You can install the RTF or Wood veneer SAC (self adhesive covering) over formica laminate, as long as it is good andclean. The veneer has a high performance "tape" on it that sticks best to nonporous surfaces like formica.
To give you an example of how it works, picture this: If you were to apply a piece of Scotch Tape to a piece of glass, it would stick MUCH better than if you stuck the same piece of tape to a pices of unfinishedlumber, such as a 2x4.

If the laminate is loose,you shouldremove it, since the new bond will only be as strong as the laminate that it is attached to. A stiff Putty Knife and a Heat Gun will work well. The heat will make the cement gooey, and the putty knife can easily be slid behind the laminate to pry it off a bit at a time.

We also use "naphtha" (zippo lighter fluid is naphtha) to remove old laminate. A gallon of VM&P(varnish maker's and painter's) Naphtha costs about $8.00 at a hardware store.

We heat up a spot, peel it back a bit with the putty knife, then spray some naphtha on the bonded area. I use a throw-away refillable spray bottle for that and set it to "squirtgun" setting, NOT a fine mist. The contact adhesive holding the old laminate onto the cabinetwill eventually loose its sticking power completely, usually after30 seconds or so. It won't make the glue gooey, it will make it slippery. As you are pulling the pieces off, keep squirting the naphtha on the still-sticking areas, and it will keepsliding apart.

When the naphtha dries, the glue on the cabinet make a perfect base for the self adhesive veneer, even better than the formica alone.

NOTE: NAPHTHA IS FLAMMABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED NEAR FIRE OR FLAME. THE VAPORS CAN ALSO BE HAZADROUS, SO YOU MUST USE ONLY IN A WELL VENTILATED ROOM, AND WEAR AN APPROVED CHARCOAL CANISTER PAINTING MASK. ALSO PUT FANS IN THE WINDOWS TO KEEP THE AIR MOVING.

NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE FLAMABILITY ISSUES, THE FACT THAT YOU WILL GET AS HIGH AS A KITE IF YOU DO NOT WEAR A PAINTERS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL MASK (ABOUT 25.00 AT HOME DEPOT) ALONG WITH GOOD VENTILATION, AND PARTICULARLY FOR OUR OWN PROTECTION, WEDO NOT RECOMMEND THIS METHOD OF LAMINATE REMOVAL!!

This is a "Trade Secret" that we simply are passing along, not recommending to you!

That being said, it could be mentioned that if you ever DO try this method of laminate removal, you will likely NEVER go back to doing it Any Other Way.