- Repair by gluing. Thermofoil does not stick well with many glues such as wood glue. Many repairs have been made with contact cement. ...
- Replace cabinet and door faces. With consideration of the time spent gluing, unknown longevity, and cosmetic issues with the repair, this may be a better choice. ...
- Cabinet replacement. While this may be the most expensive option, this would lend itself well to a kitchen or bath remodel/makeover/upgrade.
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.
How do you remove thermofoil and paint cabinets?
Thermofoil cabinets are usually built from medium density fiberboard covered in a heat-treated vinyl shell. The shell can become brittle over time, separating from the MDF. This may show up as ...
How to fix peeling surfaces on thermofoil cabinets?
- Lift the peeling edge carefully.
- Paint the MDF under the peeling edge of vinyl with glue on a small artist's paintbrush.
- Press the vinyl to the MDF.
- Wipe away excess glue with a dry rag, then tape the glued section in place with painter's tape.
- Things You Will Need.
- Warning.
- References (3)
- About the Author.
How do you repaint MDF kitchen cabinets?
Instructions
- Sand Surface and Edges. With #220 grit sandpaper on a sanding block, lightly sand the surface. ...
- Apply Sanding Sealer. Stir the sanding sealer to mix. ...
- Sand Surface. Let the sanding sealer dry for at least one hour. ...
- Clean MDF Surface. ...
- Apply Second Coat of Sealer. ...
- Sand Second Coat of Sealer. ...
- Apply Filler to Edges. ...
Can a thermofoil be repaired?
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.
How do you resurface thermofoil cabinets?
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 do you fill holes in thermofoil cabinets?
0:147:07How to fix holes in cabinet doors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is the little plug that we made and so now I'm just using like an instant glue I used a bitMoreSo this is the little plug that we made and so now I'm just using like an instant glue I used a bit gorilla glue because it was easy on the Shelf.
Can thermofoil cabinets be redone?
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.
Can thermofoil cabinets be refinished?
“Unfortunately, you really can't paint over thermofoil. If you don't want to replace all of the cabinets, we usually suggest replacing just the thermofoil on the doors and drawer fronts. The cabinet boxes and faceframes can be repainted to match. This would give the kitchen a whole new look.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
What do you use to fill holes in cabinets?
Fill Hole Or Holes With Wood Putty After the hole is full, use the putty knife to scrape the excess off the surface of the cabinet and leave the putty flush with the panel or door. If you're filling small nail holes and the wood putty color is a match to the cabinet door, then this may be your one and only step!
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.
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.
How do you fix plastic coated cabinets?
Remove any loose or peeling plastic coating. Sand the surface to dull the gloss and smooth the transition between the bare wood and plastic coating. Vacuum any sanding dust, and then wipe the cabinet down with a damp cloth. Apply one or more coats of a bonding primer to the cabinet (spray primer works best).
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...
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 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.
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.
