From worktops and splash backs to doors and floors, updating your kitchen on a budget has never been so easy.
Whether you’re a homeowner or tenant, a brand new kitchen may be out of reach but a DIY refresh is much more achievable for a fraction of the cost. Peel & stick vinyl wrap is a cost-effective way of updating doors and worktops and unlike paint, it can be removed if required making it perfect for tentants who are looking for non-permanent décor for their rental homes.
Watch our helpful videos to see how it’s done with handy hints and tips along the way.
Step 1: Plan your makeover
Before you begin, it’s essential to plan your kitchen makeover carefully. Consider the colour scheme and style you’re aiming for. Measure the doors worktops and splash back to determine how much material you’ll need. As a general guide, 67.5cm rolls are perfect for worktops and doors. For wider areas you may need the 90cm wide rolls.
Step 2: Prepare all surfaces
Preparation is key to ensuring that the film and wall tiles adhere properly and look great for years to come. Start by cleaning all surfaces thoroughly with a mild detergent to remove any grease & dirt. Allow the surfaces to dry completely. Remove doors, drawers and handles.
Step 3: Wrap doors and drawers
Cut the vinyl to size allowing enough excess material to wrap around the edges. Peel away the backing paper little by little and smooth out to the edges. A d-c-fix® application kit with scalpel blade and smoother is recommended for a flawless finish.
Tips!
- Prick any air bubbles with a pin and smooth out.
- Neat corners can be achieved by making a 45 degree cut in towards the corner of the door or drawer, folding around one flap, then the other and trimming away the excess (watch the video to see more detail).
- Shaker style doors can be covered in sections – centre panel and 4 sides – ensure you overlap the film by a couple of mm to allow for shrinkage
- Glossy surfaces such as fridges and cupboards can be sprayed with water to help the film glide into position and minimise creases and bubbles. The water will dry out after 48 hours.
Step 4: Wrap the worktop
The biggest challenge when wrapping the worktop is going around sinks and hobs but once you know how, it’s quite simple. Measure and cut to size as above allowing enough material to wrap around the edges. If removing the sink isn’t an option, cut a hole to feed the tap through, make a X-shape cut over the sink and draining areas then peel the backing paper and push the film into the edges. Trim away the excess then seal using silicone. The same principle applies to the hob – cut a X-shape over the hob area, remove the backing paper, push the film into the edges and seal.
Tips!
- When covering adjacent sides, if your vinyl has a woodgrain effect, ensure the grain is running along the length of the worktop
- A hairdryer can come in handy when applying the film around curved edges
Step 5: Installing self-adhesive wall tiles
d-c-fix® Premium wall tiles are available in a range of realistic tile designs, some featuring metallic accents for a high end look. No need to grout, simply peel away the backing paper, spray water onto the back of the tile and press firmly into position. To cut the tiles to size, simply score and snap.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your kitchen looking its best, always use mats and boards for hot pans and food prep. The vinyl film is heat resistant to 70°C and can be cleaned with a mild detergent and soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing and abrasive cleaners which can damage the surface.
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