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I just built my first laminate countertop yesterday and finished routing all the edges. Almost halfway through routing, my bit broke so I had to borrow a beveled trim router bit. This bit left a mess with the backer from the top sheetenter image description here exposed on the top edge as shown in the picture. What should I use to clean up this edge, since all the laminate is on the surfaces now? Can I use a certain grit of sandpaper without damaging the laminate? Or is there a file that is fine enough? I am concerned because I will be scraping that residue off of the edge with the new laminate. It has the texture of cardboard, I think it's just the laminate backer. Thanks for any advice

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Personally, I would invest in a new laminate routing bit and go over that edge. You could also a chisel and lightly score the edges. I'd put some masking tape on the laminate to protect it while your finishing the edges. A fine grit sandpaper would also work.

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    Totally agree with JACK. Just buy a high quality laminate trimming bit, (beveled or straight, your choice) and go over it again. There should be no cleanup needed afterwards other than maybe a very light sanding to soften up the edges (220 or 400 grit), very light. +
    – George Anderson
    May 19, 2021 at 13:28
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    Masking tape on laminate may be applied before sanding.
    – user263983
    May 19, 2021 at 16:45
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This seems like a fine job for a razor scraper.

enter image description here

If not then a super sharp wood chisel would also work.

If using either tool you should be careful to not let the tool dig into the laminate. Make sure it's only slicing out the unwanted material.

Other thought: can you re-route it with a higher quality bit which won't leave behind such a mess?

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  • All good thoughts, I'll let on a secret... This was my first time using a router. So would it do any harm going over the same edge with a trim router? I want to ensure the cutting blade wouldn't gouge the side.
    – BigLake
    May 19, 2021 at 15:41
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    @BigLake I don't have enough experience to offer any advice on your idea. It seems like JACK's answer offers advice though. You would be better off commenting on their answer.
    – MonkeyZeus
    May 19, 2021 at 16:15

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