how to repair thermofoil

How to Repair Thermofoil

1. Pull the thermofoil layer back. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF. Be careful not to pull too...
2. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.
3. Apply the contact cement. While a helper holds the thermofoil separate from the MDF, coat both the back of the...
4. Do not immediately press the thermofoil back onto the MDF...

Full Answer

How do you repair thermofoil on MDF?

How to Repair Thermofoil Surfaces. Pull the thermofoil layer back. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF. Be careful not to pull too far or at an acute angle, since old thermofoil can snap off or crack. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core. Apply the contact cement.

How do you fix a thermofoil that is peeling?

Brush off any excess dirt or particles from the underside of the peeling thermofoil using your hand. Apply a liberal amount of contact cement to the thermofoil and the surface you want the thermofoil to stick to. Let the wet piece sit for two minutes or until the cement is tacky.

Can you repair thermofoil cabinets?

If the MDF itself is bulging or is in any condition other than completely flat and smooth, there is really no point in trying to repair the cabinets. Warped MDF cannot be sanded down, planed, or otherwise smoothed. With only a few simple tools and materials, you can repair thermofoil.

How do you fix a thermofoil leak?

Cleaning the areas to be glued often releasing more of the Thermofoil, making an even larger repair necessary. As a “do-it-yourself” repair, a small bottle of contact adhesive, some time, and patience, may be worth a consideration as a budget solution.

Can thermofoil cabinets be refaced?

When You're Upgrading the Door Material. If your existing cabinet doors are made from low-quality materials, refacing gives you the chance to upgrade. Instead of sticking with cheap, thermofoil cabinetry, you can reface cabinets and make the switch to wood veneer, or even solid hardwood doors.

Can you glue thermofoil?

The dark side is that the thermofoil in cabinets is subject to the delamination of the medium density fiber base (MDF). Instead of living with the problem or taking the more expensive route and buying new cabinets, you can fix the thermal coating of the peel relatively quickly by gluing it in place.

How do you refinish a thermofoil?

Use a quality MDF primer spray over the sanded and cleaned thermofoil cabinet surfaces or roll on a liquid primer. This will seal the underlying porous MDF and create a protective layer. The primer is also needed for the overlying slick of paint to adhere well to the surface and cut down on chips and cracks.

Can you paint thermofoil cabinets that are peeling?

Can You Paint A Thermofoil Cabinet? Yes, you can paint a thermofoil cabinet. These cabinets are made from MDF wood (medium density fiberboard) or cheap particle board wood that is laminated with a thin layer of vinyl known as “thermofoil”. The overall aesthetic is similar to laminate cabinets.

How long do thermofoil cabinets last?

Thermofoil cabinets can last 15 years or more with easy, routine maintenance. This lifespan may not be long enough for some homeowners, but it's ideal for property homeowners who are looking for quick, low-cost remodeling solutions for house flipping or fast home sales.

Can peeling laminate cabinets be repaired?

Depending on the damage, you can either fix the existing laminate or reface the door to fix the problem without installing entirely new units. As a general rule, if there are any cracks in the laminate, the entire piece needs to be replaced; however, if there's only peeling, you can reattach the laminate with adhesive.

Can you redo thermofoil?

With only a few simple tools and materials, you can repair thermofoil. As long as the MDF core is in good condition, it provides an acceptable surface for regluing the thermofoil layer.

Can I paint over thermofoil?

“You can paint over thermofoil, provided it isn't peeling. First, ask your local paint store for the correct primer, then apply the finish paint you wish to use. Most of the time, semi-gloss sheen is used on [thermofoil] cabinets.”

How do you refinish thermofoil kitchen cabinets?

0:286:04How to Paint Melamine or Thermafoil Kitchen Cabinets with Fusion ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution you want to wash them down and remove any grease or dirt. From them and then you want to doMoreSolution you want to wash them down and remove any grease or dirt. From them and then you want to do one to two coats of our Ultra Grip Ultra Grip is what makes painting the impossible. Possible.

What kind of paint do you use on thermofoil cabinets?

You can choose to use any water-based latex paint for the Thermofoil cabinet doors. Enamel paints are also a good choice because they are extremely durable and will last a long time without chipping and scratching. Enamel is typically very glossy.

How do you paint peeling thermofoil cabinets?

To remove it you simply heat it up with a hair dryer or heat gun and carefully peel it off. The surface underneath is called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and is painted in the same way you would paint raw wood. I lightly sanded it before applying the paint.

How do you fix peeling vinyl cabinets?

0:202:46Repair Loose Vinyl Cabinet Door Edges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.MoreHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.

What kind of paint do you use on thermofoil cabinets?

You can choose to use any water-based latex paint for the Thermofoil cabinet doors. Enamel paints are also a good choice because they are extremely durable and will last a long time without chipping and scratching. Enamel is typically very glossy.

Can you resurface MDF cabinets?

There are two options for choosing the right cabinet refacing material: Wood Cabinets and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) with a Rigid Thermofoil (RTF) finish. Wood Cabinets – When choosing wood cabinets for your refacing project, you have some decisions to consider.

How do you refinish cabinet wraps?

Paint your primer or paint selection on the cabinet with a nylon brush, a sprayer or a paint pad to prevent strokes. After the paint has dried, put on a wipe-on polyurethane varnish with a cotton cloth. Once the varnish has dried, put the hardware back in and rehang the doors.

How do you tell if cabinets are thermofoil?

Thermofoil vs. Melamine and Laminate cabinets are often confused with Thermofoil, but they are not the same material. Melamine and Laminate are made of melamine plastic, Thermafoil is vinyl. You can tell them apart by the following: Thermafoil is thicker, softer feeling, peels off more easily, and is more flexible.

Where and Why Thermofoil Will Peel Off

Whenever you have a laminated or veneered material, you run the risk of delamination. It is common for wood veneer to begin peeling off of furnitur...

Should You Repair Or Replace?

If this is a spot repair that is focused only on a cabinet corner or two, then you may want to proceed with the repair. But if this is a kitchen-wi...

How to Fix Peeling Thermofoil Cabinets

With only a few simple tools and materials, you can repair thermofoil. As long the MDF core is in good condition, you have a proper surface to glue...

Press Together and Secure

Press the two materials together. Hold firmly in place for about one hour. Using the soft materials as protection on the thermofoil face, sandwich...

Puppy damaged door from West Virginia

Watch how a puppy damaged door from West Virginia, undergoes a repair by our Company.

Thermofoil Repair Video

Many doors are sent to us for repair specifically because a) the homeowner is no longer able to locate the door profile shape (often after months of searching) and b) because the original Thermofoil color in the kitchen or bathroom has changed color (turning darker or more yellow).

Repair Durability Test

The video above will demonstrate how our repair product stands up to a heat gun. We offer a lifetime guarantee that parts you have repaired by us, will not delaminate down the road.

Dog Destroys Thermofoil Door

In this short video you will see how a badly damaged Thermofoil Door undergoes a repair by us. One entire corner was severely chewed by the family pet but after a multi-step repair the door was good enough to be reinstalled in the kitchen.

Thermofoil Cabinet Door Repair

Before and After. Watch an Island Peninsula with torn Thermofoil and center panel delamination, undergo repair by one of our Technicians.

What to do with thermofoil pulled back?

With the thermofoil pulled back, scrape off any excess cement from previous repairs.

How to keep thermofoil from slipping on MDF?

While the helper keeps the thermofoil away from the MDF, coat both the back of the thermofoil and the top of the MDF with contact cement. Be sure to apply contact cement near the edges.

How to remove contact cement from thermofoil?

You can remove excess contact cement from the edges by gently rubbing it with your fingers or a piece of cloth.

How to fix peeling thermal coating?

Instead of living with the problem or taking the more expensive route and buying new cabinets, you can fix the thermal coating of the peel relatively quickly by gluing it in place.

Can you sand warped MDF?

Warped MDF boards cannot be sanded, planed, or made smooth. With just a few simple tools and materials, you can repair thermofoil cabinets. As long as the MDF core is in good condition, you have an adequate surface to stick the thermofoil.

Is thermofoil good for cabinets?

Bathroom or kitchen cabinets with thermofoil coating are a mixed blessing. The good blessing part is thermofoil cabinets are among the cheapest cabinets you can buy. The dark side is that the thermofoil in cabinets is subject to the delamination of the medium density fiber base (MDF). Instead of living with the problem or taking ...

When Do You Need To Replace The Thermofoil Instead Of Repairing?

You can proceed with the repair if it is a one-time fix that only affects one or two corners of the cabinet.

What is thermofoil made of?

Thermofoil cabinets are typically made of medium-density fibreboard with a heat-treated vinyl shell on top. Over time, the shell may become brittle and separate from the MDF. This can appear flaking on the cabinet corners or massive chunks breaking off when you touch the edges, revealing the MDF underneath. To fix the vinyl back to the MDF and repair your cabinets’ peeling and torn parts, use a moisture-resistant adhesive.

How to fix peeling vinyl on MDF?

Using a little artist’s paintbrush, apply glue to the MDF under the peeling vinyl edge. Contact cement or another water-resistant adhesive are all excellent options. Apply a tiny amount on the bottom of the peeling vinyl and wait for the glue to get tacky, about a minute.

How to remove peeling edge from MDF?

Carefully lift the peeling edge. Sand any residual adhesive off the MDF using the corner of a piece of sandpaper. It’s possible to have lines and bumps under the vinyl layer if you glue over old, hard adhesive.

Can MDF and thermofoil be bonded?

The binding between thermofoil and MDF is strong once applied, but it can break down over time. The link between the thermofoil and the MDF may be loose by heat, dampness, or a combination of the two. Humidity and direct touch with water will further exacerbate the delamination process in restrooms, which are high humidity environments.

Is thermofoil good for cabinets?

A thermofoil-coated bathroom or kitchen cabinetry is a mixed blessing. The good news is that thermofoil cabinets are among the most affordable cabinets available. The thermofoil in cabinets, on the other hand, is susceptible to delamination of the medium density fiber foundation MDF.

Can you paint over thermofoil?

Repairing, refacing, repainting, and staining your kitchen cabinets if they are still in good physical condition are some of the less expensive options to restore their attractiveness. If the thermofoil isn’t peeling, you can paint over it. Request the appropriate primer from your local paint store, then apply the desired finish paint.

How to treat thermofoil?

By treating the thermofoil like laminate and using the adhesive that furniture companies use, your thermofoil furniture will be like new. Brush off any excess dirt or particles from the underside of the peeling thermofoil using your hand.

How long does it take for cement to dry?

Wipe away excess cement with a clean dry rag. Tape down pieces that won't stay down using masking tape. Allow to dry for 15-20 minutes.

Can you dampen thermofoil?

Do not dampen the thermofoil, rag or MDF. Extra moisture can ruin MDF. Throughout years of wear and tear in your home, you may find that the thermofoil on your kitchen cabinets or other furniture is starting to peel ever so slightly. Fix the peeling yourself at home without the high cost of replacing the furniture.

TAKE A FEW PHOTOS

In order to offer a viable solution to your unique problem, we ask that you send us a few photographs of the damaged Thermofoil, to show us the issue.

SUBMIT THE CONTACT FORM

Fill out the Contact Form and enter a few details. You will have the option to email or text photographs to us.

WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS

A trained Technician will then contact you to discuss your Thermofoil problems and how best to tackle them.

How to fix thermofoil?

Repair by gluing. Thermofoil does not stick well with many glues such as wood glue. Many repairs have been made with contact cement. This is a solvent adhesive that is applied to both surfaces, allowed to dry, and then assembled. The challenge is keeping the sides separated long enough to allow each side to dry. The glue seems to dissolve the Thermofoil some, and while it does seem to hold, the finish is not as smooth (lumpy/bumpy).I’ve not read or experienced any repair longevity tests to comment on or even suggest warranting this type of repair.The other factor to consider here is the cost. While contact adhesive is inexpensive, the repairs are labor intensive. Cleaning the areas to be glued often releasing more of the Thermofoil, making an even larger repair necessary. As a “do-it-yourself” repair, a small bottle of contact adhesive, some time, and patience, may be worth a consideration as a budget solution.

Can you replace cabinet and door faces with thermofoil?

With consideration of the time spent gluing, unknown longevity, and cosmetic issues with the repair, this may be a better choice. Be aware, this would only correct cabinet and door faces. Also, if replaced with Thermofoil, the risk is still there for peeling.

Does Deke's handman service thomofoil?

PLEASE NOTE! THIS IS AN INFORMATIONAL POST ONLY. AT THIS TIME, DEKE’S HANDYMAN SERVICE DOES NOT OFFER THERMOFOIL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT SERVICES.

Can thermofoil crack?

It may crack, it may not. It may bubble, it may not. Also, heat from cooking or an appliance can cause this as well. Generally speaking, it seems to just happen in random areas. Often what is peeling will continue to peel, and may peel from contact or attempted repairs. Thermofoil cabinet repair options: Repair by gluing.

How to fix a thermofoil?

If your thermofoil does begin to bubble, detach, or show other signs of damage, take care of the problem before it gets worse. Fix minor damage with glue . Apply a tiny amount of water-resistant glue to repair thermofoil if you catch it as soon as it starts to peel.

How to protect thermofoil cabinets?

Protect your thermofoil cabinets. Protect from heat and steam. Keep appliances which produce high heat and steam away from thermofoil cabinets as much as possible. This includes items like indoor grills, high-heat slow cookers, instant pots, and bathroom wall-mounted heaters. Alternatively, use a heat shield.

Why do thermofoil cabinets peel?

And here's a much more serious downside to thermofoil cabinets -- especially older and/or less expensive varieties: Excessive heat and moisture are like kryptonite to this cabinet finish, eventually causing it to bubble, crack, and peel off at the edges of doors and drawers. Obviously problematic for cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, two rooms that are practically synonymous with heat and moisture!

How far out should you pull an oven before cleaning?

When you utilize the self-clean feature, it is preferable to remove the cabinet doors prior to operation, if you can. Otherwise, pull the oven outward 8 inches before running the cycle.

How to keep oven from leaking?

Ventilate. Run the kitchen exhaust during any cooking. Install a fan that vents to the outdoors, rather than merely filtering the air. In the bathroom, turn on your vent fan before you shower and let it continue to run for at least 15 minutes afterward (a timer can help with this). Be cautious with self-cleaning ovens.

What to do with a damaged cabinet?

Paint over the damage. The Home Depot suggests application of a bonding primer like Glidden Gripper, followed by painting over the entire cabinet front.

Does thermofoil need to be painted?

Unlike wood, thermofoil bathroom or kitchen cabinets will not require any painting or staining -- ever. Producing cabinetry via this technique also tends to be cost-effective, a savings which is usually passed on to the consumer.