How to: Apply Sticky Back Plastic on Kitchen Worktops with D-C-Fix®
Whether you’re a homeowner or a long-term renter, it’s only natural to want to spruce up your space every now and again. That being said, home improvements aren’t exactly on the budget-friendly side of life. If you’ve been toying around with the idea of redoing your worktops in your bathroom or kitchen, you may have come across this magical thing called D-C-Fix® or ‘sticky back plastic.’
With our vinyl films from D-C-Fix UK - available in a whole range of colours and styles - you can give your home a unique look that truly screams ‘you.’ Renovate your old worktops and furniture in no time with this extremely affordable D-C-Fix vinyl.
When prepared correctly, these vinyl films are incredibly easy to apply. If you’re ready to breathe life into your old kitchen worktops, follow along with our how-to guide!
What you’ll need:
- D-C-Fix® vinyl of your choice
- D-C-Fix® Application Kit (contains a plastic smoother with a felt edge and a craft knife)
- Kitchen Silicone Sealant
- Sealant Finishing Tool
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hairdryer or heater tool to work around any curved corners
How to apply:
Step 1: Prep your worktop
Clear your kitchen worktops and clean the surfaces thoroughly. To ensure your D-C-Fix vinyl sticks properly, it is important to get rid of any dirt, grease, or dust that may be sitting on your worktop.
Step 2: Measure up
When measuring the length of your worktop, always cut your vinyl longer than you attend it to be. It’s easy to trim off extra vinyl, but a lot harder to add it! When you’ve measured the back of your D-C-Fix vinyl using the grid as your guide, you can go ahead and cut it to size.
Step 3: Begin applying
Grab your measured D-C-Fix vinyl and gently roll it up into a tube. Begin by peeling away a small section of the backing, applying the vinyl to the worktop. As you make your way down your kitchen worktop, gradually peel off more of the backing paper, smoothing it as you go. This is where your plastic smoother will come in handy.
Note: Feel free to reposition the D-C-Fix vinyl if you don’t get it quite right the first time. Be aware of creases and smooth them out using your plastic smoother before you fully commit to laying the vinyl down. If you run into any air bubbles, you can use your smoother to push them to the sides. If you have trouble doing so, you can use a small pin to release the air inside of the bubble.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race with this application!
Step 4: Working around the sink
You may come to a standstill as you approach the sink/hob. Fear not, it’s not as complicated as you think! The best method is to tackle these places in pieces. For example, using a full piece of vinyl at either side of the sink, then two smaller pieces at the top and bottom will be a lot easier than trying to cut a sink-sized hole in your vinyl. Make sure to match up your pattern to make your worktop look as sleek as possible.
Note: Using a hair dryer or heating tool to warm up the D-C-Fix Vinyl can help make the application process easier. A little heat will make the vinyl a lot more flexible, allowing you to shape around corners and bends with ease.
When it comes to the corners, fold the vinyl over the edge, stick it down then trim off the excess. You can do so using a craft knife, making sure to get it as close to the edges as possible.
Step 5: Sealing things off
Now your vinyl is all stuck down and looking fancy, it’s time to apply the silicone sealant. Use this around the edges of your sink as well as where the vinyl meets. This is a crucial part of the process as it ensures all your edges are water-tight. If you skip this step, you may notice your D-C-Fix vinyl peeling off on its own.
Note: All D-C-Fix® vinyl is water-resistant, hence the use on kitchen and bathroom worktops. Although, it does need sealing properly around any water areas to ensure it’s water-tight.
Leave the sealant to dry for 24 hours.
Step 6: Final touches
Once your sealant is fully dry, you can put everything back and get to styling your new kitchen worktops!
Note: D-C-Fix Vinyl is heat resistant up to 75°C, so hot cups, and plates won’t damage your shiny new surface. Although, for things that are fresh out of the oven or off the stove, it is better to use worktop savers.
If your DIY plate hasn’t been filled just yet, you can try adding vinyl to your cupboard doors, fridge, or maybe even your wooden chair tops. With D-C-Fix vinyl, the world is your DIY oyster!
And there we have it! A gorgeous new worktop on a budget that you’ll be proud to show off.
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