Are thermofoil cabinets any good?
Durability-wise, thermofoil stands up to daily use and general wear and tear better than a painted cabinet. The finish holds up strongly against regular household damage such as water spills or light hand scratches due to its plastic coating.
What is textured thermofoil?
Thermofoil is a non-porous coating for medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a sturdy alternative to solid wood. Raw MDF chips and swells when subjected to water and does not take paint well; thermofoil makes MDF a viable, lower-cost builder’s option for kitchen cabinetry.
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.
- Heat Resistance.
- Moisture Resistance.
- Cost, Installation and Repair.
What is better thermofoil or laminate cabinets?
Durable: Not only do thermofoil kitchen cabinets look great, but they are also durable. The material used to create laminate cabinets can resist gradual erosion caused by mechanical, physical, and chemical actions.
Does IKEA use thermofoil cabinets?
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.
Do thermofoil cabinets peel?
Absolutely. While it may be unfortunate that your thermofoil cabinet doors are peeling, in most scenarios the cabinet boxes are untouched and last much longer. Our Re-Door service provides customers the opportunity to replace their thermofoil cabinet doors with wood doors.
How do you tell if your cabinets are thermofoil?
Thermofoil is a vinyl laminate that is heated and pressurized onto an MDF core. This process leaves a completely smooth surface that does not show any seams. The lack of seams around the door’s joints can be a clear indication that your cabinet doors are a laminate material.
How do you fix peeling thermofoil cabinets?
Instructions
- Pull Back the Thermofoil Layer. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF.
- Scrape the Cement. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.
- Apply the Contact Cement.
- Wait to Press.
- Press Together and Secure.
- Clean Up.
What is a foil finish on IKEA 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 thermofoil cabinets?
Thermofoil cabinets are among the least expensive cabinet options on the market. The smooth vinyl surfaces of thermofoil cabinets and drawer facings wipe clean with only a damp cloth. Pristine vinyl-wrapped thermofoil cabinets are less susceptible to humidity and warping than solid wood.
Can you paint thermofoil faced cabinets?
Difficult to resurface: Thermofoil-faced MDF cabinets cannot be painted. They could potentially be run through another thermofoil press, but the cost is prohibitive. The best bet would be to purchase entirely new thermofoil doors and drawer fronts while retaining the cabinet boxes.
What is the difference between MDF and thermofoil cabinets?
MDF alone is not an adequate material for door and drawer fronts. It easily chips, will swell when subjected to water, and does not take paint well. Due to this, MDF needs a solid, not liquid (paint) protective covering. Thermofoil fills that need as it adheres to MDF well. Thermofoil cabinets are made with a large vacuum press.
Why do white thermofoil cabinets turn yellow?
Thermofoil coatings are sensitive to heat and may blister or peel when used near dishwashers, ovens or stovetops. Metal heat shields used to prevent this problem are not always successful and break up the clean lines of the cabinets. As the vinyl coating ages, white thermofoil cabinets sometimes develop an unattractive yellow cast.
