Contact papers are around to make our lives easier. We use them in the home as well as use them for arts and crafts projects. Having contact paper in the kitchen is nothing new. It has been used in kitchens for many years now to cover countertops, line drawers, and to cover cabinets.
Some people believe that using contact paper on their kitchen cabinets will ruin the cabinets in the long run while others believe that contact paper can actually help to protect their cabinets. So, what is the truth? Does using contact paper on kitchen cabinets ruin them or not?
The answer is NO, contact paper does not ruin kitchen cabinets. They rather work to protect the countertop from damaging easily. However, when it’s time to remove the contact paper, using the wrong technique could cause some damage to the cabinets. Also, if the finish of the cabinet is not good enough, the contact paper could cause some damage to the cabinets while trying to remove them.
Let’s dig deeper to see the pros and cons of using contact paper on kitchen cabinets.
Pros Of Using Contact Paper On Kitchen Cabinet
1. Inexpensive Way To Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinet
Contact paper is an easy and inexpensive way to make a big impact on your kitchen cabinet. If you are tired of the way your kitchen looks, using contact paper is a great way to give it a makeover without breaking the bank. If you are low on budget but still want to give your kitchen cabinet an upgrade without replacing them, using contact paper is the way to go.
2. Easy To Apply And Remove
One of the best things about contact paper is how easy it is to fix and remove. If you’re the DIY type, it’s a simple project that anyone can do in an afternoon. Best of all, when you’re ready for a change, contact paper is easy to remove. Just peel it away and start fresh. No need for any harsh chemicals or messy scraping. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some personality to your home, reach for the contact paper. It’s an easy and inexpensive solution that anyone can use.
3. Versatile Designs
When it comes to contact paper, the sky is the limit. You can find contact paper in any color or pattern imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern look or something fun and funky, you’re sure to find the perfect contact paper to fit your style.
Contact paper is an excellent way to bring a little uniqueness to your house. With so many designs to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one to fit your style.
4. Contact Paper Protects The Kitchen Cabinets From Scratches And Stains
If you’re looking for a way to protect your kitchen cabinets from scratches and stains, contact paper is a great solution. While contact paper is not indestructible, it can provide a durable barrier against everyday wear and tear. When properly installed, contact paper can help to prolong the life of your kitchen cabinets and keep them looking new.
You don’t need to worry about utensils scratching the surface or spills ruining your cabinets. Just wipe them clean and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cabinets are protected.
If anything should get scratched or stained, it will be the contact paper and not your cabinets. You can then safely peel off the contact paper and replace it with a new one.
5. Protects Your Cabinet From Water Damage
Water damage is a serious problem that can occur in any home. Even a small leak can cause extensive damage to cabinets. Water can warp wood, delaminate veneers, and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Contact paper is a simple and effective way to protect cabinets from water damage.
When applied to cabinets, contact paper creates a waterproof barrier that will prevent water from damaging the wood. Think of it as applying the sealant to your cabinets just that in this case, it is contact paper.
Most contact papers if not all are already waterproof and don’t require you to seal the contact paper before it can protect your cabinets from water.
6. Protects Your Cabinet From Heat Damage
Another common problem that can damage cabinets is heat. Hot pans and dishes can cause the finish on cabinets to blister and peel. Although contact papers are not completely heat resistant, they resist heating up to a point that is mostly enough to protect your kitchen cabinet.
Most of them are made to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once in place, contact paper helps to insulate the cabinet from excessive heat, making it less likely to warp or discolor over time.
Cons Of Using Contact Paper On Kitchen Cabinet
While there are many pros to using contact paper on kitchen cabinets, there are also a few cons to consider.
1. Contact Paper May Not Last Long
One of the biggest drawbacks of using contact paper is that it may not last as long as you would like. Depending on the quality of the contact paper, how well it is installed, and the frequency of usage it can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Simply put it is not a permanent solution.
2. Contact Paper May Not Be Suitable For All Cabinet Styles
Not all cabinet styles are suitable for contact paper. If you have raised panel doors, for example, the paper may not lay flat and could cause wrinkles or bubbles.
3. Contact Paper May Not Be Suitable For All Cabinet Finishes
Similarly, not all cabinet finishes are suitable for contact paper. If you have a high-gloss finish, the paper may not adhere properly or may cause bubbles.
4. Some Contact Papers Can Stick Too Much And Be Difficult To Remove
In some cases, the contact paper can stick too well to the cabinets and be difficult to remove. If care is not taken when peeling off the paper, it can take the finish off the cabinets with it, especially if your cabinet’s finish is not very quality to begin with.
This is more common with lower-quality contact papers that are not made to be easily removed.
To avoid this problem, make sure to buy high-quality contact paper that is made to be easily removed. Also, apply the right technique when removing difficult-to-remove contact paper which we will discuss in the next section.
5. Contact Paper May Leave Behind Sticky Residue
Another problem that can occur with contact paper is that it may leave behind a sticky residue. The adhesive behind the contact paper may not always come off cleanly, leaving you with a sticky mess to deal with.
The good news is that there are ways to remove the sticky residue. You can use adhesive removers or vinegar to remove the residue.
How To Remove Contact Paper From Kitchen Cabinet Without Damaging The Cabinet
Let me take you through the right way to remove contact paper from your kitchen cabinet so that you don’t end up damaging the cabinet in the process. Some contact papers will come right off when you start peeling them while others may be more difficult to remove.
Here is an easy step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Start by peeling off a corner of the contact paper to get a feel for how easily it comes off. If it seems like it is coming off easily, then proceed to step 4. If it seems like it is stuck on tight and is not coming off easily, then you may need to use a little heat to loosen the adhesive.
- Step 2: Use a hairdryer on the low setting and hold it close to the contact paper. Be careful not to hold it too close as you don’t want to damage the cabinets. The heat will help to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the contact paper. Start applying the heat from the corner where you will begin peeling off the paper.
- Step 3: Once the contact paper is loosened, you should be able to peel it off easily. Start peeling off from the corner and work your way to the other end. If you find that the contact paper is tearing, then stop and use the hairdryer again to heat up that area.
- Step 4: Once the contact paper is removed, you may notice a sticky residue left behind. To remove the residue, use a vinegar solution or an adhesive remover. Do not use a blade or anything sharp to scrape off the residue. You will end up damaging the cabinet with scratch marks. That’s it.
Final Thoughts
I would say don’t be afraid to use contact paper on your kitchen cabinets. They are beneficial in many ways. If you can afford painting, refacing, or installing a whole new set of cabinets, that’s fine. But if you’re on a budget and contact paper is your only option, then go for it. Just be sure to remove the contact paper properly using the steps I have outlined above. Also, consider the finish of your kitchen cabinet. If you know the finish is not good enough and can peel off together with the contact paper when removing it, maybe you should opt for another method. I hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading.
