refresh virrvarr (laminate)?

[Petronille]

We are renovating a 1950s kitchen and are considering what to do with the old countertops. At one point, we thought about replacing them with granite or marble, but we are now thinking of keeping them and trying to freshen them up. The edges are wood and can be sanded and re-lacquered, but how do you make the actual virrvarr laminate look nicer? There are some stains and such but no major damage. Is there any way to freshen up that kind of material? It is very likely original from the early 50s.

 

[Totem]

Isn't that laminate newly produced? Isn't it easier to put new ones there?

 

[Petronille]

Yes, there is newly produced but it doesn't look quite the same. And it's not entirely easy because it is framed by wood, in that case, you would have to replace the whole thing. I was thinking there might be something you could clean with to remove certain stains.

Edit: it's probably not virrvarr, by the way, but an earlier laminate panel that is similar.

 

[pinebar]

I would try with Jif and a white scouring pad. A little rubbing with that usually removes most of it.

 

[Petronille]

What is Jif? Is there no risk of it scratching?

 

[Henri]

What is Jif? Is there no risk of it scratching?

Jif is a thick liquid substance in a bottle that, according to the instructions, is suitable for surfaces such as stainless steel, gelcoat, enamel, tiles, and porcelain. Similar to, or the same as, the previously marketed Vim. A strong and effective agent.
In my assessment, both Jif and scouring pads will scratch the laminate.

 

[Petronille]

Jif is a thick fluid in a bottle that according to the instructions is suitable for surfaces such as stainless steel, gelcoat, enamel, tiles, and porcelain. Similar to, or the same as, previously marketed Vim. A strong and effective agent.
In my assessment, both Jif and scouring sponge will scratch the laminate.

Ok, yes, I would never use VIM on either tiles, enamel, or porcelain, because it scratches terribly even if it's not immediately visible to the eye. Toilets and such cleaned with VIM are usually impossible to get clean. So probably no JIF on the laminate, I think. But maybe it could work with alcohol or something?

 

[Fixartanten]

But maybe it can work with alcohol or something?

With too much alcohol, everything becomes a complete muddle!:wow:

 

[Alfredo]

In my opinion, both Jif and scouring pad will scratch the laminate.

You are probably right that Vim/Jif can create small scratches in the laminate. The question is whether these small scratches really affect countertops in a 1950s kitchen. I guess the countertops have already been subjected to so much over the years that the addition of scratches is almost negligible.

I think Vim/Jif works great on an older "used" stainless steel sink. You feel that it has a certain abrasive effect, but if the sink is in "normal condition," it doesn’t become more scratched but rather polished. However, I would hesitate to use it on a really high-gloss surface. Faucets, etc., are borderline cases in my opinion.