By Savannah Schell | Updated 1:52 PM, June 11, 2021

Contact paper countertops (also called peel and paste countertops) have become more and more popular in recent years because they allow you to change the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom without major renovations.

For a long time, contact paper has been used in interior design as an inexpensive way to add popular colors or beautiful patterns to the space. With the pattern on one side and the sticky substance on the other side, you can cover almost any material without any other bonding tools or supplies. It is usually sold in rolls, allowing users to cut the exact amount they need. Today, it has a variety of patterns to choose from, many of which are designed to replicate high-end materials such as granite and marble.

Read on to learn more about contacting paper countertops and installation and maintenance tips.

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Perhaps the most attractive aspect of contact with paper countertops—aside from being affordable—is that they are impermanent. This makes them an excellent short-term solution for updating counters without the need for large financial investments. They give renters and homeowners the opportunity to try new trends or cover up outdated countertops without committing to a specific style.

If you decide to remove the contact paper before completely replacing the counter, you can do so without damaging the material underneath. Contact paper can be placed on top of wood, laminate, quartz and granite countertops, as long as you are careful when removing it, it will not cause any harm.

The quality and durability of contact paper vary greatly. Although some contact papers are heat-resistant and waterproof, some are easily damaged. One of the most popular options on the market is dc-fix (available for purchase on Amazon). Its heat-resistant temperature is as high as 170 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can't put the boiling pot directly on it, but it may be able to withstand most other standard kitchens. It is also waterproof, which means you can clean as usual without causing any damage.

However, one disadvantage of contact paper is that it can be lifted at the corners and be dug out or torn. Unlike options such as granite, quartz or marble, contact paper countertops are not necessarily suitable for long-term use. It is best used as a temporary option for rental properties or as a budget renovation option, while you can save on full renovation.

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3. Buy a little more than you need.

Once you decide that you want to cover the countertop with contact paper, it's time to collect your supplies. You need high-quality contact paper, sharp scissors, smoothing tools, and a hair dryer to help remove any air bubbles.

Before you buy contact paper for your project, please measure it carefully to make sure you have enough paper. Some use contact paper on the horizontal surface of the countertop and wrap it around the edges and bottom of any overhangs. When determining how much material is needed, be sure to measure all surfaces. When in doubt, too much contact paper is better than not enough.

Before starting, it is important to prepare the surface of the existing countertop to ensure that the contact paper adheres properly. Use a degreasing cleaner to clean the counter thoroughly, then let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Then cut the contact paper to the correct size. Remove the backing from the corner and place the contact paper in place. Then, use a smoothing tool such as a spatula or a credit card to smooth it out. Work slowly and continue to peel off the backing to stick the contact paper in place. When the entire surface is covered, use a hair dryer to smooth out all bubbles.

The maintenance instructions for the contact paper tabletop will vary depending on the specific product you choose. Most contact papers can be cleaned with soap and water, so you should be able to clean them with standard cleaning materials. If any seams start to peel over time, you can patch them with a new piece of contact paper.

When you need to remove the contact paper, you may only need to start at the edge and peel it off. If it still sticks, use a hair dryer to heat the surface and loosen the adhesive.

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