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Have you been wanting to update the look of your countertops, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Are your current countertops are in good shape (no chipping, peeling or cracking)  but are an outdated color or finish?Maybe you are looking for a temporary fix while you save up for an expensive stone or solid surface product.

Then I have a great solution for you!!!

When we purchased our home a little over 3 years ago, the kitchen (and most of the home) was VERY outdated. It had “good bones” but outdated finishes. We had a VERY tight budget and didn’t want to spend a ton of money as we knew we would eventually replace the countertops with Quartz (or a similar material). However, I wanted to have a pretty kitchen in the meantime too! Let look at what the kitchen looked like BEFORE we purchased the home:

So I started to research various options to update the current wedgewood blue laminate without replacing or spending lots of money. I found several options from paint to resurfacing with new laminate sheets … and then came across a peel and stick heavy duty film! I actually found several options of the film, but not all are created equal. I only found one that I felt looked realistic, was super thick and didn’t have a blue cast. The one I chose has the look of marble countertops, but there are several other style options to choose from.

The number one question I get: How has it held up? I put the film on about 2.5 years ago and it has held up great! After daily use there are only a few places with some nicks from dropped tools. Remember this is a TEMPORARY solution, but you can always replace it as it shows signs of wear. That is exactly what I did this week!

So lets get started!

There main requirement is that you will need to have a surface free of chips, cracks and that is completely intact.

Supplies needed:

• countertop film
• utility knife
• scissors
• hairdryer
• silicone caulk for around the sink area

*For reference my kitchen has about 40 sq ft of countertop space (including the island). I used two regular size rolls (9.8ft long) for the main countertops and one of the super wide rolls (3.28 ft wide) for the island… and had some left over. 

My countertops do not have a backsplash attached.. so I only applied to the counter surface and down the front edge. If you have a small backsplash edge … apply the film to that area first as seen here:

Any places where you have two pieces meet… I slightly overlap those about 1/2”-1”.  Since the film is 24” wide… there wasn’t quite enough to cover my countertop AND the front edge. So I placed a strip of the film about 2.5” wide across the back of the my countertops. This pattern is very forgiving and you have to look very hard in order to see a seam. 

Once the back strip is on, I begin applying the film to the rest of the countertop. I start on one side, overlapping the strip I just put down about 1/2-1” making sure there will be enough for the front edge also. Dry fit the piece before you take the backing off. I use one piece across the entire main “body” of the countertop (except for the back edge). I try to avoid any big seams down the middle of the countertop.

Once you are ready, slowly peel back only a few inches of the backing at a time. Smoothing as you go from the center out… (I just use my hand) and pushing the air bubbles out as you go. Since this product is peel and stick and removable, you can make adjustments… but the adhesive is VERY sticky.. so I always try to get it right the first time.

I work across the entire main surface first, then do the front edge and any corners. For the corners… I make an angled cut putting the one side piece down first. Then cutting off most of the excess and overlapping the edge. I put the overlap area toward the least seen side. But like I said the pattern is very forgiving and blends well. 

Always remember, it’s better to err on the side of having some excess that you can cut off with a utility knife at the end. When you get to sinks and edges wait to cut off the excess until you are sure you have it lined up. You can always trim more off… but can’t add it back. If you can remove your sink it makes it even easier to apply, but it is not absolutely necessary.

Once you have all the film installed. Trim off the excess with your utility knife, a straight edge can help with cuts across the back and sides. For the front edge I slide the utility knife at a slight angle across the edge to remove the excess evenly with the existing edge of the countertop. The film will not stick to the particle board underside of existing laminate. 

Once finished, I caulked around the sink area with a silicone, but haven’t found it necessary to caulk any other edges.

TIPS:

• Enlist a friend to help. Having a second set of hands is helpful. 
• Work slowly.
• BUBBLES: Use a hair dryer on the warm setting to help smooth out bubbles as you go. Heat up and smooth with your hand. Removing the bubbles as you go is much easier than waiting until you are completely done.
• ROUNDED EDGES/CORNERS: use the hair dryer to heat up the film and you can stretch it, conform it and smooth it to your edges while it is hot. Let it cool, then cut the excess off with your utility knife. 

HOW TO CARE FOR IT:

• Treat this as you would regular laminate countertops. 
• Clean with a mild, non abrasive cleaner.
• No direct heat (use hot pads).
• No direct cutting (use cutting boards).

Here is a video of how I installed it:

Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

I hope you have found this helpful. Come back soon for more DIY’s, home decor, recipes and all the in between.