by a Guest Author
What is it?
Contact paper is a material that has an ornate surface on one side and a highly adhesive substance on the other. Contact paper sticks to the desired surface with nominal effort.
When and why is it usually used?
Contact paper’s main function is to offer a protective and decorative interior for drawers and cabinets, however it can also benefit various other items and ornaments that may, or may have been, damaged through excessive use such as: bookshelves, closets garages etc. As a general rule contact paper can often be used anywhere were there is, or has been, previous damage or scratches to said surface.
How best is it to apply?
Before laying down the self adhesive contact paper be sure that the entire surface to be covered is clean and clear of any debris to avoid any untidy lumps and bumps post application. Any soap based cleaning product is fine to clean the surface with. Also be sure that the whole surface is absolutely bone-dry before laying down any contact paper, as a damp or wet surface may well jeopardize the longevity of the contact paper.
Next, measure all necessary dimensions of the surface to be covered accurately. If conceivable, remove the drawer/cabinet to aid you in your measurements. This will also help with the actual laying down of the contact paper too. Once all measurements have been recorded you must cut out the required amount. A useful tip for getting the cuts as accurate as possible would be to use the grids on the back of the contact paper.
Now you have the exact amount of contact paper required, start by peeling back a small segment of the paper backing in the very corner. Situate it precisely in the corner of the surface. If placed perfectly first time round, begin by gently peeling off the backing paper as you go whilst slowly and steadily applying the sticky contact paper. It is highly recommended and advised that you go slow when applying the contact paper to reduce the prospect of ugly wrinkles and untidy air bubbles.
Other uses
Contact paper can not only be used for unsightly or damaged surfaces and objects, it can also be used to decorate items such as notebooks, exercise books, files and folders, ring binders, CD and DVD cases, desks etc. There is now specially designed and manufactured contact paper that can be placed on windows to harness privacy and give tranquil patterns.
Where can I purchase it?
Contact paper is commonly priced very economically rendering it pretty cheap at maybe a few pounds per roll depending on the individuals needs. It is sold in a boundless selection of colors, styles, patterns and thicknesses to suit the requirements of the buyer.
It can easily be bought in home and furnishing stores, hardware stores and from various online retailers.
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