> I have to deal with this kitchen countertop that had a hot pot set on
> it at least once. It burned thru the formica in spots (a fair number
> of spots, though not large ones) and I thought about inlaying a
> butcher block cutting board in the area of the burn. Routing out the
> space for the board and dropping it in.
> Two questions:
> 1) Any other ideas on how to deal with this burned area (no, I don't want
> to replace the entire counter or reformica the entire counter), like a
> special touch up paint, etc.? Creativity is lacking on my part here
> as I just want to get the project out of my hair.
When I installed new countertops a few (10?) years back, I wanted to
prevent a similar problem bound to happen from my coffee maker's
heating element.
I took a 13" piece of hardboard and laminated both sides with scrap (only
one side matches the countertop).
Trimmed an inch or so off the corners to give it some shape, but I think
rounded/radiused would have looked better.
Instant hotpad - sacrificial if needed, cost zero. As additional security, I
put a square glass tray out of a trrashed microwave oven on top of that,
and it catches any drips/overflow from the coffeemaker and further
distributes any heat. It still looks like new.
FWIW - Installers can generate a tremendous amount of good will by giving
the customer a few of these at the end of the job - it's all there and would
go in the trash otherwise.
> 2) What's the best way to make a template or whatever to route a precise
> fit for the cutting board, stiff enough that clamping it to the
> counter only at the front (sliding the counter forward to be able to
> clamp at 4 corners vs. 2 isn't feasible) will preclude movement while
> routing. Again, I have ideas, but...
Mount your wooden template with double-backed tape. Don't skimp.
Some folks use the THIN carpet tape, others use what looks like regular
Scotch tape. I use the latter since there's virtually no thickness to it
and the other is too sticky - if you get a wrinkle, you're.... stuck.
Clean the counter with 409 and rinse it off with water first to get a good
bond.
Another FWIW- My cooktop resembles the drop-in SS tray with cutting
board that another poster mentioned. Wonderful concept, but a terror to
clean. Drips and spatters get between the lift-out modules. With a cutting
board stuff would always be straying into the gap if you cook like like I do.
Plus, now there's a lip to clean around instead of a flat counter - just like a
sink or cooktop. Also, that counterspace is lost to any other use. It got
burned, so obviously the room is needed. Where are you going to carve a
hot turkey or roast when you need that big cutting board that has a drip
groove? I see there's a drain in in the built-in version. Where does it go?
The idea of the small laminated piece presented is a cover-up, but may be
more feasible in use, and is certainly easier and cheaper.
Let us know your progress on this, whatever you decide to do.
-J
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