8 creative ways to use sticky back plastic

Transform your tired surfaces

Is your home in need of a makeover? Sticky back plastic is a quick, easy, and reversible way of giving your décor and furnishings a fresh new look. It has a multitude of uses (yes, it's not just for covering schoolbooks) when it comes to home décor. With the help of sticky back plastic, you can smarten up every room in the home. Use it to cover a dull kitchen splashback, or to transform the shelves in your living room.

We've selected eight of our favourite sticky back plastic projects. Find some inspiration from our picks, roll up your sleeves and get stuck in!

Image by d-c-fix®

1. Mid-century revival

Upcycling an old piece of furniture makes it uniquely yours. This mid-century side table has been revamped to look ultra-stylish and contemporary. Have a look at the three different ways this table has been refreshed. Whether you like these looks or have something else in mind – the sky really is the limit when it comes to upcycling vintage furniture.

Images by d-c-fix®

2. Worktop refresh

Whether you want to conceal scuffs and scratches, or you’re just tired of staring at the same grey worktop every day. Covering your surface in sticky back plastic is a cheaper and quicker alternative to replacing worktops. The best thing? It’s non-permanent, so you can do it every month, week, or even day – if you wanted! All it takes is some marble effect d-c-fix and this laundry room has been brought back to life.

Image by d-c-fix®

3. Cool concrete

With a headboard like this, you’ll never want to get out of bed. The combination of wood and concrete effect d-c-fix creates a refined industrial look in your bedroom. You don’t need to fork out thousands at a designer furniture store to get this look in your home. With just a few rolls of sticky back plastic and the right vision, you can create a stunning statement headboard.

Image by d-c-fix®

4. Rose gold geo tray

Breakfast in bed just got a whole lot funkier. Metallics and geometrical patterns are all the rage right now. As well as using the entire roll of sticky back plastic to cover surfaces, you can also cut the film into shapes to get the look you want. Go on, bring some excitement to your mornings with this revamped breakfast tray.

You will need the d-c-fix decorator knife set, a roll of rose gold d-c-fix and a hexagonal plastic template. Firstly, use the template to draw hexagon shapes onto the film. Cut out several hexagon shapes (you’ll want about 30). Peel away the backing paper and apply the shapes flat edge against the tray as a guide. Leave out centre piece to get a star shape in the centre. Why not try this out on shelves too?

Image by d-c-fix®

5. Dine in style

Cover up any scratches, stains and everything else your dining table encounters on a daily basis, with this gorgeous bleached wood effect Pino Aurelio d-c-fix. For this project you will need the d-c-fix decorator knife set, a tape measure, sandpaper, filler and a cloth.

Prepare the surface to make it flat, smooth and free of dust. Peel away the backing paper a little at a time, smoothing the film out to the sides as you go. Ensure you allow enough to overhang to wrap around the edges. Push out any air bubbles to the side or prick with a pin to release the air. If needed, the film can be peeled back and re-applied during application. Next, cut into each corner and wrap around and stick into place. Trim away excess, and voila you have yourself a brand-new dining table.

Image by d-c-fix®

6. Marble makeover

It’s about time we give side tables a little more love and attention. Usually cluttered up with utility bills, mug stains and odd pens – let’s help make them shine again. Give your side table a new lease of life with this stunning marble effect sticky back plastic.

To recreate it yourself, you will need the d-c-fix decorator knife set, a roll of d-c-fix marble film and a hairdryer. First, cut around the table allowing enough overhang to wrap around the sides. Gradually peel away backing paper and use a smoother to stick into place. Use a hairdryer on a low setting to fold and stick the film over the edges (the heat softens the vinyl making it more malleable). Wait 24 hours to allow for possible shrinkage before trimming away excess.

Image by d-c-fix®

7. Give your shelves the edge

Feel that your shelves have become dull and lacklustre? Get them looking shiny and new again with a roll of d-c-fix gold effect sticky back plastic.

It shouldn’t take any longer than half an hour to spice up your shelves. Make sure you’ve got the d-c-fix decorator knife set and tape measure to hand. Firstly, measure the length and width of your shelf edge. Mark measurements on the grid on the back of your sticky back plastic and cut to the desired size. Then use the smoother to carefully fix into place. Easy-peasy!

Image by d-c-fix®

8. Make a statement

Get the designer look for less with this coffee table. To make this table you will need a roll of d-c-fix matt black and a roll of d-c-fix oak woodgrain sticky back plastic. You’ll also need the usual supplies and a cardboard leaf template.

Firstly, measure your table, then measure and cut a piece of the matt black film so it is slightly larger than the table. Start by applying a small section of the film to the table and smooth into place. Trim excess with craft knife. Next, draw around your cardboard leaf template on the back of the woodgrain film. Cut around the shape, peel away backing paper and stick into place. Repeat this process until the whole table is covered.