Cracked ice laminate, made new, in four retro colors, has been available all these years. But, it has not always been easy to find. Now, it’s easier than ever to get samples and to buy. And, it’s high gloss!
Thanks to reader Lis, who tipped me that this Wilsonart-made laminate is now available direct from Wilsonart via their Virtual Design Library. I ordered my 8 x 10″ samples last week, and they came a flash.
All glossy! Oops, I forgot to order the fourth color, grey, so it’ snow shown in my photo at the top. But, there’s gray too!
Video — How I used metal edging on my my Formica kitchen countertops
The four colors are:
Cracked ice laminate was one of the first designs of laminate ever on the market. I believe that Formica was first out with it, their name was Mother of Pearl. If you are doing a 1940s or 1950s kitchen — a ‘mid-century modest’ rather than ‘mid-century-modern’ kitchen, and these fit your color palette, they are a treasure of an option.
Once you examine your samples from Wilsonart and make your choice, order the sheets themselves from Home Depot or another retailer such as Heffron’s, which can also fabricate custom countertops for you.
sherree says
I just ordered the samples!
I have no idea where I would use it but just had to see them “in case” a project comes up. Maybe the chrome dinette in my basement family room?
Thanks for sharing Pam.
Jason says
They look nice, but I have decided to go with solid black and metal cove moulding and edging.
Merle Ferris says
Great read to share.
Maria says
I’m curious, does it have that mother of pearl quality you see in the old versions of cracked ice or is it the pattern style?
Gail says
Oh my gosh! I’ve put up with my ugly harvest gold countertop for so long it”s back in again!
Pam Kueber says
Welcome to commenting, Gail, note, we don’t use that u* word here! 🙂
Vintigchik says
I’m thinking of doing the green(fav color)! Wish they had a jadeite green though and they don’t have a matching vinyl for the green:(
Pam Kueber says
Our Retro Renovation Delightful Jade pattern is… jade!
Mary Elizabeth says
Lovely laminate! And I also love the Pennsylvania folk art table cloth they are sitting on–I have four of them, two of which are going to become valances for my kitchen.
Joan Becich says
Hello Mary Elizabeth,
Are those Pennsylvania folk art tablecloths available somewhere?
They are so charming!
Pam Kueber says
Here you go, I have a lot of these tablecloths and tea towels. I use them every single day. They rock:
Vintage linen tablecloths and tea towels by Parisian Prints
Affiliate link – earns me a wee commission if you click ‘n buy
NICKIE says
Oh! I am so excited I have a chrome Table that needs a new top, it has red cracked ice. I just ordered samples from WilsonArt! Thank you for posting this!
Scott says
I would have never thought of that! Very exciting.
Lori says
Who do you use to put a new laminate inside the chrome? I would like to buy the boomerang but I don’t know how to do it myself or who would k ow how.
Pam Kueber says
Professional countertop fabricators can do this for you.
Debbie in Portland says
The house next door to me was remodeled in the early 1950’s, and the light blue cracked ice countertops are still there, in pristine condition. The house has sold three times in the 30 years I’ve lived here, and each time I’ve introduced myself to the new owners, I’ve worked those countertops into the conversation. “Oh, and if you ever decide to remodel? Yeah, let me know, I can come over and take those babies off your hands for you!”
Al Fortunato Furnituremaker says
Great to know. But how about good quality cracked ice vinyl. All the ones I’ve sampled are terrible. They are like the old newspaper pictures. Anyone know of a high quality cracked ice vinyl?
Pam Kueber says
They don’t have cracked ice, but IFSCO has a stash of New Old Stock vintage vinyl still, see: https://retrorenovation.com/2015/05/13/vintage-vinyl-upholstery-fabric/