Finally, she used a sharp utility knife to trim the edges flush.

Once tacky, she pressed them together, using a rubber roller to squeeze out every air bubble.

It was the weekend before the big housewarming party, and Elena’s kitchen looked like a disaster zone. Her once-pristine cabinets were peeling at the edges—the dreaded "delamination" of old age.

"I can’t afford a full remodel by Saturday," she muttered, picking at a loose strip of vinyl.

Elena just smiled, adjusted a coaster, and kept the secret of the $150 rolls of plastic to herself.