Can anyone tell me the best way to remove an old formica countertop?
Answers:
Remove the sink, unscrew countertop from cabinets from underneath, score any caulk with a utility knife, then lift countertop out.
edit: After your additional details, theres really not a lot more I can elaborate on. You can leave the sink in the countertop, just disconnect the water lines and drain, but depending on whether the sink is cast iron or stainless steel, it could make the countertop a lot heavier and more difficult to lift out. With the sink out or disconnected and the caulk scored, you can try lifting it out, some installers don't screw the countertop in but rather let the weight hold it in place. Otherwise, you will have to take out drawers and open cabinet doors to locate and remove the screws from underneath. If the countertop fits really snug between the walls or has an attached backsplash, it might be easier to remove by cutting the countertop in half with a sawzall (usually at the sink opening as it takes less cutting). I can't think of too much more I can add. Hope this helps.
*Removing the sink: Shut off water supplies, then disconnect water lines and drain assembly. Most sinks will be secured to the countertop with screw anchors from underneath. Simply loosen the screws, rotate the anchor and remove them from the track. When all anchors are removed, lift sink out of opening. If there are no anchors, the sink may just be held in place by weight and caulk. Score the caulk and lift sink out.
Other answers:
Is it that you wish to remove the entire structure? You don't state that.
If you only wish to remove the mica, a good, sharp scraper and an expense of some energy will do the job, also using a solvent for the contact cement that bonds the mica.
I also have no clue to what extent you wish to get to,,,IE: changing the configuration, size, or just the look.
I'd be happy to further explore this.
Rev. Steven
Is it that you wish to remove the entire structure? You don't state that.
If you only wish to remove the mica, a good, sharp scraper and an expense of some energy will do the job, also using a solvent for the contact cement that bonds the mica.
I also have no clue to what extent you wish to get to,,,IE: changing the configuration, size, or just the look.
I'd be happy to further explore this.
Rev. Steven