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What are Thermofoil Cabinets? Thermofoil cabinets are a unique type of cabinetry made using a vinyl that is heated and pressurized onto an MDF core. Usually only used for cabinet doors and drawer fronts, Thermofoil cabinets come in many colors, styles, and finishes — even made in textures that resemble solid wood.
What are the pros and cons of thermofoil cabinets?
The Pros & Cons of Thermofoil Cabinets Easy Care and Low Maintenance. Homeowners may be attracted to thermofoil cabinets because of their easy care and maintenance. Design and Color Versatility. Heat Resistance. Moisture Resistance. Cost, Installation and Repair.
Are thermofoil cabinets good?
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.
Is thermofoil the same as laminate?
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.
Do thermofoil cabinets peel?
Thermofoil is a considerably thinner (and cheaper) material than either wood veneer or laminate veneer and thus is much more susceptible to peeling. Heat, moisture, or a combination of the two often are enough to loosen the bond between the thin thermofoil layer and the MDF core.
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.”Aug 9, 2017.
What is better thermofoil or MDF?
Thermofoil fronts are a lot more stable to MDF being used as the core; however, because of the nature of how they are made, they can be susceptible to heat. Extended exposure to a heat source will result in the plastic material peeling away from the core and discoloring.
Are thermofoil cabinets bad?
Cons. Damage: Despite their durability, thermofoil kitchen cabinets are prone to damage. Additionally, thermofoil cabinets can be sensitive to excessive heat and moisture, so it is best to keep this in mind when thinking about placement.
Are thermofoil cabinets cheap?
Thermofoil cabinets are some of the most affordable cabinets on the market. If you’re opting for stock Thermofoil cabinets with no customization, you can pick up cabinets for less than $100 per linear foot. For semi-custom or custom Thermofoil cabinets, you can pay around $350 per linear foot.
Are IKEA cabinets thermofoil?
IKEA kitchen cabinet styles at a variety of price points, including GRIMSLÖV, RINGHULT, VOXTORP, and YTTERBYN, are made of thermofoil adhered to a base of MDF or particleboard. Thermofoil coating results in a smooth, even, great-looking finish that is simple to wipe clean.
How do I know if my cabinets are thermofoil?
With Thermofoil, you will always be able only to cover 5 of the 6 sides of an object. It generally means that the backside of the cabinet doors will be some neutral colored laminate that will not match the rest of the door. Thermofoil is also more susceptible to peeling away from the wood.
Are thermofoil cabinets expensive?
Thermofoil cabinets are less expensive than others made from real solid wood. Homeowners report paying roughly $300 to $350 per linear foot, but prices vary depending on the manufacturer and quality.
Are laminate and thermofoil cabinets the same?
Laminate refers to any type of material used in the laminating process, whereas thermofoil constitutes a very specific type of PVC vinyl coating. Thermofoil comprises just one of the numerous laminates used in and around the home.
Can thermofoil cabinets be resurfaced?
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 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.
How do you clean thermofoil cabinets?
Care and Cleaning for Thermofoil (Matte and Wood Grain) To clean stains, always use a damp cloth or nonabrasive sponge and wipe with a 50/50 mix of water and Simple Green®, scrubbing lightly for 10 to 20 strokes. This should remove most stains.
How do you reface 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.
How do you protect thermofoil cabinets from heat?
Heat shields, which are essentially metal strips, between the cabinets and the heat source, can be installed to help protect the cabinets against the heat. Appliances – when using appliances that give off heat, like toaster ovens, crock pots and deep fryers, do not place then under your thermofoil kitchen cabinets.
Can you sand thermofoil cabinets?
Lightly sand the surface – With medium-grit sand paper (we recommend 220-grit), gently sand the clean wood – don’t go so hard that you rip or peel off the thermofoil layer. Clean again – Once the cabinets have been sanded, gently clean them again to get rid of any dust and debris, allowing them to air-dry.
