Decorating Kitchen Decor & Design Kitchen Design & Remodeling Ideas DIY Kitchen Projects How to Use Self-Adhesive Contact Paper for Countertop Updates Refresh your countertops without the high cost and stress by using self-adhesive paper. Here's how, including the essential materials, upkeep, and expert tips. By Bryce Jones Bryce Jones Instagram Twitter Website Bryce Jones is an associate editor for Better Homes and Gardens and specializes in covering all things lifestyle. She's been working in journalism for over five years. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 31, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email When you walk into a kitchen, countertops are one of the first features to catch your eye. They influence the entire look of the space, adding a modern flair or natural texture. However, updating or replacing countertops can be a consuming and costly task. Self-adhesive contact paper is an affordable vinyl material sold in rolls with one decorative side and one adhesive side (much like an oversize sticker). Using self-adhesive contact paper for countertop updates is ideal if you're renting or trying to renovate on a budget. Anika Gandhi, founder of the blog Anika's DIY Life, has taken on the project multiple times and says it cost her less than $50 to do her kitchen. (She purchased about three to four rolls.) Self-adhesive paper is cost-effective Compared to new countertops, which can range from around $50 to $150 per square foot for installation alone (not including materials), self-adhesive contact paper is very cost-effective. Plus, it takes much less time to install. Anika says it took her about an afternoon from start to finish; working around the sink was the most tedious part. Ready to flip your kitchen surfaces? Here's everything you need to know about changing up your countertops with self-adhesive paper, including styles to consider, upkeep must-knows, and the low-down on durability. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Measuring tape or ruler Rubbing alcohol Utility knife Scissors Carpenter square, credit card, or silicone spatula Soap and sponge or cleaning wipes Materials Self-adhesive paper Instructions Courtesy of Samantha Santana How to Choose the Right Self-Adhesive Contact Paper Style You can find nearly self-adhesive contact paper for countertops in almost any pattern, including natural stones like marble or granite and wood looks. If your style is more contemporary, try one of the latest interior trends, such as neutral colors, biophilic designs, or vintage patterns. Or keep it classic with a pattern that resembles quartz or cork. Terrazzo, reminiscent of a Parisian café, is a great option for adding color and detail. It's also a favorite on Etsy. "It picked up maybe two or three years ago," says Samantha Santana, owner of shopSAMANTHASANTANA, where she sells wallpaper and self-adhesive contact paper. "Checker prints have also been bubbling for a while, and I feel like they finally exploded in 2022." To make your countertop a focal point, try Moroccan or geometric patterns for visual interest. Using a busier style may allow you to apply it less precisely since you don't always have to exactly match up the sections of the paper. Another plus of using self-adhesive contact paper on countertops is that you can easily keep up with trends in your kitchen since it's removable and affordable. In addition to Etsy, you can find the paper at any major retailer, including Target, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Amazon. Designers Predict the Top Kitchen Trends for 2023 What to Know Before Using Self-Adhesive Contact Paper for Countertops You'll want to start by measuring the sections of the countertop where the paper fits without extra cutting. Don't worry if any small areas won't be covered or the paper doesn't line up perfectly everywhere—you can always cut a strip down to whatever measurement you need and use decor to cover any imperfections. For unforeseen slip-ups or dilemmas, buying an extra roll or two is a good idea. "Just in case you mess up something or miscalculate, especially with the cutouts," Anika advises. "You have to take into account the fact that you might need to cut some extra strips and things like that. So you definitely want to have at least one roll more than what you think you need." Samantha says she always tells customers to be cautious when cutting as the material is slippery. As a general rule, take it slow. Also, note that paper can appear darker if you have a darker countertop. Keep this in mind as you choose the color and style. Courtesy of Samantha Santana How to Apply Self-Adhesive Contact Paper to Your Countertops One of the best parts about working with self-adhesive paper is that it doesn't require many materials, and you probably already have most of them. Measure Your Countertops Measure your countertops so you know how much self-adhesive paper to purchase. Make sure to check the dimensions of the roll you're buying. Clean the Surface Clean your countertops with soap and water or cleaning wipes. Dry them with a paper towel or cloth. This is the most important step, Anika says. If there's a speck of dirt or dust, it could show under the paper, and any oils from kitchen ingredients or your skin could cause it to not stick as well. After cleaning, consider wiping the counter down with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Lay Out Paper Unroll the paper on your counter. Line them up so that they lay seamlessly, the pattern matches up (if applicable), and you can't see any of your countertops peeking through. Ignore any smaller sections that the paper doesn't cover until step 7. Peel and Stick Samantha and Anika suggest only peeling off an inch or so from a corner as a starting point. Use one hand to peel and the other to get out the air bubbles as you work. Next, use a credit card, carpenters square, or silicone spatula (a tip from one of Samantha's customers) to remove air bubbles, scraping from top to bottom. If you encounter any stubborn bubbles, use your knife or a pin to poke a tiny hole and move the air toward it so it can escape. Cut the Paper Cut the paper and fold it under the edge of your counter. Because you won't see it, you don't have to worry about cutting in a straight line. Remember to take your time. Trim After Applying When going around curves, such as your kitchen sink, apply the paper over the edges and roughly cut with scissors. Trim the excess with your knife along the edge to get a seamless line. Finish Installation With any leftover sections, measure and use a ruler to cut your paper in a straight line. If you can, measure and line up the rolls so these sections are concealed, like a back corner that won't be as noticeable or an area easily hidden with decor like cookbooks or pantry staples. Cleaning Tips and Maintenance Self-adhesive paper is water-resistant and does well with regular wear and tear. Clean it with soap and water, avoiding any harsh chemicals or bleach. If you see any fraying or edges coming up, Samantha advises using a spray adhesive to keep it in place. However, most self-adhesive paper isn't heat-resistant, so avoid placing hot pots or pans on the surface. Anika used self-adhesive contact paper for countertops in one of her bathrooms, and when she removed it a year and a half later, it was still clean underneath. And it was a kid's bathroom, so "it got lots of splashing and residue and all that stuff on it." "If you're really concerned, you can use clear silicone caulking around the sink," she says. "But it holds up really, really well."