Cabinet Refinishing with paints

9 years ago

I'm currently renovating 5 kitchens in a condo association in town. The builder's grade, thermofoil cabinets are being salvaged and repainted. Savings: $4,500.00

I'm removing the thermofoil cladding to reveal the MDF doors and drawer fronts.

Many people toss out the thermofoil products because they don't realize the MDF can be painted and it finishes smooth as glass.

So, how do I paint raw MDF?

1. Wipe clean with mineral spirits. Wipe on first solution with lint free cloth and follow up with another wet wipe-down with lint free cloth. This step removes any residue that may cause fish eye blemishes. Allow 30 minutes for mineral spirits to flash off.

2. Prime with GARDZ. Use a 4" Wooster roller cover to apply an even coat of GARDZ. GARDZ will penetrate and seal the MDF along with providing a bond coat for the paint film.

3. Smooth any blemishes with a light sanding. I use a fine 3M Between Coats Finishing Pad. Vacuum and wipe gently with tack cloth. Be sure it's clean. Spraying is non-forgiving.

4. Paint. I chose Do It Best paint (semi-gloss) available at local hardware store. The semi gloss is slightly above satin sheen. I've used it many times and it finishes ultra smooth when sprayed and level when rolled. I'm spraying with a GRACO HVLP sprayer set at level 3. Two coats, 4 hours apart. You may also roll and back brush if you don't mind the slight brush marks left on the ultra smooth MDF.

I'll post some pics soon.

If you have any questions or are interested in converting thermofoil cabinets to painted cabinets, inquire here.

Comments (6)

graywings123
9 years ago
How are you getting the thermofoil cladding off without damaging the MDF? Isn't it glued on?
Michael
Original Author
9 years ago
graywings,

The cladding is not glued to the MDF on these cabinets. A utility knife at the back edge is used to release it and it peels off in full sheets. It's as simple as removing a mask.

It's similar to a shrink wrap.
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tuesday_2008
9 years ago
When I first scrolled through this post (always interested in learning about paint projects), I thought "I don't need to know this - my cabinets are solid wood", but I also thought it was GOOD info for those who might need it.

Well....duh....I have a cheapo storage cabinet over my washer and dryer and the vinyl (is that the same as thermafoil) is peeling off due to heat and moisture from the W & D.

So thanks for the "how-to".
Michael
Original Author
9 years ago
You're welcome.
LuisHinkle
9 years ago
MDF is made up of compressed wood fibers, wax and resin. It is strong dense and it is having a great material to choose for cabinates. and built-in to plan on painting. To paint the raw paint you must follow some tips like:-
Use an oil based primer.
Cover the edges with joint compound and sanding before paint.
Go ahead and prime the entire piece, edges and other with water.
You must coat with the enough primer still coating the MDF to protect after sandingfrom moisture in the paint.

Here is a link that might be useful: painters

This post was edited by LuisHinkle on Thu, Aug 28, 14 at 8:57
Michael
Original Author
9 years ago
1. oil primer is not required if using GARDZ
2. MDF cabinet doors do not have open grain edging. (You're thinking OSB)

KISS method.