DIY Countertop Revival
$10
1 Hour
Easy
This is the perfect project for renters or apartment dwellers! Are your kitchen countertops ugly and dated? Use contact paper to revive them! All you need for this project is decorative contact paper or adhesive shelf liner, which I found at Target for $5.24; clear caulk (about $3 at any home improvement store); a razor blade or box cutter; and finally, Mod Podge or a food-safe sealant. I searched a lot of stores for shelf liner in a black and white design,and on my expedition I found many options: faux wood grain, faux stainless steel, and other cute options that just didn't happen to match my vision, but may be perfect for your home. Get creative with your countertops!
This project is very detail-oriented, as the laying of contact paper can get pretty tedious. It's sticky, but it is easy to remove and realign, so you can give yourself a few shots at laying the paper down without bubbles or wrinkles.
The first step is to wipe down your counter with soap and water, and allow it to dry. This is really important because the contact paper sticks better to clean surfaces.
After the area dries, measure your counter space. You will have to have a seam between two strips of contact paper; I recommend creating as few seams as you can. I added 1/2" extra on each side, which I trimmed more precisely later.
1. Remove the backing in small pieces, to avoid a sticky mess; 2. Trim the edges close to the wall; 3. Add clear caulk along the wall seams; 4. (Opt.) Use sealant for protection (my counter here is not for food, so I used Mod Podge).
Some advice: When making a seam with two strips of contact paper, overlap about an inch. That way the opportunity for food or water to slither its way underneath is slim.
The best part? The counters will easily be restored when I move--I'll just peel them up and scrape off the caulk with a razor. Good luck with your counters, and have fun!
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4 of 184 comments
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![Laurie Bell-Kohn]()
Laurie Bell-Kohnon May 5, 2020Would this in a bathroom!
![Ginny]()
Ginnyon Dec 15, 2020I'm going to try it in my bathroom. I will pay special attention to caulking around the sink so no water can get underneath for germs and bacteria to grow.
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![Renee Cantrell Emert]()
Renee Cantrell Emerton May 5, 2020What can you use as a good safe sealer?
![Ginny]()
Ginnyon Dec 15, 2020I was wondering about that too and noticed that someone mentioned putting a clear contact paper over the top. I'm thinking that if you staggered your seams this could be your "sealer".
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Have a question about this project?
If you are renting and your Landlord does not approve, how difficult is it to remove and will it damage the old counter top?
peel it off and buy some "goo be gone" wash the counters and the landlord will never know the contact paper was there
How does contact paper stand up to the usual grease splatters etc.? I jdon't think that contact paper would stand up to much scrubbing.
Make sure to use a cutting board for ALL your cutting. Even a butter knife can make a cut in the contact paper. Non abrasive cleansers only or your print will be scrubbed off and have discolored spots.
Will the contact paper work on tile and will it be easy to remove,(I live in an apt.) So I would like to remove it if and when I decide to move