Alternative to Laminate

[steve_pss]

What have the fine folks here used to cover their cab sides? I don't want to go the formica route and the parts express vinyl worked great on small items, but to cover a side seems like it would be hell.

[JoeB]

Actually Steve,

covering sides with formica is much easier the bigger it gets. This is exactly the way counters are done! Very easy to install (need 2 people) and very easy to trim with a router.

[Santoro]

You have ruled out two of the three things that are generaly used.  Paint is the only other common choice.

If you can use a router, Formica is simple to do.  I had never worked with it before my cab and I was nervous, but it came out great.

[SNAAAKE]

Only reason why I ONLY use formica cuz its easier to work with then anything else

(and looks great)

[teetu]

what is formica exactly? u can get this at home centers, correct?

[Goz]

formica is a hard sheet laminate used for counter tops, etc.

 You can get it at Home Depot, Lowes, etc...

 Home Depot carries the 'Wilson Art' brand and is typically solid colors and at Lowes you get another brand but they have solid colors and marbled patterns if memory serves me.

Hope this helps.

BTW the Happs pica vinyl is much wider than the parts express stuff and will cover most cabinets. If they still have the Black Pica Vinyl on sale for 2.18 per foot, it is a decent way to go.

-Goz

[spidermonkey]

My friend did a cab using undercoating in a spray can. *DO NOT* buy the rubberized kind because it never dries completly. Just buy the regular spray undercoating. Allow it to dry for whatever period of time that the directions on the can recommend and then spray on a top coat of satin black spray paint (or any color for that matter) The result is a textured finish that looks pretty nice. The best part is that you don't have to do any sanding beforehand. Remember, make sure you buy spray undercoating that IS NOT the rubberized type otherwise you'll have a big mess that will never dry and also won't allow the spraypainted topcoat to adhere. I still think laminate looks best but if you want a cheap solution that doesn't require much prep work then this might be your answer.  

[steve_pss]

The main reason against laminate is that I already have 3/4" T-Molding on hand. I would think I use that with Formica the T-molding will overhang. I suppose I could set the slot to slightly accomadate for this..