Undersink water damage

[mrcaptainbob]

Sounds great, Skyruler. Usually laminate is glued to the backing and then trimmed with a router using laminate trimming bits or a laminate trimmer. Because of their high rotation speed there's much less chance of chipping. The jigsaw you're using will be chipping the edges to a pretty high degree. But it appears you're accomplishing a lot. What holes are you speaking off about holding the sink? How did the wet drywall come out? Was it pretty solid once dry?

[skyruler87]

I wanted to change the dry wall it was really cheap but to change it I'd have to take the cabinets out completely. I just wanted to get it over with. So, I decided not to worry about it as it was dry. Maybe there will be mold growing behind the wall but oh well.

The holes that I was talking about are for the sink fasteners. Remember those little clamps that are holding down the sink in its place. They are fixed along the wood around the sink. a part of them grabs the sink and the other goes inside a hole in the wood. I need to drill those holes so I can use the clamps and hold the sink down in its place.

I have to take more pictures. I have stuff sitting on the counter. Once I remove every thing laying on it to get some clear pictures, I'll upload them.

here are some pictures: picasaweb.google.com/112202191947655952319/Stage3?feat=directlink

[mrcaptainbob]

That's quite a project. And you are making great progress. Trimming Formica is a tricky job. You did well, and this site will help your skills even further. Although the edge is not factory smooth, you may be able to achieve a straighter edge by checking that site. The pictures you post are very helpful and descriptive of what you were up against. They're also a testament to your achievement. What you mention about the sink hold downs is intriguing. I never saw a sink that was held down in such a fashion. Would it be possible to use the old underlayment or Formica as a pattern for drilling those holes? Sure would be good if you could get near those locations that way.

[skyruler87]

So after about 15 days, I am finally done...well almost( waiting for the faucet). I have uploaded all the pictures and the tools that I used. Everything that I bought totaled to approximately $350. Everything was bought from Home Depot, Lowes and a cheap local hardware store near my house. It cost me this much because some of the items I bought were not needed but since I used them anyways, I couldn't return them. I learned a lot though. So the experience is priceless. Now I can do this kind of stuff more easily and more efficently. I have the tools now so the next project wont be this costly. By the way, what do you think the contracter or carpenter would have charged me for all this, if I would have hired him?

A lot was learned from the mistakes I made and it will help me in the future and if I'll need any help I know that my friends here at homerepairforum have got my back. Thanks mrcaptainbob for all your help and time.

Here are the final pictures: picasaweb.google.com/112202191947655952319/FinalStage?feat=directlink

Skyruler87

[mrcaptainbob]

Many employers would wish new hires would learn as quick as you did on this project, Skyruler. Very impressive progress. How did you manage the fastening of the sink to the counter top? Since you now have a bit of experience with Formica, check out that Formica site I sent you. IF you plan any future laminate work a router with a couple of laminate carbide bits will be a great addition to your tool inventory. Thank you so much for sharing the progress with the super photo collection. It helped all of us share the experience and more easily understand the job.

[skyruler87]

You know what, I just realized how powerful words of encouragement can be. I wouldn't have dared to take on this project if you wouldn’t have guided and encouraged me along the way. I really appreciate that. I was really thinking about hiring someone to do this job for me. Everyone in my family thought I was crazy to even think that I could do such a thing. (They were never DIY people). But my uncle recently came by and saw my work and was pretty impressed. He asked me if I could help him change his kitchen laminate. My aunt’s kitchen countertop has the same damage as mine did behind the faucet and under the sink. In July I'll redo her countertop as well.

I did not get that website that you wanted me to check out. I looked for the link but there wasn't any. Can you please send it to me again?

I have the clamps for the sink but I will wait for the faucet to arrive first and then I'll use those clamps to fasten the sink.

[mrcaptainbob]

How to Trim Formica | eHow.com

How to Install Plastic Laminate-Formica

A few additions for working with laminates like Formica: Leave the laminate in the sun for a while. Warming it up makes a big difference in cutting. The colder they are, the more they chip. There's also a special hand tool that can be used for scoring the laminate. A few passes with this along a straight edge to make a nice a nice score and you can snap it to size. Check out any box store for tools specifically used for plastic laminates. They're relatively cheap and do a great job.
Sorry for forgetting about including the site in the previous post!

[carljackson47]

So, it means that you might need to remove your cabinet to inspect the hidden floor at the bottom of the cabinet. That seems to be a hard thing to do on your cabinet.

[gery]

I read your post and was inspired to do the same repairs myself. but there is one question. Can I use a laminate in the kitchen and not whether it will be damadeg by the water.