surface by pouring Ronseal laminate floor seal on it:

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/paint-woodcare/woodcare/general-purpose-wood-products/wood_oils/Ronseal-Laminate-Floor-Seal-Clear-Satin-1L-9253053?noCookies=false

Initially, it looked good, and gave the work surface a real sheen. However, it didn't take long for tons of very fine scratches to appear. Also the finish is very sensitive to heat, and even a warm plate left a round mark on it.

Any idea what my options are? I don't think can get the floor seal off, I tried nail varnish remover, and it did nothing.

The only other options I can think of are possibly put even more floor seal/another varnish on it, or totally replace the work surface, which is about 10 years old now.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

whitewing

Ronseal Technical Services on: +44 (0) 114 240 9469

pennypincher3562

Hi Whitewing

Thanks for trying to help out. I need to emphasise that this product is not meant to be used on kitchen work surfaces, it's meant to be used on laminate flooring. So I'm not sure if Ronseal would help me - might be worth a try though.

Ronseal, might be able to give me some tips on how to remove the varnish.

This was basically an experiment of mine, that went wrong!

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

phill99

Words fail me.

premkit

I can't see a way out of it without replacing the tops. If you get a product for removing the varnish, you will either have to remove your sink and hob or tape them up very well as the product will be a corrosive mixture. Then you won't know what it would have done to the original top.

Replacement tops or tile over.

Thanks for the laugh it gave us.

macman

Why wouldn't Ronseal help you? You've used the wrong product, they are not liable, but that won't stop them offering advice.
What have you got to lose by trying?

Norman_Castle

B+Q state this is a wood oil. White spirits or meths may remove it from formica. Is there any advice on the can about removing spills or cleaning brushes.
As above, try asking Ronseal.

Artytarty

The Karndean range of laminate floors do a basic cleaner and stripped to remove their dim glow floor polish. This might work for you.

pennypincher3562

Hi

Thanks for all the ideas. The formica work surfaces are ten years old, and the previous owner had left some gouges in them, so replacing them fully wouldn't be a disaster.

I appreciate Ronseal aren't liable in any way, as the product is meant for laminate floors - it actually does a great job on the floors.

There was some logic behind my 'experiment', if it's tough enough for floors, then I thought it will probably do well on a work surface. However, it simply hasn't worked well in the long run, and I think the halogen over lighting in the kitchen has a lot to answer for - it totally shows up every minor imperfection.

Thanks Again
PennyPincher3562

whitewing

When you do replace the tops you will wonder why you didn't do it ages ago.

pennypincher3562

Sorry, the 'final option' is full replacement, does anyone know how much it would roughly cost to replace two formica worktops in a small 'galley style' kitchen? Also could they get the worktops off without really messing up my sink and oven?

Thanks
PennyPincher3562