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.

41 Comments

- - mom412922 said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    8:33 pm
I had no idea about this! I just couldn’t believe the final looks of some of these ‘hacks’

- - alongcamejayden said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    8:07 pm
Truly is dangerous.. i only use this for photography backdrop

- - ashna9 said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    7:58 pm
You wouldn’t be able to put anything hot on top of the vinyl or spill any boiling water while making coffee etc.

- - Forgetful Mumma said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    3:25 pm
I agree my (play) kitchen makeover did look amazing when I used this, but would worry about toxins in my food if I used it in a real kitchen

- - nadine_hill said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    2:47 pm
There’s no way I would do this – way too dangerous!

- - babymumma said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    8:06 am
I would never use this in the kitchen or bathroom not too sure why other people would. Hopefully they realise the dangers sooner rather than later.

- - Ellen said
  - 18 Sep 2020
    4:58 am
It would be crazy & dangerous to use vinyl on your kitchen counter, I think that’s common sense.

- - mom101628 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    11:58 pm
Great advice and warnings in this article. Thanks for posting it.
- mom93821 replied
  
  19 Sep 2020 , 11:34 am
  Valuable information that is shared is always welcome.
- - mom462929 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    9:31 pm
I would never do this. It looks ridiculous and is really dangerous

- - mom62527 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    9:18 pm
There is no way I would ever do this in my kitchen, cheap things in your kitchen
like this normally equal disaster. What are people thinking how silly and careless. It’s definately not safe.
- Ellen replied
  
  18 Sep 2020 , 5:03 am
  Yes I agree
- - mom265671 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    9:13 pm
Wow, all these people doing this need to read this!
- Ellen replied
  
  18 Sep 2020 , 7:47 am
  Absolutely !
- - mom80165 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    8:58 pm
People should know it has the protension to be dangerous

- - mom268263 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    8:30 pm
Good information on PVC and a wake up call to use appropriate materials in the proper way. I think photos might be more flattering than seeing vinyl coated bench tops close up.

- - BellaB said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    6:49 pm
I’m not fond of the craze for sticking vinyl on everything. And I would think, given how cheap it is, that the health risks could be major.

- - Zmijka86 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    6:30 pm
First at all i dont like that hack ….good points in there for taking your thoughts from using it

- - mom93821 said
  - 17 Sep 2020
    4:54 pm
An article to give thought too – thank you.