In my current popup camper, a 1994 StarCraft Stardust, the original 90’s blue countertops were in great condition. They could be easily painted or tiled, but for this project I choose to cover the pristine countertops with contact paper.
What is contact paper?
Contact paper is a sturdy and self-adhesive film of plastic that is generally sold in the form of rolls or by foot measurement, has been designed to suit various needs.
The reason why I decided on contact paper
Contact paper is very simple to install, waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Contact paper is self-adhesive and can be cut using scissors or an x-acto knife. Another great reason to use contact paper is that it can come in varies colors, sizes, thicknesses, and designs making this a no brainer choice for covering countertops, tables, or multi-purpose areas. Though this can be great for those on a budget, contact paper can get expensive. Especially for the high-quality designer products made from PVC.
What I opted for
Depending on your style and décor there are limitless designs in contact paper. For my current popup, I choose to do a French country design and wanted many of the objects to be light in hue like white, grey, or tan. So, I choose a contact paper that was neutral and had all three colors in the design. The design I wanted to go for was a granite pattern, though in other campers I choose to do a white or grey marble effect.
This design also allows me to switch to other designs like vintage style, farmhouse decor or even a beach theme. It is very versatile and will allow the next owners to pick a theme or take it off and add a new design.
I choose my product at Walmart, though many home improvement stores carry them. You can also choose to buy your contact paper online for example Amazon Prime or my favorite Etsy.
The products
Peel and stick contact paper from Walmart.
Easy Liner 20 in. x 15 ft. Rose Granite Adhesive Laminate Shelf Liner
$5.48 (I used 2 rolls)
Krylon 12 oz Fusion Gloss for Plastic, River Rock
Coverage Area 15 sq ft
Walmart $4.96 (I used 1 can)
Cutting and laying materials needed
You can use a variety of cutting objects when applying and sizing your paper. I used sharp objects like scissors, x-acto knife, and box cutter. To smooth out your contact paper and prevent bubbles using a credit card or plastic squeegee tool works well.
Application
Prepare the smooth surface first by cleaning the surface with soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Peel off the backing evenly and lay flat, start with the corner. When covering a large area, peel small sections at a time to make it easier.
What to look for before choosing to redo countertops with contact paper
Not all countertops are made for contact paper. Countertops that are broken, chipped, cracked, or falling apart should not be covered with contact paper until they are repaired. Damage areas can be seen even through contact paper. Use a filler to smooth out bumpy or pitted areas. When you inspect your countertops for damage you need to think more for feel and not so much by eyesight. Run your hand around the countertop, if there is a sharp edge or large crack, sand or repair the areas.
Another important factor is to clean your surfaces very well, getting ready of any lubricants, detergents, or oils. This ensures that the adhesive on the contact paper will stick firmly and hold a strong bond.
For my 90’s countertop, I had a plastic rubberized border, that was bright blue in color, you can choose to order new or do as I did and painted it with Krylon Fusion spray paint. It is made for plastic, rubber, wood, and metal. I sprayed all around the edges first and then added my contact paper. It looks cohesive and doesn’t stand out.
Results!!!
Here are my results, what a difference! You can choose from so many different styles; your ideas are limitless. You can even use contact paper for walls, tables, cabinets, drawer liners, and décor for your popup camper. Have fun and good luck.
La Plante Mountaineers
La Plante Mountaineers