One of the hottest trends in DIY kitchen remodels right now is the peel-and-stick countertop. If you do not know what that is, think of old-fashioned contact paper with a strong adhesive on one side. You cut a piece to size, peel off the protective backing, and stick it to the existing countertop surface. It is neat, clean, and unbelievably cheap. But is it a good idea?
We will go on record as saying that peel and stick countertop paper is a doable idea if you’re looking for a temporary fix. We would never recommend it as a permanent solution to old, worn-out countertops. We certainly would not recommend the peel and stick solution if you are looking to sell your home – unless you are willing to fully disclose what you have done.
Why People Use Peel and Stick
The big question is why people use peel-and-stick countertop paper at all. The biggest reason is cost. We sell genuine marble, granite, and quartz countertops here at Bedrock Quartz. But they are expensive. They are not alone, though. Even concrete, soapstone, and laminate countertops can cost more than people can afford. Contact paper is a cheap way to breathe new life into old counters.
On the positive side, modern technology allows for printing some really good-looking contact papers. We have seen samples that look like genuine granite or marble. To the inexperienced eye, a properly installed peel-and-stick product looks just like the real thing. But aesthetic appeal is not everything.
It Is Not Permanent
People considering the peel-and-stick strategy should always remember that contact paper is not permanent. If you are looking to cover worn out countertops without creating a mess or spending a lot of money, paper only covers them. They are still old and worn out. They will eventually need replacing at some point.
In addition to not being permanent, peel-and-stick contact paper is not going to withstand the same type of punishment a genuine granite or quartz countertop can withstand. You need to be careful of heat. You need to be extremely careful with sharp objects – which just happen to be abundant in the kitchen.
Damage Can Be Evident
Also consider that damage to a contact paper countertop can be visually evident. Imagine being careless with a hot pan. It leaves a burn mark on the paper. Now what? Unless you are willing to remove all the contact paper and start over, you are going to notice a mismatch between the old paper and the new. Do you really want to look at that?
As far as removal goes, manufacturers insist that it easily peels away after you get one edge up. But that is not necessarily true. You may need a hairdryer and a putty knife to get it all off. Removing contact paper could end up being more work than it’s worth.
Some Skill is Required
Finally, bear in mind that some skill is required to properly install peel and stick contact paper well enough to mimic a professional job. If you don’t know what you’re doing, be prepared for results that do not quite look like the pictures you’ve seen online. You may get a less than perfect finished product.
We would never go so far as to say peel and stick kitchen countertops should be avoided at all costs. As previously stated, contact paper can be a great temporary fix. For something more permanent, skip the paper and just invest in new countertops. Whatever your budget will allow will still offer a more permanent solution than contact paper.
