The Serious Dangers Of Using The Kmart Vinyl Hack In Your Kitchen

It’s becoming quite the trend to make over a tired-looking kitchen using Kmart vinyl. But experts have warned that it can actually be extremely dangerous to use these adhesive products.

Some of the most popular posts on lifestyle-themed Facebook groups spotlight before and after pics of incredible home transformations using el-cheapo Kmart materials and accessories. Many of these do-overs look seriously impressive and can often be achieved with very little financial investment. However, these redesigns can often come with major safety issues, which many of us are blissfully unaware of.

Kmart vinyl has become one of the most popular ways to give a kitchen a sparkling new look. This self-adhesive material comes in a range of patterns – including tropical, timber or even marble and you can grab a roll of Kmart vinyl for only $3.

The Kmart website states that the Kmart vinyl can be applied to most smooth flat surfaces such as wood, glass, metal, ceramic tiles and many painted finishes. Many DIY decorators have used the material to cover kitchen countertops and cupboards and the result is often spectacular.

Dangers Of Using Kmart Vinyl In Your Kitchen

However Kmart vinyl could be a safety risk in your home, especially if used in the kitchen.

Kmart’s website suggests that the vinyl can be used in office or home decor. While it doesn’t specifically state kitchens, the word ‘home’ for me includes the kitchen so I would assume that the material could safely be used throughout the house. Well, that is just not the case.

kmart vinyl before nd after — Kmart Vinyl in the kitchen – before and after

Fire Safety Risks

While most products used in kitchen makeovers would be subjected to rigorous safety testing, there is no indication that Kmart vinyl has been subjected to these tests. This is concerning as it is not known whether Kmart vinyl, which is made from PVC, could pose a safety hazard in the event of a fire.

Possible Health Issues

Kmart vinyl is manufactured using PVC, which is recognised as a human carcinogen. So while we are unsure of how this material could affect our health, we would rather not take the chance.

Building Insurance

Insurance companies have been known to find any excuses to push back on paying out claims. Because Kmart vinyl has not undergone rigorous safety testing for use in the kitchen, building insurers may refuse to pay claims if this adhesive has been used.

What Can You Use Instead?

Instead, you could use products that are intended specifically for kitchens, such as benchtop resurfacing kits or tile paints from reputable manufacturers to make your kitchen looking slick once again. You could also get new cupboard handles or fresh new accessories to give your kitchen a new look. At least, you can be sure you’re not putting your family at risk.

Have you used Kmart vinyl in your home? Tell us in the comments below.

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41 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 28 Nov 2023
    11:15 am
It does look very impressive and now im wondering if its still available as it would look great in my bathroom.

- - Mom7534689 said
  - 12 Feb 2021
    6:34 am
Looks good for a whole minute lol

- - alongcamejayden said
  - 01 Nov 2020
    8:11 am
Should use common sense indeed for this.

- - Ellen said
  - 01 Nov 2020
    4:26 am
why would we need a warning of experts for this, it’s common sense you shouldn’t use this for bench tops

- - tuiman said
  - 25 Sep 2020
    11:11 pm
No I haven’t put vinyl on anything. I can remember growing up as kids our kitchen cupboards were lined with vinyl but after years and year it would get cut and peel and it needed heat to remove the sticky residue the idea great but abit of work to get off. I’m sure Bunnings would have a lot of great and inexpensive ideas to fix top of benches or revamp them

- - RaisingLittleBrowns said
  - 22 Sep 2020
    8:54 pm
I remember what my school books looked like after a little wear and tear not to mention how hard it was to have a book wrinkle free! I cringe at the thought of applying contact to something like my kitchen bench!

- - taynik46 said
  - 22 Sep 2020
    6:24 am
Whilst the looks of the contact on the bench tops is amazing and really does make an old kitchen look new again, it’s $3 contact – it doesn’t have longevity and as soon as you put a hot saucepan on it accidently it will be ruined, and the amount of tacky residue that would be left if you changed your mind about the look would be so time consuming to remove.

- - rovermum said
  - 21 Sep 2020
    10:36 am
No, I haven’t and wouldn’t, really. But a great reminder and warning to those who obsessively follow the Kmart hacks.

- - Jbuttxx said
  - 21 Sep 2020
    8:13 am
I feel these would melt and scratch in seconds. Would love to seem them after a week.

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 20 Sep 2020
    9:49 pm
Contact on benchtops? That just sounds silly. It’s not durable enough for this purpose.

- - mom468317 said
  - 20 Sep 2020
    7:57 pm
All the more reason to fact check everything before doing this type of stuff

- - shanika said
  - 20 Sep 2020
    12:31 pm
No I haven’t this is dangerous.

- - linaianna said
  - 20 Sep 2020
    10:43 am
I would never think to put this on kitchen benches way too risky and dangerous especially near heat while cooking.

- - mom418449 said
  - 19 Sep 2020
    9:15 pm
It seems strange that this would be put in countertops. I thought it’s used to cover books mainly!
- Ellen replied
  
  20 Sep 2020 , 5:00 am
  Yes, books, shelving and lining of drawers
- - mom460223 said
  - 19 Sep 2020
    6:15 pm
Wouldn’t think it would hold up to the wear and tear a kitchen endures anyway.

- - Jess said
  - 19 Sep 2020
    10:02 am
Honestly who would put contact on their benches *facepalm*

- - mom176887 said
  - 19 Sep 2020
    7:52 am
No haven’t used or heard of this vinyl. I wonder if KMart is the only place that sells it? I’s stay stick to arts and craft use.. and even that with care if kids might play with it!

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 19 Sep 2020
    7:18 am
I had no idea! I’ve seen these hacks and thought the decorators very clever (although I wouldn’t try myself), now I’m not so sure!

- - youngoldlady said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    9:27 pm
A sis in law showed me this hack back in 1990 as a way of covering my kitchen benches as they were terrible. Was always having to change it as some in the family would cut on it. It was handy for the few years we used it. Sold the house so it did not matter after that. This was in an old home.
- Ellen replied
  
  19 Sep 2020 , 4:49 am
  It may be handy to give the kitchen a quick good look when it’s up for sale, but really is too dangerous to use
- - Frankiielot said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    9:21 pm
We’re only renting so can’t really modify the house but I would never use this as it’s just tacky!