Painting Thermofoil Cabinets

Thermofoil gets its name from a particular process which creates this material. Thermofoil makes it seem like a surface has been painted without any brush strokes and no paint is required either. painting thermofoil cabinets is not difficult and a few helpful tips will help a person learn how to get the job done.

What you need

Here is a look at some of the things that are required to do the job:

• Cleaning solution
• Respirator
• Sponge
• Pair of rubber gloves
• Clean cloth
• Paint
• Thermofoil-safe primer
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller

1. Take preventive measures

Start by donning a pair of gloves and also put on a respirator. This is to prevent any damage from the toxic material that is to be handled. With a sponge dipped in a cleaning solution, wipe away all signs of grease and dirt as well as grime from the face of the cabinet. Next, allow sufficient time for the cabinet to dry and then sand the surface that is to be painted.

2. Scuff up the surface

Thermofoil laminate happens to be very smooth which means that the surface needs to be scuffed up which can be achieved by using some sandpaper. This scuffing helps in making the paint bond well later on. Remove the dust from the sanding with the help of a clean soft cloth. The cloth should in fact be damp as this will help in removing all traces of dust.

3. Apply Thermofoil-safe primer

Once the surface is absolutely clean it is time to apply a coat of thermofoil-safe primer. All the areas that are to be painted should be given a coat of this primer. Next, allow the primer to dry up completely and then apply the first coat of paint in a color of your choice.

Use a paintbrush or a paint roller to apply the coat of paint. Be sure to stroke the paint in a smooth manner and blot all of the existing color. Normally, a few coats of paint have to be applied to achieve desirable results. Between each application of a coat of paint, be sure to allow sufficient time for the coat to dry before applying a fresh coat. Continue applying coats of paint till such time as a desired uniform texture is achieved.

The task of painting thermofoil cabinets can be made easier if you first remove the cabinet doors and paint them separately. The same steps have to be taken when painting the entire cabinet and when painting the doors separately. It also pays to keep in mind the fact that not every type of paint is suitable for use with thermofoil. Therefore, before buying the paint, be sure to check with the paint store whether it is suitable for use with thermofoil. The hardware can be removed from the cabinet with the help of a screwdriver. If the hardware is glued or if it is embedded then simply cover the hardware with painter’s tape. After the cabinet has been painted be sure to allow sufficient time for the paint to dry before reattaching the doors to the cabinet.

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