How to Install Contact Paper Countertops

Installing contact paper is the easiest and most cost effective way to update your RV countertops. It won’t last forever, but you can easily remove it and replace it again or try your hand at making a brand new countertop. 

But for now, here are the steps to follow:

1. For easiest installation, remove the stove, sink and faucet
2. Clean and degrease the countertop with Zep
3. Add contact paper on the edges
4. Install contact paper to the top surface 
5. Cut an “x” in the center of the holes and fold under the counter
6. Reinstall the stove, sink and faucet
7. Trim excess contact paper around the edges with a sharp Xacto knife
8. Caulk around the sink to make it water-tight 
9. Install peel and stick caulk along the walls

Thoroughly cleaning and degreasing the countertop is essential to getting the contact paper to adhere properly. Do not sand or scuff the counter, you want to keep this is the best shape possible in case you want to remove the contact paper in the future and keep the original. No sense in ruining a good countertop!

​The contact paper I used is exactly 24”, which means there wasn’t enough excess to wrap around the edges. So I carefully cut a strip lengthwise so the grain ran in the right direction, and stuck it on. Remove the backing of the contact paper little by little as you adhere it to the countertop.

Next, carefully remove the backing of the contact paper along the edge and line it up so it’s square with the countertop. It’s ok to let the contact paper overlap on the walls a little. Smooth out the contact paper as you go. If you get bubbles and can't sooth them out, poke a little hole in it and use a blow dryer or heat gun to remove the bubble.

Using a sharp Xacto knife, cut an “x” in the center of the sink and stove holes. Fold under and trim the excess. Cut along the edge of the wall and trim the excess contact paper along the walls.

Reinstall the stove, sink and facet. Caulk around the sink to make it water-tight. You can also caulk along the edges where the contact paper meets the walls. I used a peel and stick caulk which is easier than traditional caulk and it looks great! 

What do you think, are you ready to install contact paper to update your camper’s countertops?