[ndiego2000]

I am in the process of installing the numerar aluminum effect countertop. I need to cut one end and then attach the piece of end strip over the exposed particle board/mdf.

The instructions say to use "contact adhesive". Was that supposed to come with the countertop, because my box did not contain any. If not, can someone recommend a good contact adhesive to use - one that I can purchase at Lowes or Home Depot.

Also, I will be butt joining two pieces. Can someone recommend a particular brand of caulk to put between the seams. I did not purchase the numerar joining kit, because I read somewhere on this board that it was not really effective.

Thanks. David

[Chuck]

I'm guessing by "contact adhesive" they mean good old "contact cement" - I can't imagine that Lowes or HD doesn't have this, or even your local hobby/toy store.

I'm gonna suggest an alternate though, which is to use silicone caulk instead - look for GE II as a brand. Contact cement got its name because it adheres "on contact". You apply the stuff to both surfaces, let them dry, then stick them together - instant, semi-permanent (I wouldn't want to be the one you call to pull them apart) adhesion. With the silicone caulk, you get a bit of "working time" to make sure the two pieces are properly aligned, but in the end, you get the same semi-permanent adhesion.

I'm gonna make yet another, completely different suggestion, which is to skip the end strip altogether. Take the cut edge and "bury" it in the butt joint, leaving the exposed end with the factory applied end cap - I trust them more than I do you or me (not a knock on you - I'd do it this way in my kitchen, or in yours if you hired me).

Get a biscuit joiner, use 2 or 3 biscuits to align the seam, apply some of that GE II from above, and, voila, you have yourself an excellent seam and joint.