Information on Contact Paper

Customize a gift box with contact paper.

First developed during the 1950s as a material with which to line drawers and shelves, contact paper has become a versatile product--and "contact paper" has become a common household phrase. Virtually all contact paper is decorative plastic film with adhesive backing. Contact paper is most commonly sold in rolls of a few yards, though some retailers sell the product by the foot from larger roll.

Installation

Contact paper sticks to surfaces after its paper backing has been removed. The backing is best removed a little at a time so that the sticky surface does not get out of control. Many experiments have revealed that cutting the contact paper to fit the surface before removing the backing is the best approach. In other words, cut out a piece of contact paper to fit the bottom of the drawer or cabinet before installing it. Peel off the backing from one corner. Adhere that corner while slowly removing the remainder of the backing and pressing down to stick the contact paper to the intended surface without bubbles or folds.

Characteristics

Contact paper is amazingly sturdy after it is installed. It will withstand months and even years of wear before deteriorating; but its useful life depends on where it is placed. On walls and other vertical surfaces, contact paper will endure for years. On horizontal surfaces, rough and frequent usage may break through the surface of the paper eventually, causing it to peel. Any contact paper can be cut with a sharp object, but it is impervious to water and most household cleaning solutions. The color of contact paper could fade after extended sun exposure, but it will continue to protect a surface even after it fades.

Uses at Home, School or Office

You can use contact paper to cover any smooth surface in the home, including appliances, tables, countertops, shelves and nearly anything else, including walls. Installing contact paper will not only create a new, clean look but it will protect the surface underneath. It is easy to clean by dusting or sponging. A fresh surface of contact paper will not only cover unsightly spots but will make them much more sanitary. At the office or school, contact paper is just as useful for preserving and protecting papers as it is for covering surfaces.

Varieties of Contact Paper

Among the more popular kinds of contact paper are transparent varieties, which are tinted or colorless. These products are perfect for creating faux laminated surfaces on any size of paper, poster, artwork or collection. In addition, contact paper is available in not only every possible color, some plain and some textured, but in many decorative patterns similar to wallpaper. Contact paper is available in patterns that look like wood grain, marble, tile and stone, and even animal skin,

Creativity with Contact Paper

Because of its amazing versatility, contact paper can inspire even an amateur to decorate something or cover up something. Some cut out shapes to stick onto windows and mirrors. Some create collages on clear contact paper, adhering pictures and objects to the back of one sheet before backing it with another, perhaps opaque, sheet of contact paper. Contact paper will protect and preserve collections of fragile items such as autumn leaves or pressed wildflowers. Some use contact paper to create seasonal decorations for doors, windows and walls.

References

• Contact Paper: Contact Paper
• Earth's Kids: The Magic Of Clear Contact Paper
• Design Your Wall: Self Adhesive Shelf Liner Contact Paper