Newspaper as shelf paper?

**Josephhgoins** · 08-23-2011, 10:20 PM

I am moving and and working on the new kitchen. I was thinking about using Newspaper as shelfpaper and wanted to see what you guys think?

Do you think the newsprint will rub off on the shelf?

**wunsagin** · 08-23-2011, 10:27 PM

don't know about an issue with ink but that's what my mom used back in the 60's, 70's and 80's

**Libby** · 08-23-2011, 10:33 PM

I think the ink might rub off. I don't think newspapers are made the same as back in the 70's. Have you considered using wax paper from the dollar store instead?

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-23-2011, 11:59 PM

If you'd been inside a printing office you wouldn't want newspaper anywhere near your food or dishes.

The ink from our papers does still rub off, so yeah, it may come off on your shelves.

Why do you need shelf paper in the first place? I've never known anyone who used it, so I don't see the appeal.

**Josephhgoins** · 08-24-2011, 06:47 AM

For me the shelf paper is just a barrier between whatever all the previous tenants put on the shelfs and what I do. I don't need it, I just want it.

Also makes it a little easier to clean. Worst case you just pull up the shelf paper and throw away.

Thanks for the tips, I think I will have to break down and just buy some its not like it's that expensive. I just had the newspaper here already.

**nuisance26** · 08-24-2011, 08:21 AM

~I like the waxed paper idea! I use mismatched cloth napkins as my shelf paper.~

**Ssindi** · 08-24-2011, 08:24 AM

I had used newspaper for years to line my shelves. I have some very old metal cupboards in my house that over the years got scratched. Slowly I have managed to get some rolls of wallpaper from the thrift stores that matched my kitchen colors. Just as slowly,I have managed to line my shelves with it. It is vinyl,so very easy to clean and should last as long as some of the newspaer did.

**OOwl** · 08-24-2011, 09:01 AM

The newspaper will turn yellow and brittle in time, especially if he gets slightly damp. I like the mismatched napkin idea. Pier One has them in the bargain bin all the time. I like that you can wash them and they absorb and damp still on clean, put-away dishes. Thank you for that idea. I'm working on new kitchen cabinets now.

**shoiji** · 08-24-2011, 12:39 PM

I would just give the shelves a good scrubbing with a little clorox or vinegar in the water. Pretty much a rule of thumb wherever I move to.

If I were going to line the shelves I would probably use contact paper since it is easy to clean. However I do not know the last time I saw contact paper. You could also ask you landlord if you could paint the top of the shelf.

I do not think I would want to open a cabinet and see newspaper on the shelf. To me it would seem very distracting and unorganized. Not that all my shelves are organized. Sometimes you need to take cover when opening a cabinet.