How to Get Contact Paper Off Metal Cabinets

Contact paper is an economical way to renovate dated surfaces such as old metal cabinets. It is applied much like a large sticker. A paper backing is peeled back to reveal a large adhesive surface. The adhesive creates a strong bond that keeps dirt and moisture from seeping under the surface. However, when it comes time to remove contact paper, this same adhesive backing can create quite a challenge. Removing old contact paper from surfaces, such a metal cabinets, is not always an easy task, but with the right tools, it can be eliminated without a trace.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair dryer
• Plastic scraper
• Wallpaper scoring tool
• Adhesive remover / WD-40
• Warm soapy water
• Clean cloth

1. Hold a hair dryer about 3 inches from the surface of the cabinet. Put the hair dryer on the highest heat setting and move back and forth across the surface to warm the glue.

2. Pull up a corner of the contact paper. Hold it firmly and slowly peel the paper off the cabinet. Use a plastic scraper to remove as much of it as possible.

3. Etch the surface of the remaining contact paper with a wallpaper scoring tool.

4. Spray an adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone or WD-40, onto the contact paper.

5. Allow the adhesive remover to sit on the surface of the contact paper for about 30 minutes.

6. Use a plastic scraper to peel the contact paper off the metal surface.

7. Continue with Steps 4 through 6 until all paper and adhesive is removed from the metal.

8. Wash the adhesive remover from the door using warm soapy water and a clean cloth.