Instant GraniteVenetian Gold/Santa Cecilia Counter Top Film 36” x 144” Self Adhesive Vinyl Laminate Counter Top Contact Paper Faux Peel and Stick Self Application

I was really, really skeptical about using this. We are selling our home, and some of the bathroom vanity countertops were from 1980 and while structurally sound, they didn't look good at all. I thought about doing the granite paint, but I don't like how it's not very durable and it's also permanent. I figured this was worth a gamble, and it was. It took me a few hours total, including fixing my mistakes. The 12' length was good enough for both a 4' and 6' countertop, so be sure to buy a longer length than your actual countertop. You'll lose some due to wanting margin on each side and for things like backsplashes or side pieces to cover.The first countertop I left the sink in, and trimmed a hole in it so I could get it over the faucet. I trimmed way too far, and had a gaping hole behind the sink once I was "done". So, I put a small patch from trimmed off section underneath the hole, and trimmed the top one to straighter cuts. You can't even tell it's there unless you're looking for it. The pattern (the venetian gold) is super forgiving with that kind of thing. Everything else went without a hitch except for rounded corners. It does fine if you have right angled corners (just start a new piece and caulk, or use the gift wrap method they describe on videos) or if everything is a gentle curve, but if say the front of the countertop is curved downward, the side of that countertop (a curve tangential to a right angle) is very difficult to get right. And even when it's "right" you can definitely tell there's a weird issue with it. The good news is the pattern itself hides imperfections with the pattern, but you will see any physical overlaps on sides or front because of differing depths of material on the sides. My best advice is to plan on spending lots of time to get it right, and use the hair dryer to help stretch those areas together.The only other difficulty was adhering the material to the underside of the countertop front - it was exposed particle board (like many laminate countertops are), and would not stick at all. You could probably staple it, but I recommend getting a tube of liquid nails and gluing it to the bottom of that - it takes awhile to get it right, but when it's done it will look good. The second countertop I removed the sink to do, and things went much better (other than chipping my sink because someone must have glued it down with something like superglue, but it needed replacing anyway). Some videos mention spraying water before applying - there's no need for this; it can be adjusted fine without water, and you won't spend as much time squeegeeing it out.Once you complete all the detail pieces and put caulk on it, it seriously will look like real granite from a few feet away. It's not until you touch it that you realize it's not granite, and if you look closely you can see pixelation or imperfections in applying the material. I'm big on picking out patterns in stuff, and I can confirm that over at least a 6 foot stretch, there are no noticeable pattern repetitions in the material - it looks natural and realistic.Overall, I am quite pleased. I don't think I'd do it for daily-used countertops in my own hope except a short-term fix - the durability seems fine, but I think the imperfections in rounded corner installation would drive me crazy over time. But if you just want to improve the look of an area without investing a lot of cash, this is the way to go. Or if you're considering painting them, just do this instead - it's much more durable than paint and looks so much better. While I didn't have to experience the customer service, other reviews speak of how highly regarded they are, and willing to back their product. Give it a shot!

Redid my kitchen counters, and they look amazing! I love the look and color of it. I thought the instructions provided were very helpful, as were the installation videos on the Instant Granite website. I did use the smoothing tool that was included, but I also wrapped it in a small rag so that it didn't leave marks on the material as some others commented they had happen. I bought another smoothing tool as well, but found that the one that was included with the roll worked better.As many others have said, the product is a little tough to work with (though still easier than regular contac paper). I particularly did not find it as easy as they say to just unpeel, reposition, and restick. I found the material got stretched out a bit more easily than they say and didn't bounce back quite as easily as the instructions indicated it would. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. I also found it difficult to keep the material in place when working with a larger piece (I did the whole thing myself) and so the positioning got thrown off when working with bigger pieces for me. Instead of wrapping the material around the bottom of the counter, I used an Xacto knife to trim the edges, and that worked like a charm. I also did have to use the knife to occasionally poke some bubbles that I wasn't able to work out otherwise.It took me about 12 hours to do this project (including using clear caulking around the sink), but I've never done anything like this. I imagine other people who are more handy or who have help could do it much faster.On the whole, I'm very pleased with the look and found it a reasonably satisfying project. It has completely changed the feel of the kitchen for me. I bought another smaller roll to finish out the rest of the project. Images are attached. I've gotten tons of compliments on it, too!

My husband built new counter tops in our garage and we used this granite looking stick on paper. It looks so natural, and it has a nice shine on it. It didn't take us very long to install it. It seems to be the right thickness for what we needed it for! And the best part is it will be easy for him to clean up sawdust off of the counter.

I watched the very short videos on You Tube..the women looked like she was having a ball doing the installation, everything glided on so quick and easy...don't let the video fool you! Yes it was easy, but the no bubble part is a lie, so is the part about simply lifting the product back up if it wrinkles - doing this caused the wrinkles to intensify and unable to get out. It took three people to get this done. While I love the colors and what it has done to that section of the kitchen, I will forever will be living with creases in my "granite" counter top. I did look at their .com website for more guidance, but found only the Rachel Ray endorsement. Only after installing did I find this one their website"while the installation videos do not show the "wet installation" technique, it is highly recommended that this technique is the one to use". Great....where the heck is that listed? I can easily live with the flaws in the counter top...some of you might be able to so beware. Also NO SQUEEGEE was sent with the product

I used this to dress up an old buffet and also a side table in the living room. The pattern and thickness are very nice. It is also shiny which is nice too. However, I have had to add clear tape to make it stick. The adhesive is not very good and the edges come off everywhere.