How to Put Contact Paper on a Kitchen Counter

1 Clean the Surface

The very first thing you need to do is clean the surface of the counter thoroughly. This will not only ensure your contact paper sticks properly, but will also keep you from trapping anything underneath that will make your newly beautified surface bumpy or rough. Windex typically works wonders, but always read the back label of your cleaning product to ensure it's safe for the surface you're about to use it on. Windex will also come in handy again later.

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2 Measure and Cut Your Contact Paper to Size

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Now it's time to size it up. Position your contact paper where you want it and cut accordingly. It's best, if you can, to select contact paper with lines on the back to help you measure accurately. Use your ruler or measuring tape to be as precise as possible. If you have a large surface to cover, you'll have to combine pieces for a smooth finish and overall design, so pay attention to seams and be sure to lay everything out before you start sticking it down.

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3 Spray Windex on the Surface and Place the Contact Paper Down

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Here's where that Windex comes in again, thanks to a tip from YouTube user Superholly. Spray a small amount of Windex on the surface you're covering one more time before you peel off the protective backing on the underside of the contact paper to reveal the sticky side and lay it down. This will allow you to slide the contact paper into the perfect position and won't affect the overall stickiness of the final product, because you're going to use your squeegee in just a moment to press it all out from underneath the contact paper. Once you have the contact paper in the perfect position, use your X-Acto knife again to carefully clean up any edges that need fine-tuning.

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4 Smooth the Contact Paper Down and Squeegee Out the Excess Windex

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The next and final step is to use the squeegee to smooth the contact paper down and get all of the Windex out from underneath. Use your preferred towel to sop up the liquid as you squeeze it out from the edges of where you've placed your contact paper. Once you complete this step, you're done! All that's left to do now is enjoy your refurbished kitchen counter.

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