How to Remove Contact Paper Once It Has Gotten Wet
Contact paper, also called shelf paper or shelf liner, is a water-resistant paper with a strong adhesive backing. The paper is installed on the surface of shelves, drawers and cabinets to protect the surface of these objects from water damage and spills. The bond created by contact paper is sometimes difficult to remove and is even more difficult if the paper has gotten wet. Removing the paper must be done carefully so as not to damage the surface it is attached to. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hair dryer
- Extension cord
- Knife
- Citrus-based solvent
- Scrubber sponge
- Water
Instructions
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1
Plug in a hair dryer and set it to the warmest setting. Depending on the location of the contact paper, you may need to plug the hair dryer into an extension cord.
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2
Locate a corner of one of the pieces of contact paper, and focus the heat from the hair dryer onto the contact paper. Hold the hair dryer in place for 20 to 30 seconds to soften the adhesive on the back of the paper.
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3
Move the hair dryer away from the paper and use your fingernail or a knife blade to peel up the corner of the contact paper. Keep peeling it as far as it will go until you feel resistance. Peel the paper back very slowly to prevent damage to the surface.
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4
Reposition the hair dryer on the contact paper so that the air is directed at the underside of the paper where the adhesive is located. Continue directing the hot air at the adhesive as you peel back the paper. Continue until all of the contact paper has been removed.
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5
Apply a citrus-based solvent to the surface where the contact paper was attached. Allow the solvent to sit for about 5 minutes to dissolve the remaining adhesive. Scrub the surface with a scrubber sponge to detach the adhesive. Rinse the sponge in clean water and wipe the surface to remove the excess cleaner.
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6
Leave all doors and drawers open to allow the interior of cabinets and drawers to dry.
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