Refinish Kitchen Cabinets using Vinyl Paper

Upgrading your kitchen can be an expensive endeavor, with the average kitchen remodel costing over $20,000. If your cabinets are dated but structurally sound, covering them with vinyl paper is an affordable way to give them a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank.

What is Vinyl Paper?

Vinyl paper, also known as vinyl wrap, consists of a thin, flexible PVC material coated with a decorative film layer. It comes in a variety of finishes - from solid colors and faux wood grains to stylish patterns and realistic stone or metal textures.

Unlike wallpaper, vinyl paper is thick, durable, and often features a backing layer for easy installation. It's waterproof and resists heat damage, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Benefits of Using Vinyl Paper

• Cost-effective - Vinyl paper costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement.
• Fast installation - Cover cabinets in less than a day.
• No demolition - Install right over existing cabinet surfaces.
• Wide style selection - Hundreds of colors and patterns available.
• Long-lasting - Vinyl paper can last 5-10 years with proper care.
• Easy maintenance - Just wipe clean with soap and water.

Supplies You'll Need

Gather these supplies before starting your vinyl paper cabinet makeover project:

• Vinyl paper - Enough to cover all cabinet surfaces.
• Contact cement adhesive - The best choice for adhering vinyl to cabinets.
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife and sharp scissors
• J-roller or smoothing tool
• Primer (if covering stained cabinets)
• Painter's tape
• Clean rags

Prep the Kitchen Cabinets

Preparing your cabinets properly ensures the vinyl paper adheres tightly for a seamless finish. Proper prep also helps the vinyl last longer.

Thoroughly Clean Cabinets

Use a degreasing cleaner or soap solution to remove all dirt, dust, oil and grease from cabinet surfaces. Pay special attention to areas around knobs and handles where kitchen grime tends to accumulate. Rinse with clean water and let cabinets dry completely.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Detaching the doors and hardware before wrapping makes the process easier and improves result. Set doors on a protected surface and place any hinges, pulls or knobs in labeled bags for organized reinstallation later.

Fill Holes and Imperfections

Inspect cabinet frames and doors for any holes, cracks or imperfections. Fill these using water-based wood filler according to package directions. Sand smooth when dry.

Measure and Cut the Vinyl Paper

Like wallpaper, careful measurement and cutting ensures the vinyl paper fits your cabinets perfectly.

Determine Amount Needed

Measure the dimensions of cabinet frames, doors, drawer fronts and any additional surface area. Calculate the total square footage and add 15% to allow for pattern matching and mistakes. Order that amount of vinyl paper.

Measure Cabinet Frames

Take precise width and height measurements of each cabinet side. Measure corresponding doors and drawer fronts separately.

Cut Vinyl Paper to Size

Transfer measurements to the adhesive-backed paper and use a sharp utility knife on a cutting mat or very sharp scissors to cut vinyl pieces to size. Round corners slightly.

Apply Adhesive

Contact cement adhesive works best for adhering vinyl paper to kitchen cabinets.

Choose Appropriate Adhesive

Look for a water-based contact adhesive made specifically for bonding plastic laminates or vinyl. Solvent-based adhesives may damage vinyl paper.

Prepare Adhesive Properly

Pour only enough adhesive for use within 30-45 minutes into a paint tray liner. Follow directions for proper open times before bonding two surfaces together.

Apply Adhesive Evenly

Wear protective gloves and use a small dense foam roller to apply an even layer of adhesive to the back of your vinyl paper and cabinet surfaces. Only coat areas that will immediately be bonded.

Install the Vinyl Paper

Carefully aligning and affixing the vinyl paper straight provides the best looking finish.

Line Up Vinyl and Smooth Onto Cabinet

Match up corners first, then smooth vinyl paper onto cabinet surface from top to bottom. Avoid stretching the material.

Wrap Edges and Trim Excess

Use a plastic smoother to firmly adhere vinyl around edges and corners, trimming any excess material with scissors or a utility knife.

Use Vinyl Wrap Tool to Adhere Fully

Use a J-roller, plastic smoother or even the straight edge of a credit card to smooth out any air pockets or creases, ensuring strong contact between the vinyl paper and the cabinet surface.

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once vinyl paper has bonded tightly, finishing touches complete the transformation.

Allow Cabinets to Dry Completely

Give vinyl paper at least 24 hours to cure before rehanging doors and drawers to prevent any shifting or uncured adhesive issues.

Replace Hinges and Handles

Use new matching hinges, handles or knobs to complement your vinyl paper's modern style.

Rehang Doors

Carefully realign doors, then test opening and closing motion. Adjust as needed so doors operate smoothly.

Finish Up

Final details give your vinyl wrapped kitchen cabinets a polished, integrated look.

Seal Edges with Caulk

Apply color-matched silicone caulk along top edges, around corners and to cabinet seams for a seamless custom finish.

Clean Vinyl Paper

Use a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol or ammonia-free cleanser to remove any residual adhesive or dirt from vinyl surfaces.

Enjoy Updated Look!

Stand back and admire your like-new kitchen cabinets. Enjoy the easy-clean convenience and stylish look vinyl paper provides at just a fraction of the cost of full cabinet replacement.

Troubleshooting

Minor issues can arise when installing vinyl paper. Here's how to address common problems.

Bubbles in Vinyl Paper

Air trapped during installation can cause unsightly bubbles under the surface. Use a smoothing tool, stiff plastic card or the edge of a credit card to gently smooth trapped air towards the vinyl edges.

Peeling Edges

Make sure contact cement adhesive was applied fully to perimeter cabinet edges to prevent later lifting or peeling issues. If vinyl edges lift, carefully peel back and reapply adhesive before repressing vinyl edges firmly for positive adhesion.

Ripped Paper

Small tears or cuts in the vinyl paper can happen during measuring, cutting or installation. Seal small holes and sliced using clear nail polish. For larger rips, cover with a vinyl patch piece adhered into place with contact cement.

Maintenance

Like any kitchen surface, vinyl paper requires proper care and cleaning to stay looking fresh.

Cleaning Tips

• Use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap to gently wipe vinyl paper clean.
• Rinse surfaces well after cleaning.
• Immediately wipe up any messes or spills on vinyl paper using a damp cloth.

Avoiding Damage

While durable, sharp objects can scrape vinyl paper surfaces. Use cutting boards, protective placemats and desk pads to prevent damage from kitchen tools.

When to Replace

With proper care, vinyl paper can retain its like-new appearance for 5 years or longer before requiring replacement. Look for lifting seams or edges, tears, or excessive staining as signs it may be time for a fresh roll of vinyl paper.

Transforming outdated kitchen cabinets with vinyl paper wrap provides an affordable design update that looks custom. The adhesive-backed decorative film installs directly over existing cabinet surfaces for near-instant renewal.

With hundreds of colors and textures available, it's easy to find vinyl paper to match your unique style. Follow the preparation, measurement, adhesive application and installation steps outlined to achieve flawless, professional-looking results. Maintain that revitalized look with simple soap and water cleaning as needed.

In one day and for less than $500, you can completely change the look of your kitchen. Contact us today for all your vinyl paper cabinet redo needs!