Hate the way your countertops look? Don’t have the budget to replace them? No worries – there are plenty of affordable countertop covers to choose from. Two of the most popular ways to cover countertops are through countertop resurfacing or contact paper installation. Let’s compare these options to determine which method is right for you.
What Is Countertop Resurfacing?
Countertop resurfacing involves a multi-step glazing process that creates a new top for your counters. You can transform outdated green laminate or faded faux butcher block to look like natural stone. Your existing counters stay in place, and we lightly sand them to adhere to the new coating. Then we apply several layers of epoxy, along with a sealant to lock everything in place.
You can choose the base color and accent colors for your countertops. There are endless design possibilities, including different application patterns and color combinations. If there are blemishes on your countertops, we will repair those before resurfacing them. The finish look will be smooth, glossy, and absolutely stunning.
What Are Contact Paper Countertops?
Contact paper countertops became popular in the DIY circuit several years ago. People started putting sticky shelf lining on their countertops as a way to transform the surface. Ince contact paper comes in many stone designs now, this can give the look of granite or marble without the hefty price tag.
The problem is, contact paper rarely looks good once installed. In fact, it may make your countertops look even worse than they do now! Contact paper is not durable, and the price can add up for larger spaces. Contact paper counters rarely look good in person, even if they look nice in photos.
What Is the Best Way to Cover Countertops?
Countertop resurfacing and contact paper are both viable options for covering countertops. However, contact paper has a number of drawbacks that make it less than ideal. Here’s a quick comparison of countertop resurfacing vs. contact paper countertops:
- Contact paper is difficult to install. It looks like a simple process, but 95% of the time, it looks like a mess. The paper bubbles. The seams are noticeable. The corners look awful. You’re bound to be disappointed.
- Resurfaced countertops are incredibly durable. You can use them just like you would use laminate countertops. They won’t stand up to a hot pan like real stone might, but they can stand up to everyday wear and tear. Contact paper is far more susceptible to damage.
- Contact paper is difficult to remove. It’s a common misconception that you can just peel the paper off if you’re unhappy with it. Most contact paper leaves a sticky residue once removed, and it usually comes off in strips, not full sections. The removal process is even more tedious than the installation process.
- Countertop refinishing is incredibly affordable. You’ll spend a fraction of what you’ll pay for new counters, and you won’t have to waste time on demolition. Best of all, someone else is doing the work for you! You can relax while your room gets transformed.
- Countertop refinishing is completely customizable. If you have a unique color combination in mind, we can make it happen. With contact paper, you’re limited to whatever paper selection is available to you.
- Contact paper doesn’t stand up to water exposure. Chances are you have a sink around your countertops. They’re constantly getting wet or greasy. Resurfacing can stand up to that. Contact paper cannot. After a month or two, the paper will start to peel away, bubble, or trap mold around the edges. You won’t face any of those issues with countertop refinishing.
The choice is clear.
Countertop resurfacing is the best way to cover countertops, even if you’re on a budget. The one and only exception to this rule would be if you are renting your home and cannot make permanent changes. At that point, you may want to talk to your landlord about countertop refinishing as a way to upgrade their property value. They may be on board once they hear about the benefits!
If you’re interested in countertop resurfacing in Maryland, contact Maryland Tub and Tile at 877-717-8827. We would be happy to provide an in-person quote, along with samples to help you visualize your new counters.
