What Is Contact Paper?
Most commonly sold in roll form, contact paper is a material that has a decorative surface on one side and a highly adhesive material on the other side. Contact paper sticks to the desired surface with minimal effort. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Traditionally used to provide a protective and decorative surface to the inside of drawers and cabinets, contact paper covers up any scratches or defects found on the original surface. Contact paper is most commonly used to line kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers, but is also useful for bookshelves, closets and pantry areas.
Applying to Cabinets and Drawers
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When applying contact paper, it is important to start with a clean surface. If applying to cabinet bases or the inside of drawers, wipe off the surface with a soap and water solution and let dry completely before applying new contact paper.
Measure the length and width of the inside of the drawer or cabinet surface. Next, use the grid on the back of the contact paper as a guide for measuring and cutting the size that you need. Remove the drawer, if possible, to give access to all corners.
Start by peeling back a small corner of the paper backing. Position it squarely in the corner of the drawer. Pull off the paper backing as you go while applying the sticky contact paper slowly and carefully to avoid wrinkles and air bubbles.
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Additional Uses
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Contact paper may be used to provide a new, clean surface in other less obvious places in the home such as on old furniture or other worn out or unsightly surfaces.
Special types of contact paper are manufactured to be placed on windows, to provide privacy or to display an aesthetic pattern or design.Transforming ordinary surfaces is another great use for contact paper. As it can be applied to most surfaces, the sky is the limit when using it for decorating. It can be applied to notebooks and binders, compact disc covers, and storage boxes, just to name a few places. Contact paper can also be used in creating scrapbooks and other crafts.
Going Green
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As manufacturers of home products are beginning to take a more earth-conscious approach to design, choosing products which are earth-friendly is becoming an easier task. However, it seems that no one is currently manufacturing a brand of contact paper that is made from organic and recycled materials. Until this happens, contact paper cannot be considered a "green" design material as it does not agree with standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED initiative.
Where to Buy
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Sold in an endless array of colors and patterns, contact paper is manufactured in several thicknesses to suit the task at hand.
Generally a very inexpensive material, contact paper averages around $5 per roll. It can be purchased in discount stores, home supply centers and online retailers.
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