Table of Contents
What are peel and stick countertops?
Peel and stick countertops are countertops that consist of a PVC-vinyl material that covers an existing countertop. A thick wallpaper-like or contact paper-type material with an adhesive backing that is removed and applied over an existing countertop surface to create a new and uniquely designed surface.
Peel and stick materials come in rolls designed in various patterns and finishes that resemble marble, stone, antique wood, and other wood grain finishes. Quality and thickness may vary from one manufacturer to another.
There are two types of vinyl sheets that can be used when covering an existing countertop. The first type of material is similar to contact paper which comes in various sizes that may or may not need to be seamed together to achieve the desired size.
The other type is a laminate sheet that can be as large as 3’x12’. These larger sheets are more the size of the counter and need to be cut and finished according to the size of the existing countertop.
Sizes of peel and stick contact paper vary, be sure to check the width of the vinyl and compare it to the width of the countertop to get the proper amount of self-adhesive contact paper you will need to do the job.
Peel and stick countertops are a cost-friendly alternative to countertop replacement when rental agreements or prices are a deciding factor. When you are wanting to add personal style and taste to a kitchen countertop or you’re wanting to redecorate or remodel your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Peel and stick countertops are a popular and affordable alternative to countertop replacement due to the application being removable. It is an appealing way for renters to change the looks of a kitchen without major construction or rental agreement concerns.
Are peel and stick countertops heat resistant?
Yes, peel and stick countertops are heat resistant. The degree to which they’re heat resistant varies depending on the quality of the materials used. Peel and stick countertops are heat resistant up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Caution and care are advised around hot pans.
Not all options of peel and stick material are rated to the 170°F level and some will be less resistant than others. Take into consideration the thickness and quality of the vinyl when looking for a material that is at a higher range of heat resistance.
The melting point for the lamanite sheets is around 190℉. Use care and caution and trivet stands when setting hot pots or utensils on to the countertop service.
How long do peel and stick countertops last?
Peel and stick material on a countertop can last upwards of five years if taken care of. Care and maintenance in regards to peel and stick countertops is simple. Understanding the limitations of the vinyl material and using techniques to assure longevity is advised.
Taking care in installation is important when the longevity of peel and stick countertops is of importance. Make sure the edges are sealed completely where the sink meets the edge. The same for where the stove meets the edge of the peel and stick because of frequent cleaning in these areas wear can occur.
The best way to get the most out of a peel and stick countertop is to look for a premium heavy-weight vinyl when considering which material to buy. The adage of “you get what you pay for” is true when it comes to the thickness and durability of your peel and stick countertop.
Can you cut on a peel and stick countertop?
No. You shouldn’t cut directly on a peel and stick countertop, it will result in damage to the vinyl and ultimately to the life and overall appearance of the countertop itself.
Cutting on any countertop is not suggested overall, not only because of the damage that can be caused to the countertop material, especially in the case of peel and stick given it is a vinyl material. It is best that a cutting board be used for any cutting that needs to be done.
The only countertop surface that you should cut directly onto without fear of damage is marble or granite. The only drawback there is it will dull your knives. So again cutting on any surface other than a cutting board is not a good idea.
Who are peel and stick countertops for?
Peel and stick countertops are for people who want a temporary, inexpensive way to change the look of their kitchen countertops. A major reason someone would purchase a peel and stick is to change the look of their kitchen, giving it a quick inexpensive facelift.
This method is a practical, stylish yet affordable solution to changing the countertops in the kitchen or any other areas that have counter space that needs a quick spruce up.
People who don’t want to spend a lot
People who don’t want to spend a lot of money find peel and stick a great way to “remodel” refurbish and refresh the stagnating look of their kitchen. With all the styles available it gives an inexpensive way to be creative.
Compared to the price of tearing out the old countertops and replacing them with a new one, this method of covering the existing countertop is a thrifty idea and most definitely a better option when you’re not wanting to spend a lot of money.
It’s possible to completely change the look of a kitchen and only spend a few dollars.
People living in rentals
People living in rentals find value and practicality in the decision to make the change with a peel and stick countertop. Generally, if not always when people enter into a rental agreement there is a clause in the contract that doesn’t allow them to make any renovations or upgrades to the existing property without prior consent.
This results in a good long-term renter having to be stuck having to stare at the same fixtures and in this case countertops for the life of the contract or the length they stay on the rental property.
By using peel and stick contact paper they can add a bit of their own style and character and still have the ability to remove it when it’s time to leave.
People who want a quick fix
People who want a quick fix when it comes to changing the look of their kitchen can benefit from the many styles and patterns of peel of stick countertops. In just a few hours the look of the entire kitchen can be changed by applying and or installing peel and stick self-adhesive counters.
Going from a drab outdated countertop to something that changes the entire look of the kitchen.
How to install peel and stick countertop
Installing a peel and stick counter is an easy process that can be achieved in a few hours. That being said, it’s advised to follow a few steps to ensure a good bond and wrinkle-free finished look. The key is to take your time and don’t rush it.
The first step is to prepare the surface.
Depending on the current condition of the countertop to be covered, preparing the surface can be as little as soap and water and letting it dry completely. If this is a temporary application preceding an eventual remodel, sanding the surface of the existing countertop may be needed to ensure a smooth surface for laying down the peel and stick.
If this is a rental property soap and water will suffice. Using a degreaser may be necessary if the countertop is up next to a stove or in areas that have had oil or grease splattered on them.
After cleaning the surface make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding with the application.
Tools needed for peel and stick self-adhesive contact paper.
- High-quality contact paper
- Scissors
- Razor knife
- Smoothing tool
- Hair dryer
After the surface has completely dried measure out the needed length of contact paper. Allowing for a bit of extra to cover the overhang and a small amount to be folded under the edge of the countertop.
Rely on the measuring marks on the back of the peel and stick. These grid lines on the back of the material make cutting straight lines easier and assures that if there are seams they will align and look seamless.
Peel back about 2 inches of the contact paper at one end, align the edges where you want to start, stick them in place. Then begin slowly removing the backing paper while simultaneously pressing the heel of your hand or the smoothing tool along the surface of the vinyl.
Smooth out any wrinkles you may encounter as you go until you have reached the other end of the countertop. Trim if necessary using the razor knife.
It’s possible to lift the paper to work out any big wrinkles. For the smaller ones use the hair dryer set on low and work them out by blowing the warm air over the area and smoothing them with the smoothing tool or the heel of your hand. Trim the edges, and fold under the excess.
If there are squared corners, cut the corners with the scissors and fold over and smooth them out. A couple of variations can be used on the corners to get the edges to match and cover the entire area.
Folding over and trimming or cutting out a small portion of the material and then folding in the sides flat and using the hair dryer will give a more seamless and finished look.
Using a 45° cut and wrapping the corner one side at a time is the best method for finishing a corner.
Pros and cons of peel and stick countertops
Pros
Easy to Install
By following the guidelines, instructions, and manufacturers’ advice, peel and stick is an easy method for changing the look of a kitchen countertop without demolition or construction.
Easy to remove
Peel and stick is a temporary solution that allows for the clean removal of the contact paper. If in the removal process some of the vinyl wants to stick, applying heat from the hair dryer will take care of the situation.
Unique Designs
There are many unique designs to choose from when you are ready to purchase peel and stick countertops.
- Marble
- Granite
- Concrete
- High gloss
- Solid colors
- Wood grain finish
Great for small areas
In small areas where tiles with grout and corner pieces might take away precious space, peel and stick don’t take up much space. In small areas space is at a premium so even the slightest space taken feels huge.
Renter friendly
Peel and stick is a great way for anyone under a renter agreement that wants to change the looks or add some personal style to a kitchen without breaking the lease agreement. Once the lease is up, you can just peel it off and leave everything as it was. It’s actually a great way to preserve the original condition of the worktops.
Inexpensive
There are very inexpensive rolls of contact paper that can be purchased and installed. It’s possible to cover a countertop for as little as a few dollars. However, for durability’s sake, it’s probably a better idea to spend a little bit more and get a thicker, higher-quality vinyl even those that are far less of an expense than a countertop replacement.
Cons
Short term solution
Using peel and stick countertops is a temporary fix to renovating a kitchen. This could be in both pro and con categories but having it here seems more appropriate if the end goal is a completely new kitchen countertop design. Peel and stick is a temporary fix for long-term goals.
Subject to rips and tears
Peel and stick is a paper product that can be ripped and or torn. Although durable, it is not indestructible.
Edge damage
Edge damage and having to repair the corners in high traffic areas place peel and stick in the con category. Although it is a relatively easy fix, it still is something that would have to be addressed.
Corners can lift up
One major problem with peel and stick countertop materials is that the corners have a tendency to lift up and can result in them being gouged or ripped while cleaning or moving around appliances.
Once the corner lifts the possibility of water getting underneath and affecting all of the adhesive is high. A small thin bead of caulking can prevent this but that leads to other issues when removing the contact paper.
How much are peel and stick countertops?
The peel and stick material that is applied to an existing countertop can range in price from approx. $6.99 – $30.00 per roll for a certain type of contact paper, or up to $100 a sheet for the premium heavyweight peel and stick vinyl sheets.
The lower prices are for rolls you might find in home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot. Vinyl material you can find at Lowe’s or Home Depot might be more expensive. The price is based on the dimensions of the rolls, and the grade of vinyl.
The types you might find at Walmart are more along the lines of a thinner contact paper.
Peel and stick laminate sheets can be over $100 or more for 3’x12’sheets of laminate vinyl. But these sheets are the thickest and most durable but they are more difficult to remove.
Where can I buy peel and stick countertops?
You can find the materials for a peel and stick counter at most big box hardware stores. Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart. They all have different grades and sizes of laminate sheets and rolls of vinyl countertop products to choose from.
Generally quality vinyl would be at home improvement stores compared to what you might find at a big retail outlet.
Another great place to look for and purchase peel and stick is online. Amazon has all the manufacturers of peel and stick with pictures, prices, and shipping information.
The only thing that would be a negative using this method is being able to actually see the material and know exactly what it looks like up close and personal without waiting for it to arrive by delivery.
What is the difference between peel and stick and contact paper?
The difference between peel and stick and contact paper is in the application. Contact paper is considered a horizontal application and peel and stick is vertical.
This doesn’t hold true in many cases as the use of the phrase peel and stick has been coined for several different types of products and applications.
Self-adhesive would be a clearer explanation and definition but for the sake of answering the question, peel and stick and contact paper are both similar types of material used to cover existing surfaces, so the difference is.
For instance, a sheet of laminate in a marble pattern is used for covering existing countertops. It would more than likely be advertised as a self-adhesive, peel and stick, that resists stains, and heat and is water resistant. A horizontal application.
Another example, this time using a black marble contact paper, that is described as a “sticky back self-adhesive vinyl”, is again seen as a horizontal application.
When it comes down to it, contact paper is peel and stick, and peel and stick is considered contact paper. Both are self-adhesive materials.
How to maintain peel and stick countertops
Maintaining a peel and stick countertop is pretty straightforward. Everyday cleaning can be done with soap and water or it’s possible that everyday products as you would normally on any other counter surface be used. To be sure, check the manufacturer’s suggestions on the label.
The difference in the maintenance of a peel and stick countertop compared to other types is staying on top of areas that may have peeled up or corners that may have had damage done to them.
If the edges begin to peel up they can be repaired or replaced with a new piece of contact paper. It’s a good idea when purchasing the materials needed to buy just a bit extra just for the sake of having matching patterns and material for patches and repairs.
