Easy Process Of Applying Contact Paper To Cabinet Doors
Contact paper is one of the widely or generally known types of paper that is mostly used for lining shelves as well as protecting cabinet surfaces from wear and tear of heavy dishes being taken in and out regularly. Contact paper can also be used to safeguard your kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors from the same wear and tear. The paper sticks to the door permanently, which in turn gives you matching surfaces, making the inside or outside of your cabinet doors look exceptional, even when they start to show their age. Applying contact paper is regarded as an economical as well as an easy option when it comes to updating the appearance of your cabinets.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Small Bags
- Tape Measure
- Scissors & Cloth
- Cleaner
- Squeegee
- Utility Knife
Step 1: Remove The Door Handles
First of all, pull out the door handles from the doors with the help of a screwdriver. Label each one with the location of the door it belongs to before placing the handle as well as the screws into a small bag in order to prevent them from getting lost. For clarification, you can use a left to right numbering system to keep up with the doors as well as respective handles or place each bag into the cabinet behind the door in order to prevent mixing them up.
Step 2: Take Your Measurements
Now, calculate or compute the length as well as width of the door. Transfer the calculations to the back side of the contact paper, making use of a straight edge to draw the lines. Grid lines are marked on the back of the contact paper which will help you in calculating accurately. Trim the contact paper to the calculated size.
Step 3: Clean The Doors
Clean the doors with the help of a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dust or debris present. If grease, oil or wax is on the door, then you need to get rid of it using an appropriate cleaner before leaving the doors to dry completely.
Step 4: Peel 1-Inch Of The Paper's Backing
Next, it is strongly recommended to peel away roughly one inch of the backing paper. Align the uncovered contact paper with one edge of the door. Press down gently, delicately or softly in order to bond the paper and the door together.
Step 5: Remove Any Bubbles
With the help of a squeegee, smooth over the exposed paper and stop any bubbles from forming betwixt the paper and the door. Smooth the paper from the center outward, progressing toward both the left and the right. This will help get rid of bubbles and smoothen the paper to the edge of the door without having to peel it away from the edges inadvertently.
Step 6: Remove The Backing
Grip the backing paper that is peeled away and pull, to a small degree, in order to make sure that the backing comes off gradually while you press the paper down using the squeegee. Keep peeling as well as smoothing to prevent or get rid of bubbles as you apply the paper. Continue peeling as well as smoothing in this manner as long as you cover the entire door. Repeat the process with each door as long as you have all the doors covered.
Step 7: Account For Any Screws
Feel through the paper for the screw holes where the handles are secured. Use the pointed end of the screw in order to lightly pierce the paper for screws that fit, place, or push from the same side as the paper is on. If the screws have a flat head, then you can use a utility knife to puncture the paper. Push or insert the contact paper into the screw hole cavity. Repeat the same process for all the screw holes needed.
Step 8: Smooth The Paper Down
Trim the contact paper away from the hole for screws that push or drive from the opposite side of the door. The screw will push the contact paper outward, which in turn cause bubbles or failure of the installation if left on the door. Smooth the paper down entirely around the edges of the hole in order to bond it with the door and stop humidity from weakening the adhesive. Secure the door handles back onto the doors with the help of a screwdriver.