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Did you know that you can easily achieve the sleek look of stainless-steel appliances without breaking the bank? By using stainless steel contact paper, you can transform your refrigerator or dishwasher in just about an hour. Not only is this a budget-friendly DIY project, but it also holds up well over time with the right preparation.
Revamp Your Kitchen on a Budget
When we remodeled our kitchen, we didn’t have the funds to buy all new appliances. However, our dishwasher was still in good working condition. So instead of spending our money on a new dishwasher, we decided to invest in building a kitchen island, upgrading our countertops, and adding more cabinet storage.
But that didn’t mean we had to settle for a lackluster dishwasher! We upgraded its appearance by covering it with stainless steel contact paper. Yes, you read that right—contact paper! And to our surprise, it held up remarkably well for years until we eventually replaced the appliances.
Addressing Your Concerns
I often receive questions about this project. People want to know if the contact paper holds up to heat and steam, if it truly resembles stainless steel, if it’s waterproof, and if it leaves any residue or damages surfaces when removed. Let’s address all these concerns in detail:
1. Bubbles
If you encounter a small bubble that you can’t smooth out, simply use a sewing needle to create a tiny hole, releasing the air and flattening it out.
2. Where to Buy
I purchased my stainless-steel contact paper from a reliable source. The paper not only looks authentic with its horizontal lines but also perfectly matches my real stainless-steel fridge. Its adhesive is top-notch, and I haven’t experienced any issues with the edges. I recommend avoiding generic contact paper found at grocery stores, as those tend to be thinner and have less durable adhesive.
3. Durability
This project maintained its fresh appearance even two years after completion. The only reason we had to replace the dishwasher was due to a breakage at that time. However, I am confident that it would have lasted a few more years if not for the unfortunate incident.
4. Seams
If you want to avoid seams, there are now rolls available in various sizes specifically designed for different appliances and even countertop widths. Although they weren’t around when I did this project, I would highly recommend opting for this option to avoid any seams on your dishwasher or refrigerator.
5. Heat and Water Resistance
Despite the dishwasher generating warmth and steam during use, I never had any issues with the contact paper coming off at the edges. Contact paper is typically waterproof, so as long as it is applied properly, you shouldn’t have any concerns. However, I must mention that I haven’t tested this method on an oven, so I cannot guarantee its effectiveness in that scenario.
Step-by-Step Process
To give you a better understanding of how to tackle this project, here’s a breakdown of the process we followed:
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Thoroughly clean the surface of your appliance before starting. I found that using Windex worked well as it left no residue. Ensure that the surface is cool and dry.
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Due to the lines on the contact paper, we had to lay it horizontally from left to right when covering a vertical surface, such as the dishwasher. I highly recommend having a partner to hold the sheet while you smooth it down. We also covered the bottom separately.
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If you closely examine the pictures, you might notice that the sheet was about an inch short at the top. As a result, we ended up with a seam. However, modern contact paper comes in better sizes, preventing seams on dishwashers and refrigerators.
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Be vigilant for any bubbles that may form as you work. Simply push them out or lift the contact paper slightly and redo that section. Remember, patience is key! The technique for removing bubbles is the same as what I use with wallpaper.
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Covering the dishwasher can be a bit challenging when it comes to the corners. After cutting the sheet, smooth out the front surface first. Then, cut wings on the sides and fold the top and bottom down, wrapping them around the side edges slightly. Finally, smooth down the sides, overlapping the previously laid sections. This ensures no gaps in the corners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are you looking for more home DIY ideas?
A: Check out these fantastic projects:
- Weekend DIY Projects: Boost your home value with these budget-friendly ideas.
- Refrigerator Makeovers: Explore creative ways to revamp your refrigerator.
- DIY Planters: Get inspired to create unique and colorful concrete planters.
- Scrap Wood Wall Art: Discover innovative ways to decorate your walls using scrap wood.
Quill And Fox is a great resource for finding exciting DIY ideas and inspiration for your home.
PS: I love seeing your creations! If you try this project, don’t forget to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram. Stay connected with me by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to my newsletter.