Plastic laminate on counter tops is typically applied with contact cement. The glue has to be applied to both surfaces, the underside of the laminate and the counter top. When dry to the touch, the laminate is placed over the counter top with strips of laminate used to separate the two glued surfaces. When properly positioned, the strips are pulled out and the contact cement bonds to itself on the opposing surface.
Heat can be used to activate the glue later if an area of the laminated counter top begins to lift off. One cause of this happening is sitting a hot pan directly on the laminate counter top.
I use an old iron and soft cotton cloth. Set the iron on medium heat and pass the iron over the raised area on the cotton cloth. Press down firmly so the laminate touches the counter top underneath. When it stays down you have achieved your objective.
Iron settings vary greatly so you may need to raise the temperature on your iron to above medium to activate the contact cement. Raise it in small increments until you get the counter top to stick down.
Do not let the iron sit still on top of the cotton cloth. It can burn the laminate if left in one spot too long.
I've had good luck with this technique in the past. I learned it from a carpet and laminate contractor who did work for me in the 1970's. He carried an iron with him that was already set to the right temperature. He was a master at getting hot pan bubbles in a laminate counter top to stick back down.
Good luck,
lw@buyerbewareinc.com
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