Complete Guide to Using Grippy Paper for Home and Crafting Projects

What is Grippy Paper?

Grippy paper gets its grip and traction from an intentionally textured surface coating. While normal printer or craft paper features a smooth surface, grippy paper has added chemical coatings that create a grainy, sandpaper-like texture.

This coarse surface helps to prevent sliding and increases friction between the grippy paper and the surfaces it comes in contact with. Popular brand names of grippy paper include Grip-Rite, Sure-Grip, Stick-Eez, and ShelfLiner.

Features of Grippy Paper

Some key features that set grippy paper apart include:

• Textured/grainy surface coating
• Rubberized and tacky feel
• Non-adhesive back
• Durable and tear-resistant
• Easy to cut and shape as needed
• Wide range of colors and patterns

Common Uses for Grippy Paper

Thanks to its no-slip traction coating, grippy paper has become a popular solution for adding grip and friction in a variety of applications both around the home as well as for crafters and artists.

Around the Home Uses

In and around the home, grippy paper offers many uses for increasing safety and preventing sliding accidents. Some ways grippy paper is used domestically include:

• Furniture and Rug Pads: Place underneath furniture legs, area rugs, and runners to prevent slipping on floors.
• Shelving and Drawer Liners: Line shelves and drawers to keep items securely in place and prevent shifting.
• Jar Openers: Use a grippy paper ring to help open tight jar lids with ease.
• Cabinet Door Stoppers: Stick onto insides of cabinet doors to prevent slamming and catch doors that drift open.

Crafting and DIY Applications

For crafters, artists, and hobbyists, the textured surface and easy customization of grippy paper also opens many possibilities. Some popular ways grippy paper is used for crafts include:

• Scrapbooking: Adds fun texture and prevents embellishments from being knocked loose.
• Arts and Crafts: Use for kids’ projects as a tactile, non-slip surface for gluing items.
• Sewing and Quilting: Apply to sewing machine and ironing boards to keep fabric securely in place.
• Origami and Paper Crafts: Textured surface allows for intricate folding, shaping, scoring, and embossing.

How To Choose Quality Grippy Paper

With grippy paper now available from many major retailers and brands, knowing what to look for when selecting grippy paper can ensure your projects turn out right.

Consider Thickness and Weight

Grippy paper is available in a range of thicknesses and paper weights. Lighter 12lb to 25lb paper works well for applications like lining shelves or drawers. For uses like rug pads and furniture grippers, opt for extra thick 40lb and above paper weight.

Mind the Size

Standard grippy paper is sold in sheets sized 8.5x11 inches or 12x12 inches. However, rolls are also available allowing you to cut pieces to custom sizes as needed. Consider if a certain dimension grippy paper is needed for your intended application.

Match Texture Level to Use

The grainy texture on grippy paper also varies. A finely textured surface works well for delicate paper crafts, while extra coarse grippy paper suits furniture and rug pads. Feel sample sheets when possible to assess texture.

Fluid Absorbency

For functional uses of grippy paper – like in kitchens and bathrooms – look for grippy papers touted as fluid resistant and impervious to moisture. This ensures longevity despite exposure to occasional spills and drips when used as liner paper.

Appearance and Design

While classic solid colors like black or transparent grippy paper suits most needs, decorative patterned designs allow grippy papers to also serve aesthetic purposes. Browse the range of available patterns and colors when decorative appearances matter too.

Using Grippy Paper for Top DIY Projects

Looking to try grippy paper out for yourself? Here are some of the most popular DIY grippy paper project ideas to tackle first.

Drawer and Shelf Liners

Lining drawers and shelves tops the list of handy ways to use grippy paper around the home. To create: measure the surface areas, cut grippy paper to size, peel away backing film, stick in place by smoothing flat from the center outward.

Rug Grippers

Prevent area rugs from creeping and sliding using grippy paper. Just cut pieces slightly smaller than the rug size, remove backing, and situate at corners and edges underneath for slip-resistant friction.

Jar Openers

Opening stuck jar lids becomes easy using a handy grippy paper round. Cut circles of grippy paper to fit lids, remove backing, adhere circles, then twist off lids with ease thanks to the no-slip grip.

Craft Surface Cover

For avid crafters and artists, cover work tables and surfaces in grippy paper instead of using mats. The textured surface keeps work materials from shifting while also protecting tables from adhesive and paint.

Tips for Working With Grippy Paper

While grippy paper brings great functionality for DIY projects and crafts, the texture can pose some unique handling challenges. Keep these tips in mind when tackling your next grippy paper craft or project:

• Use sharp scissors or craft knives for clean cuts – grippy paper dulls blade edges faster.
• Remove paper backing carefully and slowly to keep grippy paper from tearing.
• Smooth down well with even pressure to ensure maximum hold and adhesion.
• When removing grippy paper, pull up slowly at a 180 degree angle to minimize surface damage.
• Clean scissor and blade edges frequently for easiest cutting ability through the textured paper.

Where To Buy Grippy Paper

Thanks to the rise of grippy paper across so many handy household and craft uses, most major retailers now carry various options. Some places grippy paper can be purchased include:

• Craft and hobby stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby
• Home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot
• Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay
• Discount chains like Dollar Tree, Target, and Walmart
• Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club

Use the grippy paper buying guide tips to select the right product qualities and features to suit your intended projects. With the proper grippy paper in hand, you’re ready to tackle all kinds of crafts, functionality fixes, and DIY jobs relying on no-slip traction around the home.

FAQs

What are some popular uses for grippy paper at home?

Around the home, grippy paper is commonly used for lining shelves, drawers, cabinets, and furniture to prevent slipping. It also works well as rug grippers underneath area rugs and doormats.

Is grippy paper reusable?

In most cases grippy paper is reusable, as long as you peel it up slowly and evenly. However, reuse depends on the surface it was applied to and how long it was in place. Gently test if grippy paper will still adhere securely before reusing.

Where is the best place to apply grippy paper on furniture?

For furniture slip protection, apply small grippy paper squares to the bottom corners and edges of chairs, couches, and tables. Smooth grippy paper onto the legs bottoms of beds, dressers, and wardrobes as well.

How can I get a clean cut when cutting grippy paper?

The textured surface of grippy paper quickly dulls scissors. Use a fresh sharp blade, cut slowly with firm pressure, and place a cutting mat underneath for clean cuts through grippy paper.

How long does grippy paper last?

With proper surface prep and application, grippy paper typically lasts around 12-24 months before needing replacement. Factors like exposure to sunlight, fluids, and cleaning impact duration of stickiness.