What is the best product to use for sealing a new cooktop installed in a formica counter top? It is stainless steel and didn’t come with any trim or anything. I have not fastened it down yet.
Edited 4/30/2002 3:00:06 PM ET by RUSTYCAS
What is the best product to use for sealing a new cooktop installed in a formica counter top? It is stainless steel and didn’t come with any trim or anything. I have not fastened it down yet.
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Replies
All I can tell you is how I have seen it done here. Either an adhesive gasket thingy, or someone just puts down a bead of sealant and squishes the thing onto it. both work.
Wood Hoon
Well, yea, I could use sealant and just "squish it down" but I want a nice clean joint that won't collect crud and grease. And if I go in and ask for a "gasket thingy" will they know what I'm talking about. I guess I was asking if there were any special products for this that I don't know about (like plumbers putty for sinks).
If there is I dont know what you would call it, sorry man.
Wood Hoon
I always use black neoprene gasket commonly sold for weatherstripping for installing cooktops and slide-ins. It comes in a roll in various widths and thicknesses and has a peel and stick on one side. It is non-absorbent and easy to clean.
Gio
prairieHOUSE Restoration and Development
Manufacturers all have 800 tech help lines for questions like this. Get their recommendation. Sometimes it is as simple as "Oops, wasn't that gasket included in you delivery, we'll send one right out.
As directed by most manufactures, I don't seal it with anything. I lay the cooktop in the opening, screw down the stay-downs and that's it.
Why on earth would you caulk down a cook-top?
Mark, as mentioned "you will still have grease and crud collecting there." And there is enough of a gap that anything spilled on the counter could go underneath and onto the dishes below. Also the counter is particle board (1" industrial grade) with laminate over -- any moisture that finds its way under the cooktop could swell the countertop.
I have never sealed a cooktop to a counter top. And i have never heard of anyone doing it. I have put down the metal tape on solid surface installs.
Rustycas-
You make a good point, even though this area doesn't get H2O like around the sink. I have heard some mention of caulking/sealing the edges of particle board around the cut-out.
Ken Hill
Ken, made a habit of doing this on any plam countertop. Any hole (sink, cooktop etc) I apply a film of caulk to the cut edge. Same with setting a splash on the top, seal the crap out of any PB substrate. Depending on the way the customer lives, don't want any call telling me their top is swelling like a poisonous toad. I seal the front area of the dishwasher opening also. Steam cleaned PB has a tendency to grow also.__________________________________________
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Calvin-
Thanks for your comments, especially the reminder about DW !
Ken Hill
Whatever you do, gasket, sealant, or nothing, you will still have grease and crud collecting there and will always need to clean it. Guaranteed.
Ken Hill