Help! My cabinet doors are peeling! Can this be fixed?
Yes! No need to panic! The peeling layer that feels like plastic is called Thermofoil and this common problem is actually pretty fun and extremely satisfying to fix! Whether in your kitchen or bathroom, save money with this tutorial and Rethunk Junk by Laura®.
Follow our Step-by-Step Project Guide
Step 1
Remove the Thermofoil
Don't be nervous! This is the fun part!!! Use a heat gun (or even a hair dryer) to heat up the thermofoil. You will see it gradually loosen and you should be able to peel it back and remove it completely. In many cases, the entire sheet will peel off the front & sides of the door - fully in tact! Only remove the Thermofoil sheets from the door and drawer fronts. The base cabinet and back of doors are made through a different process and will be able to be refinished without this process.
Step 2
Prep
Once the Thermofoil sheets have been removed, you will find an MDF surface on the doors and drawers. This surface does not need anything done to it to be ready to paint with Rethunk Junk by Laura®. However, the rest of the cabinet including backs of doors and the body of the base will need to be cleaned well with our PREP and a scrubby pad to remove all residue and prepare for the paint.
Step 3
Paint
Choose one of our 54 gorgeous self-leveling, quick-drying paint colors. Apply using a soft-bristle brush like our Wooster Shortcut Brush and don't forget to snag a Miracle Brush for this project because most cabinets have small details and that make the Miracle Brush essential. Plus, it's perfect for trimming around hardware like hinges because we hate removing doors! Apply your first coat of paint and when dry, usually 30 - 45 minutes, apply additional coats to reach desired coverage. PRO TIP: Smooth the paint from edge to edge with a light touch on your final pass & try not to overwork the paint.
Step 4
Protect
Allow your new paint to dry overnight and then seal with 1-2 coats of our Tuff Top for additional protection. Pro Tip: Use your Rethunk'd cabinet(s) gently for the first week as the paint continues to harden. Yes, you can use it, just be gentle at first. Your new finish will be super hard & durable in no time!
Look at these customer before and after photos of a bathroom vanity Thermofoil removal & makeover! You can complete a project like this in one evening...for less than $60! Just snag the Bathroom Vanity Bundle & get started!
