Contact paper countertops are the perfect solution for old counters when it is just not possible to change out the countertop, either due to budget restraints, or the fact that you are renting
Yes, when you think of contact paper, you might imagine the 60’s kitchen shelves lined with floral contact paper.
But the contact paper available today is very different!
They are easy to apply, durable, and easy to remove as well! They make a great candidate for inexpensive updates to countertops in a kitchen or bathroom where it is just not possible to change the countertops out.
I used contact paper a couple of times on countertops while I was renting and absolutely loved the results!
Table of Contents
- What is contact paper?
- Where to buy contact paper?
- Contact paper design options
- How to apply contact paper to countertops
- Durability on countertops
- Do you need to seal contact paper countertops?
- How to remove contact paper
- Real-life contact paper countertop examples
- More contact paper project ideas
What Is Contact Paper –
Contact paper is an inexpensive material that has a decorative surface on one side and a highly adhesive material on the other side.
Wikipedia
It is usually very easy to peel and stick the contact paper onto any surface.
The contact paper decorative side is usually made of plastic-type material which makes it waterproof and durable.
Where to Buy Contact Paper –
You can find contact paper very easily in many stores. Here are some of my favorite places to buy it –
- Home Depot
- Target
- Walmart
- The Dollar stores also stock certain designs of contact paper.
- Amazon
Design and Pattern Options
Contact paper is available in various colors and patterns to mimic real countertop materials like marble and granite. They are also available in wood and concrete look!
Below are some of my favorites –
- Faux marble contact paper (Grey)
- Faux marble contact paper (Black)
- Yellow Red faux marble contact paper (My new favorite!)
- Granite contact paper (Brown)
- Black granite contact paper
- Butcher Block contact paper
- Concrete contact paper
How to Apply Contact Paper on Countertops
Applying contact paper to countertops is a simple peel and stick action.
Like any project, prep work is the most important!
Below are the step by step instructions to applying the contact paper –
- Clean surface – using household cleaner followed by rubbing alcohol
- Apply – slowly peel back surface and apply
- Smooth and remove bubbles – using a smoothing tool and pin. You can also use a hairdryer!
- Cut off excess – using an X-acto knife.
Below is a video where I show you exactly how to do this.
Do You Need to Seal the Contact Paper Countertop?
Contact paper is an inherently durable material and short of putting a hot pot on it, it is very durable and does not need to be sealed.
However, you may opt to apply caulking around the cut edges in cases where there is a lot of water and humidity involved like in a kitchen or bathroom.
Durability
This is one of the most common questions I get and it is totally understandable!
When I applied contact paper to my kids’ bathroom counter in our rental, I wasn’t quite sure of how durable it was going to be.
Here are some contact paper countertop reviews –
They are doing AMAZING! We couldn’t be happier with them. It has continued to fool people… they don’t believe it until we point out the seams!
See more details below on how well they have lasted!
- Marble contact paper countertop – 10 months later
- Kitchen countertop update with granite contact paper
Removing Contact Paper
What happens when you need to remove contact paper from your countertop?
It is actually pretty easy to take it apart!
- If you used caulking around the edges, you will have to cut out the caulking using a box cutter.
- Then the contact paper can be simply pulled away.
Some adhesive films may be a bit harder than others and you can use the heat from a blow dryer to soften the adhesive and pull back the contact paper.
Take a look at how I removed the contact paper from the bathroom countertops after 10 months and what I found underneath!
DIY Contact Paper Countertops
Below are a few tutorials on how to update countertops with the contact paper from around the web.
You will be amazed and inspired by all the before and afters!
- Marble contact paper countertop in a bathroom
- How to apply contact paper to countertops (Video)
- Kitchen countertop update with granite contact paper
- Stunning countertop update with contact paper
- Marble Contact paper countertop
- DIY cheap countertops that look expensive
RELATED: Everything you need to know about contact paper
More Contact Paper Ideas –
It is not just for countertops and kitchens! It can be used for so many other projects and ideas!
Here are a few examples –
Have you used contact paper on your countertops? How do you like them? Share a picture in the comments or tag me on Instagram @anikasdiylife