how to repair thermofoil cabinet doors

• Act as quickly as possible. 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.
• Paint over the damage. ...
• Replace doors. ...

Full Answer

Can You reface thermofoil cabinets?

Unlike wood, Thermofoil cabinets don’t require painting. Not only this, Thermofoil works as a refacing material to give you a complete look like wood with the ease of cleaning due to its shiny and water-repellent surface, so you don’t need to hassle with cleaning purposes.

Do it yourself refacing kitchen cabinet doors?

• Orient the doors so that all the patterns run in the same direction.
• Install the door hinges, positioning each hinge one hinge-length from the top and from the bottom of the door. ...
• Use a drill to create screw holes in the door, then affix the hinges with wood screws.

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How to reface MDF cabinet doors?

Instructions

• Remove all cabinet doors, clean, and lightly sand.
• Cut 1/4" MDF into 3" or 2" strips.
• Use liquid nails (or wood glue) to apply strips around the cabinet door.
• Secure into place with finishing nails.
• Apply filler to nail holes and seams.
• Sand the cabinet doors with #220 grit sandpaper then wipe with a clean cloth.

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How to router existing cabinet doors?

MATERIALS:

• 1/4″ MDF sheet or Cabinet Grade Plywood ( I used one cut to 3″ for the doors & 2″ for the drawers)
• liquid nails or wood glue
• 5/8″ brad nails
• wood filler
• caulk
• pencil

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.

Can thermofoil cabinets be peeled and painted?

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. LIGHTLY is the operative word here.

How do you fix a peeling cabinet door?

1:118:03Repairing peeling laminate kitchen doors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis one I've completely glued with a glue that I've discovered from Wix which and this is theMoreThis one I've completely glued with a glue that I've discovered from Wix which and this is the dishwasher I've put the aluminium angle.

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 thermofoil be replaced?

You can replace your thermofoil doors with wood doors that are painted or stained. Although painted and stained wood doors can still experience wear-and-tear, they can easily be refinished to remove cracks, dents, and scratches, without needing to be replaced.

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 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.

How do you repair laminate cabinets that are peeling?

Unscrew the hinges from the cabinet with a screwdriver. ... Lay the door flat and peel back the laminate with your fingers as far as it will go. ... Apply solvent-based, waterproof contact cement to the exposed core as well as the underside of the laminate surface that you peeled away, using a small paintbrush.More items...

How do you fix peeling veneer on kitchen cabinets?

0:556:10Repairing A Peeling Veneer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then heal it all feels all really easy then it was just a matter of cutting. The iron-on veneerMoreAnd then heal it all feels all really easy then it was just a matter of cutting. The iron-on veneer strips to fit perfectly with the circle that I cut again they cut very easily.

How do you repair laminated kitchen cabinets?

1:182:41Laminate Cabinet Door Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With justMoreIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With just a knife and a putty knife. And that's going to take some doing you may need to cut.

Why are my kitchen cabinets peeling?

Your kitchen cabinets might peel for many reasons, including water damage, a poor paint job or high humidity. Areas near the sink and above the stovetop are especially prone to peeling, and it's an eyesore that can drive you batty.

Can you paint over wrapped kitchen doors?

Painting over the vinyl will cause the thinners to penetrate through and will only speed up the peeling process. We do not suggest painting over vinyl wrapped doors. We can't take the vinyl off until it starts to peel. If we try, it can in fact potentially ruin the door.

Can you paint cabinets that are wrapped?

You need to use special paint when painting vinyl cabinets. If your vinyl or laminate covered particleboard cabinets are peeling, you may want to consider giving them a fresh coat of paint.

Are thermofoil cabinets worth buying?

Thermofoil cabinets are a superb option, and they can be used in any room of your home. Because thermofoil is a cost-effective cabinet material, your kitchen can be revamped more easily by simply choosing a new color, finish, or style of door to be swapped out with the old.

Can you paint over thermoplastic cabinets?

Use a paint brush or roller to apply latex paint. Use wide, even strokes. Foam is usually optimal for applying paint to thermofoil. Wait for the first coat of paint to dry.

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.