Attention all DIY enthusiasts! Are you tired of looking at those unsightly plastic shelves in your home? Do they just stick out like sore thumbs, ruining the aesthetic of your carefully curated space? Fear not, because today we have a simple and cost-effective solution for you.
In this blog post on how to cover plastic shelves, we will dive into the world of covering plastic shelves to give them a more polished and stylish look. Whether it’s for your pantry, closet, or garage, these easy tips and tricks will transform those basic shelves into functional yet fashionable pieces. So put on your creative hats and get ready to say goodbye to those plain old plastic shelves forever!
Needed Materials
- Plastic shelves
- Contact paper or adhesive shelf liner
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Marker or pencil
- Optional: decorative items (e.g. washi tape, stickers, etc.) for an added personal touch.
11 Step-by-Step Guidelines on How to Cover Plastic Shelves
Step 1: Clean and Measure the Shelves
Before starting any covering process, it’s important to clean your plastic shelves thoroughly and measure them accurately. This will ensure a smooth covering process and prevent any wastage of materials. It’s also a good idea to take note of any irregularities or bumps on the shelves, as you will need to cut around them later. You can also choose to remove the shelves from their designated spaces for easier handling.
Step 2: Choose Your Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner
There are endless options when it comes to contact paper and adhesive shelf liners. From solid colors to patterns and prints, you can let your creativity run wild and choose a design that best suits your personal style. Consider the overall look and feel of the room where the shelves are located to ensure a cohesive aesthetic.
Step 3: Cut the Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner to Size
Using your measurements, cut the contact paper or adhesive shelf liner according to the size of your shelves. It’s always better to start with a slightly larger piece and trim as needed, rather than cutting it too small and having to start over. You can also use a ruler or straight edge to ensure clean and precise cuts. It’s also a good idea to label each piece to avoid confusion later on.
Step 4: Peel Off the Backing
Once your contact paper or adhesive shelf liner is cut, carefully peel off the backing. It’s important to do this slowly and methodically to avoid any air bubbles or wrinkles in the final result. The adhesive side should be facing up and ready for application. You can also use a credit card or ruler to smooth out any air bubbles as you go. It’s also a good idea to have someone help you with this step for larger pieces.
Step 5: Begin Applying the Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner
Starting from one corner, carefully place the contact paper or adhesive shelf liner onto the shelf. Use your hands to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles as you go. If you have shelves with irregularities, cut around them using scissors for a seamless finish. Take your time with this step to ensure a neat and professional look. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to warm up the adhesive and make it more pliable for easier application.
Step 6: Continue Applying Until the Entire Shelf is Covered
Once you have one side of the shelf covered, continue to apply the contact paper or adhesive shelf liner until the entire shelf is covered. Make sure to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you go. If you are using multiple pieces, overlap them slightly and carefully trim off any excess. It’s also a good idea to use a squeegee or credit card to get rid of any excess air bubbles. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to help with adhesion if needed.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Shelves
If you have multiple plastic shelves to cover, repeat the above steps for each one. Take your time and be patient with this process, as it may take some trial and error to get the desired result. Remember to measure accurately and cut precisely for a professional finish. You can also choose to cover only the top of the shelf, or all sides depending on your preference. It’s all about personal preference!
Step 8: Add Decorative Touches
Once all your shelves are covered, it’s time for some fun! You can use decorative items such as washi tape, stickers, or even paint to add a personal touch to your newly covered plastic shelves. This is a great way to add some personality and style to an otherwise plain piece of furniture. This step is optional, but can really elevate the overall look of your shelves. You can also choose to leave them as is for a more minimalist look.
Step 9: Allow Time for the Adhesive to Set
After all the shelves are covered and decorated, it’s important to allow time for the adhesive to fully set. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day depending on the type of contact paper or adhesive shelf liner you used. It’s best to avoid placing items on the shelves until the adhesive has fully dried and set. You can also use weights or books to help the adhesive set more quickly.
Step 10: Reassemble and Enjoy Your Newly Covered Plastic Shelves
Once the adhesive has been set, you can reassemble your shelves and enjoy their new look! Stand back and admire your handiwork, and revel in the fact that you now have stylish and functional shelves without breaking the bank. You can also use this method to cover other plastic furniture pieces such as drawers or cabinets for a cohesive look. The possibilities are endless!
Step 11: Maintenance and Removal
Maintaining your covered plastic shelves is easy. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth when needed, avoiding harsh chemicals that may damage the adhesive. If you ever want to remove the contact paper or adhesive shelf liner, simply peel it off carefully and use a mild adhesive remover to get rid of any residue. You can also choose to change up your shelves’ look by re-covering them with a different design or pattern. Have fun and be creative!
Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to cover plastic shelves, you can easily cover your plastic shelves and transform them into stylish and functional pieces. With endless design options and the ability to change it up whenever you please, this method is a cost-effective and fun way to upgrade your home decor. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at the difference a little contact paper can make!
Additional Tips
- To Ensure Even Coverage, It’s Best to Use a Larger Piece of Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner Than You Think You’ll Need.
- Use a Ruler or Straight Edge to Get Clean and Precise Cuts.
- Take Your Time With Each Step for the Best Results.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment With Different Patterns and Designs.
- Make Sure Your Shelves Are Clean and Dry Before Applying the Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner.
- Use a Hairdryer on Low Heat to Make the Adhesive More Pliable for Easier Application.
- Label Each Piece of Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner to Avoid Confusion Later on.
- If Using Multiple Pieces, Overlap Them Slightly and Carefully Trim Off Any Excess for a Seamless Finish.
- Use Weights or Books to Help the Adhesive Set More Quickly.
- Avoid Placing Heavy Items on the Shelves Until the Adhesive Has Fully Dried and Set.
- When Removing the Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner, Be Careful Not to Damage the Plastic Surface.
- For a More Durable Option, Consider Using Peel-and-stick Wallpaper Instead of Contact Paper or Adhesive Shelf Liner.
- Use This Method to Cover Other Plastic Furniture Pieces Such as Drawers or Cabinets for a Cohesive Look.
- Have Fun and Be Creative With Your Shelf Covers! The Possibilities Are Endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Use Regular Paper or Wallpaper to Cover My Plastic Shelves?
A: No, it is not recommended to use regular paper as it may tear easily and may not have an adhesive backing. Wallpaper can be used, but it may require more effort and expertise to apply to the shelves. It’s best to stick with contact paper or adhesive shelf liner for easier and more efficient application.
Q: How Long Will the Covered Plastic Shelves Last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, your covered plastic shelves can last for several years. However, if you decide to change up the design or remove the cover, it may not be as durable. It also depends on the quality of the contact paper or adhesive shelf liner used.
Q: Can I Cover Shelves with Contact Paper in a Humid Environment?
A: It is not recommended to cover your plastic shelves with contact paper or adhesive shelf liner in a humid environment, as it may cause the adhesive to peel off easily. It’s best to do this project in a dry and well-ventilated area for better results.
Q: Can I Use This Method on Other Types of Shelves?
A: Yes, this method can be used on other types of shelves such as wood or metal. It may require some slight modifications, but the overall process remains the same. Just make sure to choose a strong and durable adhesive shelf liner or contact paper that will adhere well to the surface.
Conclusion
There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to cover plastic shelves and transform them into stylish pieces of furniture that will elevate the aesthetic of any room. From choosing the right materials to measuring and cutting, to applying adhesive and adding finishing touches – we’ve covered all the necessary steps to execute this DIY project with ease. Not only is covering plastic shelves a budget-friendly option for those looking to revamp their space, but it also allows for personalization and creativity.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some contact paper or fabric and start transforming your plastic shelves today! Share your creations with us by using the hashtag #PlasticShelfMakeover – we can’t wait to see what you come up with. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns and colors to make your shelves truly unique. Let’s reduce waste and add some personality to our homes at the same time – it’s a win-win situation! Trust us, once you see the final result of your covered plastic shelves, you’ll never look at them in the same way again.
