Whether building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, buying new cabinets can be a major and costly decision. With flat panel doors and Euro-style cabinets becoming more popular, some interesting options exist for homeowners looking to save some money on a remodel.
Rather than replacing their kitchen cabinets outright, many people are looking for options that allow them to cover their existing cabinets and doors with an artificial surface. Thermofoil, Laminate, and Melamine are all materials that can be affixed to the surface of wood or MDF doors to give them new life.
The prices on these options vary, but interestingly enough, you don’t seem to save that much more than you would by buying new cabinets with these affordable surfacing options.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil is the most affordable of the three options. To apply the surfacing, cabinet pieces made of wood or MDF are placed into a large flat tray. The tray is fed into a large machine where a thin malleable layer of foil-like material is heated and then vacuum sealed onto the surface.
This process is very popular because it provides many color and pattern options. You can choose a faux wood grain, a solid color, or just about anything.
Unfortunately, Thermofoil has a few downsides. With Thermofoil, you can only cover 5 of the 6 sides of an object. This generally means that the backside of the cabinet doors will be some neutral-colored laminate that does not match the rest of the door.
Thermofoil is also more susceptible to peeling away from the wood. It should also be noted that although most thermofoil cabinet doors are simple Euro style flat panel doors, it is certainly possible to use thermofoil on slightly more complex designs like shaker door or simple arches.
Laminate
The quality of laminate used can make the laminate surfacing very different. Laminate is a surface material made from paper and resin pressed together under heat.
The high-pressure Laminate (HPL), which is manufactured under 1400psi, is a better product that will chip and crack less than a low-pressure laminate. However, low-pressure laminates cost less.
So it is a give-and-take situation. Many quality RTA cabinets use laminate-covered plywood for the body. Quality Laminate will hold to the wood without peeling. A cabinet door with laminate surfacing will last longer than a cabinet door surfaced with thermofoil.
Melamine
Melamine is a plastic coating material also used as a surface for plywood and fiberboard. Although different enough to be considered a separate option, It is technically a laminate product. Like Laminate, It is made using paper and resin, but It costs less to produce.
Also, like Laminate, melamine surfaces have lower-quality and higher-quality products. Low-quality melamine will not last as long as most laminate surfacing.
However, thicker, thermal-fused Melamine has the same life expectancy as high-pressure Laminate. Textured Melamine gives your cabinets many great options by giving your doors a three-dimensional texture.
Various faux wood grains, bamboo, or other textures are available.
One small thing to consider when deciding about your cabinets is how they will look next to your countertop. A countertop made of natural stone or quartz will look great next to any choice. Tile and stainless steel countertops would also not be a problem.
Many kitchen countertops are made from Formica, which is actually a high-pressure laminate product topped with a layer of Melamine. This may not be a problem outright, but if you have Formica countertops, you might want to check to be sure that they do not clash with the look and texture of your chosen cabinet surface.
Can Thermofoil, Laminate, and Melamine Cabinets Be Painted Over?
Painting kitchen cabinets is a popular way to refresh their appearance without the expense of a full replacement. However, not all cabinet materials are equally easy to paint. Let’s explore the possibilities for thermofoil, laminate, and melamine cabinets.
Thermofoil Cabinets
Thermofoil cabinets are covered with a vinyl-like film that isn’t very receptive to traditional paint. The smooth, non-porous surface of thermofoil makes it challenging for paint to adhere properly, leading to peeling or chipping over time. If you decide to paint these cabinets, a high-quality adhesion primer may help improve the chances of success, but results are often inconsistent.
Laminate Cabinets
Laminate cabinets, on the other hand, are more suitable for painting, though they require careful preparation. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface to create a texture that will hold the paint better. Use a bonding primer that is specifically formulated for slick surfaces. Following these steps with suitable paint, such as acrylic or latex, can yield a durable finish.
Melamine Cabinets
Melamine cabinets can also be painted, but this requires specialized techniques and products. These surfaces need a particular type of paint designed to adhere to melamine and laminate. The key to a lasting finish is using a primer made for glossy surfaces, followed by a paint that offers good adhesive properties.
Key Steps for Successful Cabinet Painting:
- Preparation:
- Clean thoroughly to remove grease and dirt.
- Lightly sand the surface to scuff up the finish.
- Primer:
- Use a high-adhesion primer for thermofoil, laminate, and melamine.
- Paint:
- Choose paint designed for slick surfaces, such as alkyd or an acrylic product.
- Finish:
- Consider a topcoat or sealant to protect the new finish.
In summary, while all three types of cabinet surfaces can be painted, each presents unique challenges that require specific preparation and painting strategies. Proper technique and the right products are crucial for achieving a satisfactory and long-lasting result.
When comparing the prices of laminate and melamine surfaces, a few key differences stand out.
Laminate Surfaces Laminate tends to be the pricier option. Factors influencing its cost include color choices, texture options, and specific types like post-forming or High Gloss (HG) monochromatic sheets. Each of these features adds to the overall expense, making laminate a more premium choice.
Melamine Surfaces On the other hand, melamine is generally more budget-friendly. Though its pricing can fluctuate based on aspects such as color and thickness variations, it remains a more economical choice compared to laminate.
In summary, if you’re prioritizing cost, melamine is typically the less expensive option, whereas laminate offers more diverse finishes at a higher price point.
All these options are worth considering for your kitchen. Natural wood cabinets are great, but MDF doors with quality artificial surfacing can look fantastic and save you some money.
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Article reposted with permission from the fine folks at My Ideal Home
