I'm moving into an older rental and my kitchen countertop is in pretty bad shape. It seems like my landlord used a leftover piece of fake wood that's now sticky all over—impossible to clean despite our best efforts! I noticed contact paper that looks like wood or granite, and I think it could cover up the stickiness, but I'm worried it won't hold up in a kitchen. Have any of you tried using contact paper for this kind of issue? Any tips or alternatives to fix this sticky mess?
3 Answers
Honestly, since it's a rental, you should ask your landlord to replace it. If they won't, go for the contact paper. Just keep in mind, it won't last forever. Thinner plywood or a vinyl sheet might be better options too—they're tougher and can be cut to fit your counter.
Contact paper can work, but it's really just vinyl. It holds up to water but can wear out quickly with regular use. For something tougher, try using double-sided tape to stick down a sheet of Lexan or acrylic instead—much more durable!
You bear a tough situation with that countertop! If you need a quick fix, buff it with car wax—I've seen it help when finishes start to break down. For something more permanent, consider epoxy coatings or even a new, cheap countertop laid on top of the old one. Amazon or IKEA has budget-friendly options for that!
Great advice! I think using an epoxy would seal everything nicely while also giving it a polished look!
Good point! Plus, you can find these options at a reasonable price, and they look nicer than contact paper in the long run.