Rough Up the Surface

• If there's a sink, remove it, along with any other fixtures. Whether the current surface of the countertop is wood, laminate or some other surface, it has to be smooth, clean and free of grime or shine for the new laminate to stick. Use 120-grit sandpaper on an electric sander to sand the countertop until there is a smooth, consistent shine-free surface throughout.
  
  

Apply the Cement

• Cut your laminate pieces for each span, making them overlap the area by 1/2 inch to 1 inch. With a brush, spread contact cement on the surface of the countertop and on the back of the laminate. Let it dry according to the instructions. The cement won't be sticky to the touch, but the two cemented surfaces will bond to each other instantly, so don't let the cemented back side of the laminate touch the countetop.
  
  

Apply the Laminate

• Lay waxed paper over the countertop. It won't stick to the dry cement, so you can position the laminate in place without bonding until you're ready. When you've got it in the right place, carefully slide out the waxed paper and immediately press the laminate down. Some people prefer to use small dowel rods every foot or so to hold up the laminate off the cement-coated countertop surface, instead of waxed paper, pulling the rods out as the laminate is pressed down. Roll out any trapped air with a standard wooden roller. Once the laminate is completely in place, go around the edges with a trim router to cleanly cut the edges, and cut in for the sink.