How To Paint Thermofoil-Wrapped Cabinets: Step By Step Process Of Painting Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

Step By Step Process Of Painting Thermofoil-Wrapped Kitchen Cabinets

Thermofoil cabinets are usually constructed of a laminate material that is blended over the top of particleboard. Some of the important properties of thermofoil cabinets are: it is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and difficult to damage. As a result, thermofoil is also not easy to paint but can be painted. Paint is an affordable option if in case you are thinking of replacing your cabinets and you should certainly try to paint the thermofoil before going to the cost of tearing out your cabinets.

Step 1: Safety Considerations

Before starting the painting process, you need to select a working place that is well-ventilated. Apart from that, it is the best idea no to perform such type of painting work when children are around. If in case you are not detaching the cabinets in order to paint them, then you need to open any available doors as well as windows and use a fan, if feasible, so that air will keep flowing during the process of repairing the Thermofoil cabinets peeling.

Step 2: Prepping The Surface

Now, clean the cabinets rigorously in order to get rid of all the grease and residue. Kitchen cabinets, in specific, are covered with cooking oils as well as the oils from your fingers. With the help of an ammonia-based cleaner, you can clean the cabinets entirely & then let it dry. Before the painting process, you first need to sand the cabinets well with the help of fine-grit sandpaper in order to smoothly rough up the surface. A palm sander can also be used which will make the sanding process a lot quicker. The reverberation from a palm sander makes the sanding process smoother and more rigorous as compared to hand sanding. Your main center of attention should be on designing texture on the cabinets, not on getting rid of the finish. Cleanse all of the sanding dust with the help of a damp rag.

Step 3: Applying The Primer

The primer is an important feature when it comes to painting a smooth surface like Thermofoil. Make sure to select a good bonding primer like Zinsser B-I-N. Zinsser consists of shellac that will adhere like glue to the surface of the cabinets. Apply the primer with the help of a foam roller. A foam roller will spread the paint in a gentle and even coat.

Step 4: Painting Thermofoil Cabinets

Any kind of water-based latex paint can be used for the Thermofoil cabinet doors. Enamel paints are also considered as the best option due to the reason that they are long-lasting as it will last for a long time duration without chipping and scratching. Enamel is usually very glossy. Select a satin finish latex paint if in case you don't want a high gloss finish. Paint the cabinets using numerous thin coats of paint. A foam roller is the best option if in case you are looking for the smoothest finish. Smoothly sand the cabinets with the help of fine-grit sandpaper betwixt coats. Allow each coat to dry fully before sanding and then you can apply the next coat.

Step 5: Sealing The Cabinets

For extra safety, you can also apply a coat of water-based polyurethane, with the help of good quality brushes, as soon as your cabinets have dried fully. Polyurethane usually comes in matte, satin, as well as gloss finishes & all of them will provide good safety. Allow the cabinets to heal for nearly 7 to 10 days before you subject them to a lot of abuse. The paint will be dim and will reduce and peel easily for the first week.