Make Your Kitchen Over In A Flash With Handy Vinyl Countertop Wrap

Popular countertop materials like concrete, marble, quartz, and granite can make your home look high-end, but at high-end prices. A growing countertop trend is vinyl countertop wrap — a thick, durable contact paper that mimics the look of expensive finishes. It's an affordable kitchen upgrade perfect for homeowners on a budget, renters, or rental property owners aiming for a sophisticated look that is easy to replace. Vinyl countertop wrap is water/oil proof, heat/stain resistant, removable, and easy to clean — virtues even real marble can't boast. It comes in a huge selection of looks, including wood, stone, granite, marble, solid colors, and patterns with matte or glossy finishes. It is moisture and mildew-resistant for use in both kitchens and bathrooms. And price-wise, you can't beat this lesser-known countertop material. 

Of course, not all vinyl wraps are equal, and if you want to get years of use out of your countertop cover, it's important to choose a good product. Improper installation can also affect the lifespan of your wrap, so carefully read any instructions and take your time during application. Doing so can help you enjoy this seemingly temporary solution for years to come.

Amazon is full of very inexpensive vinyl wraps and contact paper options for under a dollar a square foot. However, many of these are better used as adhesive drawer liners and not as countertop surfaces. According to reviews, some are thin enough to see the countertop underneath and often tear easily. Make sure to read reviews and see customer-supplied images before choosing a countertop wrap. VEELIKE Granite Self Adhesive Vinyl Wrap is an inexpensive option (77 cents per square foot) that is highly rated for durability. 

For a little more money, you can get a higher-quality product that can last 10 years or more. EZ FAUX DECOR vinyl countertop wrap is a highly-rated option with five layers, making it tear-resistant and perfect for high-traffic areas. The faux marble vinyl may seem expensive at $4.39 per square foot, but not when you compare it to real marble, which is $75 to $250 per square foot. 

Some car wrap companies such as Rvinyl have also ventured into the countertop game. They offer a huge selection of high-quality custom looks such as animal print, graffiti, and tie-dye, as well as more countertop-friendly options like epoxy, mosaic, parquet, stone, and woodgrain. 

Before ordering vinyl wraps, make sure you measure the space properly and get everything you need in one order. Colors can vary slightly from batch to batch. 

Before installing vinyl countertop wrap, clean your countertops well, as any little speck will cause an unsightly bump. Next, gather your materials: a tape measure, razor, scissors, credit card (or other smoothing tool), a hair dryer, and a spray bottle filled with soapy water. This Art3D Smoothing Tool Kit is only around $6 and comes with a razor, tape measure, and two smoothing tools. You should also enlist another person to help. While you can install it alone, vinyl wrap manufacturers and customers report it is much easier with two people. 

Once you're ready, measure and cut your vinyl to fit, allowing excess vinyl to wrap around the edges. Remove the backing of the vinyl a little bit at a time and stick your vinyl to the surface, smoothing out air bubbles as you go. The vinyl wrap is removable, so you can reposition it if need be (use the soapy water to help remove sticky residue from the surface before re-applying). Carefully apply the wrap to the edges, using the hair dryer to make it more pliable. Finally, use your razor to trim any excess. If you see any air bubbles once you have completed the installation, you can pop them with a pin and smooth out the area. 

Proper installation is crucial if you want long-lasting results and a flawless finish. If you have never worked with peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper before, professional installation might be a good idea.