Cabinets made from MDF are often coated with a thermofoil coating. Thermofoil resembles paint, but is more resistant to stains. Refinishing MDF cabinets cannot be done in the traditional sense because you cannot sand away the original finish and apply a coat of stain. However, you can paint MDF with good results.

Also question is, how do you fix peeling Thermofoil cabinets?

How to Repair Thermofoil Surfaces

  1. Pull the thermofoil layer back. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF.
  2. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.
  3. Apply the contact cement.
  4. Do not immediately press the thermofoil back onto the MDF core.
  5. Press together and secure.
  6. Clean up.

Secondly, how long do Thermofoil cabinets last? 10 years

Also know, can you paint over Thermofoil cabinets?

“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.”

Are Thermofoil cabinets expensive?

New thermofoil cabinets may cost as little as $350 per linear foot. Refacing can run as low as $1,000 for a complete kitchen. Thermofoil mounted over solid wood doors is often just as expensive as cabinets with wooden doors.

Related Question Answers

Is Thermofoil cabinet good?

Thermofoil cabinets are prized as kitchen and bathroom cabinets because of their superior moisture resistance. However, while they do resist moisture better than other materials, such as plain MDF and wood, they're not entirely waterproof.

How do you resurface Thermofoil cabinets?

How to Refinish MDF Thermofoil Cabinets
  1. Clean the cabinets with trisodium phosphate (TSP) to completely remove any grime or residue from the surface.
  2. Remove the doors and drawers from the cabinets.
  3. Sand the cabinets lightly with medium grit sandpaper.
  4. Prime the cabinets with a primer for slick surfaces.

How do you fix a sagging cabinet?

Place a piece scrap of plastic laminate under the ends of the props and stand them vertically under the front of the cabinet spaced evenly. They will be too long to fit, so just tap them under at an angle with a hammer until they will stay in place.

What is the difference between Thermofoil and laminate cabinets?

Thermofoil only appears on cabinets, doors and other surfaces made of MDF. Laminate, on the other hand, appears in a wide variety of products, ranging from erasable whiteboards to photographs, floors and metal sinks. Dentists even use various types of laminates on teeth to protect them while creating a natural look.

How do you fix peeling cabinet doors?

Here are the steps:
  1. Remove and/or glue down any Thermafoil that is peeling.
  2. Clean the cabinets thoroughly with water, dish detergent, and a sponge.
  3. Once clean and dry apply a bonding primer.
  4. Apply an oil- based paint in the color of your choosing.

Can you repair laminate cabinets?

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.

What is white Thermofoil?

White Thermofoil cabinet doors feature a flawless, silky-smooth surface. Thermofoil material is applied to medium-density fiberboard (MDF) using an intense heat and pressure-bonding process to ensure durability. Thermofoil finish is made of laminate and provides a uniform look from door to door.

Are Ikea cabinets Thermofoil?

IKEA Kitchen Cabinets Quality

IKEA's cabinets are made out of MDF (MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard) wrapped in a very durable melamine finish… And no, MDF is not the same thing as particle board… It's MUCH stronger and can be used for the same building applications as plywood…

What kind of paint do you use on Thermofoil cabinets?

Supplies Needed to Paint Thermofoil Cabinets
  • Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer.
  • A small plastic paint tray.
  • A 4″ foam roller.
  • A foam brush.
  • Painter's tape if you need to tape off your walls and/or countertop next to the vanity.
  • A high quality paint brush.
  • A sanding block.
  • Benjamin Moore Advance Waterborne Interior Alkyd Paint.

What is RTF cabinet doors?

What is RTF? RTF is “Ridged Thermofoil“. It is applied to an MDF substrate with heat and heat activated glue under immense pressure in a high vacuum press. The resulting product is very durable. With the new RTF veneers available today, cabinet doors look very much like natural wood.

Is Thermofoil paintable?

Thermofoil is essentially a thin layer of vinyl that is applied to MDF via an intense heat and pressure-bonding process. The end result is durable and super easy to clean. But because of that smooth finish and vinyl-like surface, it is widely known that they are extremely difficult to paint.

How do you paint Thermofoil cabinet doors?

How to Paint Thermofoil Cabinets
  1. ONE | Remove & Wash Door Fronts. After you remove the doors, just give them a quick wash with warm water.
  2. TWO | Lightly Sand. Very lightly sand the doors.
  3. THREE | Wash & Dry.
  4. FOUR | PREP YOUR SPACE.
  5. FIVE | Prime the Cabinet Doors.
  6. SIX | Prime Again.
  7. SEVEN | Spray the Doors.
  8. EIGHT | Let Dry Completely.

How often should you replace kitchen cabinets?

According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders the following kitchen appliances last on average:
  1. Sink: 5-10 years.
  2. Faucet: 15 years.
  3. Dishwasher: 9 years,
  4. Cabinets: 50 years.
  5. Range, gas: 15 years.
  6. Refrigerator: 13 years.
  7. Countertops made of natural stone: lifetime.
  8. Countertops made of marble: 20 years.

Are laminate cabinets durable?

Laminate and wood are the two most popular materials used for kitchen cabinets, and they both offer a range of advantages and disadvantages related to price, durability and appearance. But the slightly less durable nature of laminate cabinets is often overlooked, because of the final factor: cost.

How do you whiten melamine cabinets?

Make a mixture of 1 cup vinegar mixed to 2 cups water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Apply with a soft white rag and wipe. If that does not work Home Improvement stores may carry a laminate cabinet cleaner. Becareful it does not contain any bleach.

How much does it cost to reface cabinets in a small kitchen?

What Does Refacing Cost? A professional cabinet refacing for a typical 10-foot-by-12-foot kitchen starts at around $1,000 to $3,000 for laminate. Expect to pay $2,500 to $6,000 for real wood veneer. Costs can rise to $7,000 to $9,000 or more for a large project with high-quality wood veneer.

Are MDF cabinets durable?

MDF consists of thin panels made from wood fiber, resin and wax. When it comes to engineered wood, MDF is often considered a level above plywood. It is denser, stronger and more durable. For these reasons, it has almost as many applications as solid wood.

Can I paint over Thermofoil cabinets?

“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.”