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Today, I’m going to share a tutorial and review for installing contact paper countertops. I’m sharing my in-depth tutorial along with how they’ve held up and what I wish I would’ve known one and a half years ago now that I’ve had these for 18 months and have a ton of information to share with you guys.
When I first began this journey almost two years ago, I struggled to find tutorials that suited the requirements of my kitchen. I used the knowledge I had and, through some trial and error, eventually devised solutions for my issues.
I’ll demonstrate everything I know to you guys, including how to install around a sink or stove, wrap rounded corners, and consistently achieve flawless counters free of bubbles.
If you’d like to view the 18-month update as well, here is the complete YouTube tutorial.
Spray the counter with Windex (optional)
I learned this trick from a reader! She suggest lightly spraying the countertop with Windex before applying the contact paper to allow it to slip and slide on the surface easily. Once you have it in place, use a squeegee to push out the moisture underneath! Ive also heard that soapy water works the same way, but the alcohol in the Windex will evaporate faster.
After finishing this half bath remodel, I tried this method with translucent contact paper on the window, and it worked great. I believe it would be even simpler on a horizontal surface like a countertop, so the moisture doesn’t drip while you’re working. I ended up with quite a puddle on the windowsill!.
Installing Contact Paper On Breakfast Bar
You should measure your contact paper so that it hangs over both sides of the breakfast bar.
You also want it to hang off of the edge.
That’s where my rounded corners are. I’ll go over those next.
After you’ve gotten your measurements, cut the paper to length.
Here, you should begin at the inside of the bar and work your way out, finishing with the edges and corners.
Lay the contact paper out so that it hangs off the end of the bar by at least a few inches.
Contact paper should be peeled off after a few inches and adhered to your countertop.
The method you used to smooth out the contact paper will apply here as well. Making sure to avoid catching any bubbles in the middle, begin in the center and work your way out to the sides.
When working in a larger area like this, you should take your time and move more slowly.
It will be less likely that you get bubbles if you carefully remove the paper from its backing.
If there are no rounded corners at the end of the breakfast bar, you can simply wrap the edge of the counter as you have done throughout.
We’ll discuss any rounded corners if you do have them now.
List Of Supplies Needed For DIY Contact Paper Countertops
DC Fix marble contact paper, an exacto knife with extra blades, scissors, a spatula, a silicone caulking gun, paper towels, and a cleaner for staple guns made of vinegar and water.