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khayalami_gw

Painting Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

khayalami
10 years ago

I have also posted in the Paint forum...

I am in the process of negotiating to buy a house which has white thermofoil cabinets. The market is rather tight and there are few listings, and this house will have to do.
While I have nothing against white kitchens, they would impractical in my household of three active boys in their tweens and teens. The constant wiping would drive me crazy.

Besides the color, the cabinets seem to be in good condition, no visible peeling or bubbling. So I would be painting over perfectly good cabinets to all to a complete gray or just the bottoms to a chocolate or black/brown.

Back to the questions :)
1) Is it possible to paint over thermofoil and get nice results
2) If so what primer would be suitable, and what special prep would be required besides (thourough cleaning, slight sanding)?
3) Any recommendations on the paint that would provide >5 years durability.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (8)

  • kam76
    10 years ago

    I have had thermafoil cabinets for the past 7 years (we bought this house, I didn't put them in) and I love them! We have two young kids. I can say that they are the easiest cabinets I have ever owned as far as cleaning. Nothing sticks to them and wiping them up is a breeze. They also don't seem to get that grimy "halo" that some painted cabinets can get...at least mine have not. I wouldn't paint them just because you would probably risk scrubbing the paint off when you do try to clean them. Unless someone on the paint forum has a paint that will stick well to plastic which is basically what thermafoil is.

  • BartellMike
    10 years ago

    Stop! Do not paint your thermofoil cabinetry. I will reinforce what kam76 noted in all cases. Yes, white will show the dirt and grime but they are very easy to clean. Your chances of painting thermofoil (plastic) successfully and having it last are near nill. If you want to change the look you could try Renewing or refacing your cabinetry. You would be leaving the existing cabinets in place and purchasing new doors and drawer fronts. The countertops and all appliances will stay in place throughout this process, you will have the look you want when completed and a warranty.

  • nosoccermom
    10 years ago

    I think painting Thermofoil cabinets should be a last resort as they are probably the most durable finish around. If you are worried that your kids will be too tough on the white Thermofoil cabinets, I imagine that painted cabinets would be a lot more problematic, especially since it'll be pretty much impossible to get a professional and durable finish.
    I would live with, and enjoy, the cabinets until they are in such a bad shape that you either HAVE to paint or reface/replace.

  • writersblock (9b/10a)
    10 years ago

    Instead of painting the thermofoil, you might remove it and paint the cabinets. Bamaspice did, with great results:

    Here is a link that might be useful: bamaspice's kitchen

  • suanderpen
    10 years ago

    Don't paint or peel them peel. Find another way to bring color into your kitchen...walls, window treatments, accent pieces. If they are a good quality thermofoil & properly installed, they are perfect for active families. A breeze to keep clean.

  • BobbyHs
    10 years ago

    I have glued down thermofoil if wasn't peeling too much, and I have sanded them and sprayed them with an epoxy primer and then painted them faux finished and stenciled them, also I have peeled off the plastic foil and primed and painted and covered them with a very hard clear. The casings usually sand out and can be repainted easily.

  • attofarad
    10 years ago

    I cannot imagine paint of any color being easier to keep clean than white Thermofoil. My wife has Thermofoil in her master bath, and it is trival to keep clean (and she is a mess, bronze makeup power, etc.). We haven't even moved in to my remodeled house yet, and the off-white / espresso cabinets are obviously much more of a cleaning problem.

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