acids, and stains. Another advantage of plastic laminate is that no finishing is required. It also cleans easily with mild  detergent. Laminates  are  known  by  such  trade  names  as Formica, Micarta, Texolite, Wilson Art, Melamite, and many  others.  They  are  manufactured  in  many  colors and   designs   including   many   wood   grain   patterns. Surfaces are available in gloss, satin, textured, and other finishes. The distributor supplies samples or chips of the different colors and finishes to help the customer decide which to use. Thicknesses Generally two thicknesses of laminates are widely used: thick and thin. Thick laminate is about 1/16-inch thick. It is used on  horizontal  surfaces,  such  as  counter  tops,  tables, dressers, and desk tops. Thin laminate is about 1/32-inch thick. It is used on  vertical  surfaces,  such  as  the  sides  and  front  of kitchen cabinets. This is because vertical surfaces take less   wear   than   horizontal   surfaces.   Thin   laminate makes a more pleasing appearance because of the thin edge  line  it  presents  when  trimmed.  It  is  also  less expensive  than  the  thick  laminate. A thinner laminate, called backer laminate, is also available. It is used to cover the inside of doors and the underside of tabletops to give a balanced construction to the core. Width and Lengths Plastic laminate sheets come in widths of 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches and lengths of 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 feet. Sheets are usually 1 inch wider and longer than the size indicated. Most distributors cut sheets in half through their width or length. This action increases the range of sizes. Since the material is relatively expensive, it is wise to carefully  plan  and  order  the  most  economical  sizes. Inspecting the Surface Before  a  counter  top  is  laminated,  make  sure  all surfaces  are  flush.  There  should  be  no  indentations where  the  pilot  of  the  router  bit  will  ride.  Check  for protruding nailheads and points. Plane or sand surfaces that  are  not  flush.  Fill  in  any  holes  and  sand  them smooth. Drive nailheads flush, fill, and sand. Cutting Laminate to Rough Size There   are   a   number   of   ways   to   cut   laminate. Whatever method is used, cut the pieces 1/4 to 1/2 inch wider   and   longer   than   the   surface   to   be   covered. Laminate must be handled carefully, because it is very brittle. It may crack if dropped or handled roughly. One  method  of  cutting  laminate  is  to  use  a straightedge and a router with a flush trimming bit. This method is used frequently by installers on the job and in the  shop.  It  is  easier  to  run  the  cutting  tool  across  a larger sheet than to move a large sheet across the cutting tool. Also, the router bit leaves a smooth edge. The table saw can produce a smooth edge, cut with a  60-tooth,  triple-chip  carbide  blade.  Laminate  may also be cut with a portable circular saw, saber saw, or band saw. However, these tools will not give a clean, ship-free  edge. Working with Laminates Plastic laminates can be cut to rough size with a table saw, portable saw, or saber saw. Use a fine-tooth blade, and support the material close to the cut. If no electrical  power  is  available,  you  can  use  a  finish handsaw or a hacksaw. When laminates are cut with a saw, place masking tape over the cutting area to help prevent chipping the laminate. Make cut markings on the  masking  tape. Measure and cut a piece of laminate to the desired size. Allow at least 1/4-inch extra to project past the edge of the counter top surface. Next, mix and apply the contact bond cement to the underside of the laminate and to the topside of the counter top surface.  Be sure to   follow   the   manufacturer’s   recommended directions  for  application. Adhering Laminates Allow the contact bond cement to set or dry. To check for bonding, press a piece of waxed brown paper on   the   cement-coated   surface.   When   no   adhesive residue shows, it is ready to be bonded. Be sure to lay a full sheet of waxed brown paper across the counter top.  This  allows  you  to  adjust  the  laminate  into  the desired position without permanent bonding. Now, you can   gradually   slide   the   paper   out   from   under   the laminate,  and  the  laminate  becomes  bonded  to  the counter  top  surface. Be sure to roll the laminate flat by hand, removing any air bubbles and getting a good, firm bond. After the 5-19