bungalowbabe

Hello all! This is my first post, and I wish I had found this site when I began my kitchen reno...

I'm ready to install my new '50's gloss red Formica countertops. I found metal banding to complete the retro look, but I'm wondering if I've bitten off more than I can chew...

Any suggestions in regard to the best adhesive to use?
Will I need to use screws as well as glue? (the corners are rounded)
How to achieve a perfect mitre in the corner where the two sections meet?

I would hugely appreciate any tips you folks could share with me!

Thanks,
Holly

Bud Cline

......and where on earth does this banding go? Is this an edge treatment?

I grew up in the fifties and was close to a cabinet shop in the family and yet this is a first for me. Must be a Canadian thing!

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CraigFL

I grew up in the 50s too and I remember it. It is a shiny, usually formed strip that is attached to the edge of the countertop. I remember screws being used to fasten it. Glue only might be difficult, especially if there are curves. Holding it in position until the glue dries/sets would be difficult then-- you would probably need to make a special adjustable fixture.

bungalowbabe

Yes, Bud, it is the edge treatment, just like those awesome old fifties dinette tables have, and like the counters in diners had that wonderful "ripple" chrome band about 4" wide... Rather than having the cabinet shop apply a strip of the red countertop material to the edge, it will look fabulous to have a strip of shiny chrome following the curves. (actually I think the stuff I'm using is aluminium) As I said, I may have gotten ahead of myself, but the banding I bought has a tapered 1/4" lip, so obviously it is meant for this purpose.

I am just second-guessing in terms of the flexibility of the this material and wondering if it will take the curve by only being glued in place. I wondered if anyone on the site had perhaps worked with metal banding and could offer some tips.

Regardless, it's do or die this weekend as the countertops are being installed. We'll figure it out!

Cheers,
Holly

Bud Cline

Ah-h-h-h! It all comes back to me now but I don't remember seeing it in home environment applications. That's OK, I see what you want to do now!

I assume there are no holes pre-drilled into the metal???

I'm thinking there should be holes to be able to address the rounded corners.

IDEA!?

If you don't want the holes with small screws you might use "contact adhesive" applied to both surfaces. Allow both the surfaces to dry then carefully begin to apply the edging. Probably you will need a helper. When you get to the corners (before you begin the bending) clamp the metal to the edge (somehow) so it doesn't "lift" from the tension of forming the curve.

Once the curve is formed and glued it may stay in place but I have my doubts. I do remember seeing screws used in some of those applications so maybe that idea isn't out of the question.

And YES, I'm sure you are dealing with aluminum.

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bungalowbabe

Thank you Bud and Craig! The rounded corners are quite generous - they follow the template I drew from the 50's chrome and formica table I have been dragging across the country through a dozen or more moves since 1979. I suspect you are correct and that I will need to use screws as well as contact cement. I've been playing with a strip of the metal and it is surprisingly forgiving.

I'm using the same aluminium bands to wrap the corners of a free wall (vertically mounted). I know, I'm going chrome crazy, but hey, it's a 50's kitchen!) I'll post before and after pics when done. I kept all the original hardware, cleaned and polished it and it looks brand new. The cabinets are white with cherry tart red face frames. I have mastered the art of cutting-in after 3 coats of red against white. Nobody warned me...

The floor will be commercial grade 12' square black and white linoleum tiles. Will lay them out diagonally and checkerboard style and see which I like better.

I'm almost there, except for painting the 15 cabinet doors. I found the coolest "painter's pyramids" at Lee Valley. Little plastic pyramids to place under the doors and hold them off the ground. You paint one side, flip it over and rest it on the pyramids and then do the edges and other side. Avoids the potential runs and other booboos I've made in the past trying to suspend doors by means of little hooks and twine from the rafters downstairs...

Anyway, wish me luck!

Holly

subzero

Well, rather than having the cabinet shop apply a strip of the red countertop material to the edge, it will look fabulous to have a strip of shiny chrome following the curves.

bungalowbabe

Thanks for the vote of confidence, subzero! I don't know what I'm more excited about - the chrome band or having a kitchen sink again after 3 months of doing without... Gotten used to stray bits of broccoli floating past me while in the bathtub where we've been washing dishes during this tear-down. It's high time to put this project in the can!

Holly

oldognewtrick

I'd be voting for the sink, just saying.


And Welcome to House Repair Talk.

Bud Cline

Oh - Yuk!

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