How to waterproof new kitchen cabinet shelves without using liners

3 years ago

Now that my kitchen cabinets are installed I am looking for a way to waterproof shelves and provide a smooth surface that will allow dishes and glasses to slide without using liners. My household members will most likely be placing not completely dry dishes and pots into cabinets. All drawers will be lined with a non-slip transparent liner but the upper shelves and base cabinet will need additional protection. I have tested probably 10 types of liners but other than contact liners with adhesive backing, all either bunch up or have a non-slip surface.

All non-adhesive liners have a non-slip surface, making it challenging to slide glasses and pots.

The cabinet shelves are already coated but I am afraid that over time I will end up with scratches and water damage especially when pushing heavy pots in the base cabinet.

Ideally, add a permanent clear and waterproof coating that will provide additional protection and a smooth surface.

Featured Answer

Margaret
Original Author

3 years ago

I got Plast-O-Mat Ribbed Shelf Liner on shelves and works great. May need a bit of contact cement or some other adhesive on the front edge but it allows for dishes and pots to slide.

Thank you for your recommendation.

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Comments (11)

millworkman
3 years ago
" The cabinet shelves are already coated but I am afraid that over time I will end up with scratches and water damage especially when pushing heavy pots in the base cabinet. "

You will and what you want really does not exist, other than what you have now..
PRO
Kristin Petro Interiors, Inc.
3 years ago
If these are laminate shelves, you really do not need to cover them with anything. They are very durable. Back in the day when cabinet shelves were solid wood, we had to paper them. But it's not necessary now.
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ljwrar
3 years ago
If you are on the west coast, I recommend calling Tap Plastics to source what you are looking for. Otherwise, find a nearby plastic supplier. They will have all kinds of flexible sheets they can cut to size.

One option for DIY is a ribbed shelf liner.

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_rolls/shelf_liners/250
ljwrar
3 years ago
A couple more options, thick vinyl sheeting.

https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/products/clear-marine-vinyl

https://farmplasticsupply.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=974&srsltid=AeTuncqhBL4R9Om-kumCnDIChbPwGQktVZFjisn7a9dWAhjxMn6y6T-SgSk
Margaret
Original Author
3 years ago
I am tempted to place adhesive contact paper inside the blind corner cabinet. This is my main problem area since that's where I will be storing cooking pots. Pushing and pulling the cooking pots will be unavoidable. The kitchen is small and would not allow for enough deep drawers to store cooking pots.
PRO
User
3 years ago
Just dry off your darn pots. No one should ever put wet things inside cabinets. Besides the potential for water damage, there is the potential for bacteria to breed in that water that just sits there in the pots or recesses of the cups.
Kate
3 years ago
Plexiglass, cut to fit.
Margaret
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for your feedback. Will give Plast-O-Mat Ribbed Shelf Liner a try and then move on to liners that may require custom cut. Based on reviews Plast-O-Mat Ribbed Shelf Liner may allow for dishes to slide.

I know that dishes and pots should be dry before being placed in cabinets but I wanted to add protection from accidental water damage and scratches.
PRO
Creative Design Cabinetry
3 years ago
Seems like housebreaking of the household members is in order. No matter what you line the shelves with, the cabinets are not made to endure water.
skitt
3 years ago
I've got a few cupboards lined with peel and stick tiles and they are basically amazing. Soy sauce and oil and everything just wipes right off. They make really pretty ones now too.