What to use to seal counters

[chartrand]

Several of you have had issues with counters getting wet and ended up with delimitation or swelling of there bathroom and kitchen counters. So to prevent this do you just wipe something along the edges where you can see the particle wood? What do you use to seal this?

-Pat

[bobbecky]

We don't have that problem in our unit as it has Corian countertops. I did work for some time years ago making laminate countertops for residential and commercial uses. If your seams where the different planes of laminate butt together have separated and are allowing you to see the wood substrate, short of replacing the countertop, I would suggest first, making sure the area is dry, and this includes the wood under the laminate, then use a silicone caulk, preferably one with a color that come close to blending in with your tops. The countertops are made using contact cement sprayed or rolled to both surfaces and allowed to dry before assembling together. Once moisture has contacted the particle board or plywood under the laminate, there really isn't anything you can do to repair this, so sealing the gap is the only option. Making sure water does not sit near seams is the best preventive way to keep this from happening.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by chartrand

Several of you have had issues with counters getting wet and ended up with delimitation or swelling of there bathroom and kitchen counters. So to prevent this do you just wipe something along the edges where you can see the particle wood? What do you use to seal this?

-Pat

If you can see the wood under the laminate on a new trailer it was not assembled correctly and the dealer should repair it. Silicone caulk is the best but it can be hard to work with. When my trailer was new I sealed all the seams on the counters and the shower surround with Dap Tub & Tile clear caulk. Run a small bead and then wipe with a damp sponge to get a nice finished seam. Before it drys it can be removed with water unlike silicone that can make a mess. I have worked professionally with both and for DIY interior jobs the water based caulk has the best outcome every time. JM2¢, Hank ............. The clear goes on white but dries clear.

[chartrand]

Mine so far are fine, nothing wrong with them, but if you look underneath you can see where it's wood, Laminate goes on top and sides. So should I coat the underside with something?

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by chartrand

Mine so far are fine, nothing wrong with them, but if you look underneath you can see where it's wood, Laminate goes on top and sides. So should I coat the underside with something?

NO!!!! It should be fine.

[gregrc75]

Originally Posted by chartrand

Mine so far are fine, nothing wrong with them, but if you look underneath you can see where it's wood, Laminate goes on top and sides. So should I coat the underside with something?

Just make sure the sink edge is sealed where it meets the countertop with a good bead of caulk. It should already be that way but check for gaps. That is where water can get underneath and come in contact with the exposed particle board and make it swell. No need to seal underneath as long as water can't get there.