This is a cover image about contact paper.

What Is Contact Paper

Written by Michael Franco

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Reading time for 7 min

What if we told you that you can transform those plain surfaces into classy masterpieces, and it won’t hurt your wallet? Sounds good, right? Well, there’s a tool that will bring your ideas to life with minimum effort and nothing more than creativity. Ladies, let us introduce you to contact paper.

Join us as we explore what it is and why it has become such a game-changer for DIY home projects. We’ll further explore the various kinds and see how each of them may help you achieve that desired look. Be it bold and bright textures or very thin, intricate patterns, there's always a contact paper to suit your project!

Not to worry—we've got you covered in the application process. We'll share with you some tips that will ensure that your designs are perfect. So, if you're excited to give a fresh finish to your flat surfaces, then let's kick things off by knowing exactly what contact papers are and why you'll love using them.

Quick in
1. What is Contact Paper? 2. What are the Different Types of Contact Paper? 2.1 Vinyl Contact Paper 2.2 Textured Contact Paper 2.3 Glossy Contact Paper 2.4 Matte Contact Paper 3. Fun Contact Paper Hacks You Need to Try 3.1 Repurpose Your Glass Vessel Into a Vase 3.2 Repurpose Your Basket into a Coffee Table 4. Practical Tips to Consider When Using Contact Paper 5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Paper

What is Contact Paper?

Contact paper is a thin, supple, and waterproof vinyl with a decorative upper side and a covered adhesive side. When peeled off, the exposed side sticks to flat surfaces like shelves and drawers to offer it a fresh new look.

Not all contact paper is made the same. Some kinds are stronger, others more pliable, and some have textured finishes, adding an entirely different level of beauty to your surface. Knowing the differences in these papers can help you pick out the best contact paper for your redecoration projects.

Now that you know what contact paper is, let’s explore the various types and how they will help take your practical and creative projects to a new level!

What are the Different Types of Contact Paper?

You need to understand the four different types of contact papers when decorating your surfaces to avoid using the wrong material for your project. Let’s get right into it, shall we?:

1. Vinyl Contact Paper

The picture is vinyl contact paper.

Vinyl contact paper is a common preference among most women DIY crafters owing to its durability and waterproof nature. This type of contact paper helps you redesign your bathrooms and kitchen countertops. It closely resembles granite, marble, or wood, therefore giving you endless options to choose from. 

2. Textured Contact Paper

The picture is textured contact paper.

This paper brings a tactile feel to flat surfaces. It’s the best contact paper for covering furniture or redesigning accent walls. If you’re into 3D effects, trust textured contact paper to provide that decorative and realistic finish. 

3. Glossy Contact Paper

The picture is glossy contact paper.

As the name suggests, glossy contact papers are ideal for DIY crafters with a knack for shiny and easy-to-clean surfaces. Modern craftswomen use it to embellish their surfaces with a sleeker, more polished look. 

4. Matte Contact Paper

The picture is matte contact paper.

Matte contact paper is perfect for providing an understated and subtle finish. You have a surface in your house that doesn’t need that much shine? This contact paper will give you that silent but artful look.

These four varieties of contact paper provide aesthetic appeal and all-around versatility. Whether revamping the room or just a tiny area, understanding each type can help you pick the right one for your project. 

Now, let's check out two real-life examples of how you can use contact paper to breathe some life into your space.

Fun Contact Paper Hacks You Need to Try

From refinishing old furniture to flaring a kitchen, these applications will give you a clear view of how versatile and impactful contact paper can be in your DIY projects.

1. Repurpose Your Glass Vessel Into a Vase

What You’ll Need

Medium-Sized Glass Container

Contact Paper

Cutting Tool

Acrylic Ink and Paintbrush

Ruler

Tape

Step 1: Resize Your Contact Paper

Measure the height and circumference of your glass vessel with the ruler. Take your contact paper and cut it to the same size as the glass using a cutting tool.

The picture shows a man measuring with a ruler.

Step 2: Wrap the Paper Around the Glass

Align your resized contact paper on the glass; then start to unpeel the contact paper slowly while pressing the adhesive to the glass. Do this until you have completely wrapped the exterior of the glass.

The picture shows the glass covered with woodgrain patterned contact paper.

Step 3: Paint the Lower Half of the Contact Paper

Loop your tape around the bottom half of the covered glass to provide a nice edge. Paint below the strip with an acrylic ink of your choice and dry with your dryer or any other heat source.

The picture shows a dryer being used to bond the contact paper to the glass.

Step 4: Remove the Tape

Remove the tape to expose the freshly painted bit of the vessel. Place your plants into it and set it in an area of your choosing. And voila! A self-made vase. 
Pictured here is a vase with a wood texture.

2. Repurpose Your Basket into a Coffee Table

What You’ll Need:

Contact Paper

Round Sign

Basket

Pair of scissors

Step 1: Wrap Your Sign with Contact Paper

Cut a piece of the wooden-textured contact paper to a size equivalent to your sign's size. Slowly peel the upper part of the covering to expose the adhesive. Press carefully on it so as not to trap any bubbles while sticking it to the sign.

The pattern is cut out with scissors in the picture.

Step 2: Cut the Extra Paper Around the Edges

Cut out extra paper around the edges of your sign with your scissors to give it a circular finish. Take the extra edge and fold them onto the other side of your sign so that it is perfectly round. Use this as a lid for your basket.

Pictured is an original block with wood grain.

Step 3: Cover your Basket with the 'Lid'

Take your basket, take the lid you made, and top it—this will be your coffee table. Place light items such as a candleholder, small jar, lamp, and anything else you feel would be a decorative feature. 

The picture shows a small table with a vase of flowers.

Just three simple steps and you’re done! That wasn’t so hard, was it? These fun little projects can also serve as fun activities to create with your children for that special family time (ensure you keep your scissors at a safe distance though).

On that note, we’d like you to know some things you can do to your contact paper for a smooth and lasting finish.

Practical Tips to Consider When Using Contact Paper

Here are some things you can do during your contact paper application to ensure an attractive and permanent finish:

  • Measure accurately and cut with sharp tools on a flat surface for the contact paper to work effectively on flat surfaces.

  • Clean the surface before application, then slowly peel the backing and smooth it down with a squeegee or credit card, trying not to let any pockets of air form.

  • To easily remove, gently heat the contact paper using a hairdryer and slowly peel it off to prevent residue.

  • If the adhesive persists, a mild cleaning solution is the way to go.

Hopefully, with these tips, you will get a smooth, professional finish for all your contact paper DIY projects. Now, let's get to the reasons why you should and shouldn't actually consider contact paper for your surface makeovers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contact Paper

Let's weigh in on the pros and cons of using contact paper in your customizing escapades, shall we?

Contact Paper Advantages

  • Cost-Effective: Contact paper, compared to other methods of surface redesigning, is relatively cheap. You can easily find it in most craft shops, even online, making it an inexpensive way of creating unique designs without breaking the bank.


  • User-Friendly: Another big advantage of contact paper is its ease of use. Any crafter, from the most seasoned to the inexperienced, doesn't require any special tools or skills to apply contact paper. Just peel, and stick, and you’re good to go!


  • Temporary and Adjustable: Contact paper is ideal for experimentative craftswomen because it doesn't have permanent adhesive. You’re free to reposition it or remove it in case of any errors or if you’d like to change the design.


  • Water-Resistant: Because contact paper has a layer of vinyl, the high water resistance allows it to survive a few washes, more so if the projects are short-term or the designs temporary.



Contact Paper Disadvantages

  • It is less durable: While contact paper is capable of withstanding one or two washes, it's not designed for the long term. Gradually, it may wear out and peel or crack off, especially in the case of successive washes or heat exposure.


  • Adhesive Residue: Even though contact paper is removable, it often leaves a sticky residue on the surface, which may require extra cleaning for delicate surfaces and intricate designs.


Though probably the cheapest and most versatile of all products in surface renovation, contact paper shines when it comes to water resistance and comfort.

Bottom Line

Contact paper is a cheap yet versatile tool that will help turn plain surfaces into unique, personalized designs. With easy application and various styles at your disposal, you can get lovely custom pieces without breaking an arm or leg on them. Whether a beginning DIYer or an established craftswoman, contact paper opens countless creative chances for your surfaces.

We hope this article helped shed some light on things you never knew and educated you on things you shouldn’t do. If you need deeper insights on this topic, we’re ready to help! Get in touch with us at any time, and we’ll give you detailed answers and additional tips.