HowTo's

FAUX BASICS

There are several mediums you can use for removable fauxing.
Contact paper (simplest and most versatile)
Wallpaper (stapled to wall or glued to contact paper)
Fabric (mainly for walls)
Painted paper or plastic (if painted plastic, cover with varnish
to prevent flaking or chipping.)
Posterboard (painted then glued to contact paper)

But before you choose a pattern, you need to decide where
you're going to use it. I've written an e-book for faux tiling the
fireplace, fauxing cabinets and countertops, and giving mirrors
and windows the frosted glass look. There's also a section on
painting clear contact paper to give the windows the
appearance of stained glass. Designs are available on this
website if you're interested in going beyond the basics. You
can use contact paper in any of the areas below depending on
the surfaces involved. If the surface is painted or veneered, you
must test a small section or two first to make sure the paint
will not come up when you remove the contact paper.

Warning: Some apartment countertops and bathtub
surfaces are just painted over instead of being covered
with formica, porcelain, or a tough plastic lining.

Please note that the strength of the adhesive varies
depending on the manufacturer so testing the glue strength
on various surfaces is important. The glue usually adheres
most strongly to windows and mirrors. Therefore, after
removal, glass cleaner may need to be used on those
particular areas. But in general, removal is quick and easy.

Other than fireplaces, countertops and cabinets, complete
coverage of the area is probably not necessary. That's when
choosing the right design (cutting the contact paper into a
particular shape or image) comes in handy. For mirrors and
windows you would want to use the clear or frosted
contact paper. The white glue shows through on the clear
contact paper, that's why it gives the appearance of frosted
glass.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, the contact paper doesn't cling
well to painted or textured walls. It usually falls down in a
few hours or days. In this case you would want to use double
sided tape in several strategic places on the contact paper to
reinforce the bond between the wall and the contact paper.

Contact paper or adhesive shelf liner comes in a variety of
colors, patterns, and textures. Different websites that sell
contact paper are provided in the upper right corner and to the
left, or you can check out department stores, hardware stores,
various dollar stores or whatever local stores carry contact
paper. I'm sure you'll be able to find a pattern you like.