Refinishing counter in a Cafe

Re: Refinishing counter in a Cafe

Keith Newton

Looks like a good place for plastic laminate, or corian, with maybe a cutting board thrown in.

For commercial work.....

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Nothing beats conversion varnish. Must be sprayed. Available anywhere commercial finishes are sold- Sherwin William, Klingspor, etc.

for brushing- Urethane floor varnish

I'll second that suggestion

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Also, probably can get a cut-off from the rock counter top people that would do nicely and not cost much.

Re: I'll second that suggestion

Barry Irby

I agree with the folks above. My first impulse was "That's a place for plastic laminate." But I also like the Corian idea. And a nice piece of stone or quart would do nicely as well. The quart product does not need to be sealed like most of the stone.

Be careful trying to glue laminate over the existing top in case the glue/contact cement is not compatible with the existing paint.

Re: Refinishing counter in a Cafe

walta

A also think the old top was a laminate top (Formica)

Both Formica and Corian are out of style today and look dated unless you are going for a vintage look in that case the wear is an asset.

I do not think any paint or varnish will stick well enough to the old Formica to stand up to commercial wear.

If you like the current look have the old Formica removed and replaced.

I would look at getting a new quartz top made. I think granite is on its way out of fashion.

Walta

The thing about stone,

Keith Newton

Is that as you can see, someone has been using this surface as a cutting board. They may just be cutting lemons for tea, but it's hard to break people of their bad habits, and on stone, soon their knives will be too dull to cut up the lemons, so they will borrow others from the kitchen and soon all the knives are dull. I don't think the Corian type material will dull the knives.

At my cabin I have a favorite knife that I use for butchering, and try to always keep it sharp. A few weeks back I had visitors down. While we were all in the kitchen doing some part of preparation, I heard a klink klink sound behind me. When I turned around I caught the guilty person that had been dulling my knife down to butter-knife level. She was cutting a squash up on a dinner plate with MY knife. While I tried not to be too harsh, I'm pretty sure she knows that isn't ok.

Re: Refinishing counter in a Cafe

Don Stephan

While some sort or stone or possibly laminate might be a good solution, the original poster {OP) is in the 2nd month of a new career as a finisher. Some sort of stone might be the ideal solution, but some discussion might help further the new career. During this ongoing pandemic, I admire anyone willing to strike out on a new career.

Can you advise in more detail how the worn areas were so badly worn, and what the current countertop and surface are?

Re: Refinishing counter in a Cafe

Clint Searl

Think about flashing copper or galvanized steel sheet wrapped around the top. D Durable and looks funky cool.

Re: The thing about stone,

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

good point. Need to have a cutting board as art of the station.

She cut on a plate with a good knife!!!

Had the knife been Unicorned.....

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Its robust edge would have survived better.

Re: Had the knife been Unicorned.....

Keith Newton

No, it just had a fine bevel on both sides. I bought a little drill buffer today to take down there though, so I'm going to try it on that knife.

Re: Had the knife been Unicorned.....

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

be cautious with knives. If the tip catches they can deflect unsafely.

If it's black paint, get a polyurethane paint.

kneale brownson

Stuff is almost plastic and very durable. Put protective pads on the pastries box.

Re: If it's black paint, get a polyurethane paint.

Pete in Holland MI

Something to consider.......

Nearly all coatings (paint, varnish, etc) will need several days to cure hard, a luxury of time the shop may not have. Installation of laminate or man made counter top could be done in a few hours, and be ready to use after you walk out.