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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

adhesive contact paper

Author

Andrew Henderson

Updated on August 01, 2026

Contact paper is made of vinyl, which by itself is absolutely waterproof, but because nearly all of the adhesives used to produce contact paper are water-based, any exposure to water behind the vinyl backing will ruin the installation.

Does adhesive contact paper come off?

Luckily, it’s possible to remove even the most stubborn contact paper using just a few household supplies. You can lift contact paper from wood, metal, and countertops with a hairdryer, a plastic scraper, and an adhesive remover. If you’re working with glass, use a single-edge razor blade and an adhesive remover.

Is vinyl contact paper removable?

While it was traditionally used as shelf liners in kitchens, decorative contact paper is the perfect way to add a new look to many projects. It goes on so easily, looks amazing and is completely removable without any damage!

What is the difference between contact paper and shelf liner?

Contact paper and shelf liners are both used for the same purposes. However, contact paper is classically thinner and malleable, while select shelf liners are thicker and made with vinyl, fabric, or plastic.

How do you get contact paper to stick to the wall?

Paint, roll or spray a bonding agent on the particle board to obtain an even coat. For best results, use a contact cement. Contact cement is brushed onto both surfaces that will be bonded: the particle board and the back of the contact paper.

Can you cover kitchen cabinets with contact paper?

It takes a long time to cover a full kitchen with contact paper, but the process itself is pretty simple. Plan for about an hour per cabinet (both doors). I spent a lot of lunch hours, weekend nights, and downtime working with contact paper.

Is contact paper waterproof?

What is contact paper? Contact paper comes on a roll, with a smooth, waterproof side and a sticky backing covered with a protective film.

How do you remove adhesive shelf paper?

Pour some vegetable oil on a paper towel or rag. Rub the oil over the sticky residue left behind on the shelf, and allow it to sit for several minutes. Scrape the residue away with a putty knife or scrub brush.

Is self-adhesive wallpaper any good?

Most self-adhesive wallpaper also tends to be scruff- and scratch-resistant. If you redecorate often or you’re living in a rental, self-adhesive wallpaper can be removed cleanly without leaving any residue behind. It’s a lot more durable than pre-pasted wallpaper, but not quite as permanent as the traditional option.

Is contact paper permanent?

Contact paper counters aren’t permanent.

This makes them a great short-term solution for updating counters without making a significant financial investment. They give renters and homeowners alike the opportunity to try out a new trend or cover up dated countertops without committing to a specific style.

Does peel and stick wallpaper hold up in a bathroom?

“Much like traditional wallpaper, the peel-and-stick wallpaper should hold up in a bathroom as long as there is a window that can be opened or a fan to turn on in order to minimize excessive humidity.”

Does contact paper attract roaches?

As The Kitchn recently reported, cockroaches indeed have a penchant for contact paper, and while we may think that food is their only bait, the insects actually feast on everything from hair to paper, including your beloved sheets of contact paper.

Which side of contact paper goes down?

There is no right or wrong side. Either side can be the surface, it is a personal preference, however most of our users prefer the textured side up to allow for air circulation. What is the difference between non-adhesive liners and how do I know which one to get?

How do you remove contact paper?

If you have stubborn contact paper, hold a hair dryer on the highest setting a few inches from it. This will help melt the adhesive and you should be able to peel away the contact paper more easily. If you are unable to peel, you can also try using a plastic scraper or putty knife.

What should I use to line my kitchen cabinets?

For a quick, inexpensive liner for dresser drawers, buy a roll of heavy-weight wrapping paper, and use it to line the drawers. Get a cheerful design, and you’ll smile every time you grab a pair of socks!