Can You Use Chalk Paint on Thermofoil Cabinets?

Ivan McCloud | Jun 28, 2022

Thermofoil cabinets are mostly known for versatility, stain-resistance, affordability, and easy to clean and maintain quality. It’s difficult to damage them easily.

Unfortunately, sometimes they are affected by sunlight, appliance heat, food residue, and splattered cooking oil. They can spoil the actual beauty of cabinets. But it may be common that due to budget or any other reason, you don’t want to replace the cabinet. No worries, update the color of your old Thermofoil cabinets with paints.

One common question can come to your mind, can you use chalk paint on thermofoil cabinets? The answer is, yes! There are some tips to follow to achieve an incredible result by applying chalk paint.

Let’s have a look!

Can Thermofoil Cabinets Be Painted Over?

Yes, you can. But firstly check whether the thermofoil does peel or not. If you find nothing is peeling off, you can paint over it. You should choose the correct primer to get a good finish. Consult with any local paint store for the appropriate primer. Then apply the finish paint according to your choice. Most of the users like to apply semi-gloss sheen on thermofoil cabinets.

Also Read: A Guide on Using Acrylic Paint on shoes

Can You Paint over Thermofoil Cabinet Doors?

Yes, your cabinet doors can be painted. Just make sure that the thermofoil of your door is not peeling off. Use a paintbrush to paint. Some of users prefer paint sprayers also. Take your time and do your paintwork carefully to get a good result.

If your cabinet doors are in really rough situation, I suggest you not to paint. It can waste your time and money. Consider making a new door.

Next Read: Learn the Easy Steps to Remove Paint from Rubber

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Thermofoil Cabinets?

There are different options or different types of paints available on the market to apply on thermofoil cabinets. But recently water-based latex, enamel, and satin finish latex paint are the most used paint.

Water-based latex paint: Water-based latex paint is the most popular type of paint for its materials and quality. It is less toxic, durable, and easy to apply and clean. It doesn’t take more time to dry. It’s budget-friendly also. But sometimes it typically doesn’t stick well to high gloss finishes.

Enamel paint: If you want very glossy, durable, and long-lasting finish, enamel paints will be a great option for you. They’re strongly scratch-resistant. But they’re more expensive than other paints. If you want a matte design, they’re not ideal for that.

Satin finish latex paint: If you don’t like high gloss finish, consider applying satin finish latex paint. It’s not as full glossy as enamel paint. But it has a great quality of light reflection. It dries quickly and is less expensive.

Continue Reading: Tips for Removing Paint from Chrome

Can You Use Chalk Paint on Thermofoil Cabinets?

Yes. You can paint a thermofoil cabinet with chalk paint with a little effort. It doesn’t take much time and you can do it without spending huge money. Let’s know the application process.

Clean the whole cabinets very well: Before starting painting, the most important step is to clean the cabinets properly.

• Take warm water and a clean sponge or pad that must be non-scratch.
• Use a dish shop or degreasing detergent to clean it.
• Mix the detergent or soap with warm water and soak the sponge into it.
• Gently scrub the surface with it. Make sure there is no unnecessary stain and dirt on your cabinets.

Remove the cabinet’s drawer: Remove the drawers of the cabinets and keep them apart. It will help you to reach the cabinet framework and you can paint easily.

Remove any hardware if possible: If possible, remove the hardware from the drawer and door of the cabinets.

Fill the holes: If you remove the hardware, find out the hole like door knobs and drawer pulls. Then fill them.

Sand the surface gently: Sand the surface smoothly. You can use sandpaper to clean the surface. Don’t press so roughly. It can spoil the thermofoil layer.

Clean again: After completing the sanding process, clean every corner thoroughly. Allow them to dry naturally.

Check if any of the thermofoil lifting off or not: After sanding and cleaning, check the parts of the cabinet. If there is any part of thermofoil lifting off, fix them again. You can use glue to do the task.

Cover the unwanted areas: Cover the areas where you don’t want to paint.

Mix the paint properly: Before applying chalk paint, mix them well. Pour it into a paint tray. Take a paintbrush or roller for paintwork. Consider to use a high quality paintbrush to get a smooth finish.

If you have breathing problems, make sure to choose a non-toxic paint for the cabinets.

First coat: Dip the paintbrush in the paint tray. Then start painting. Move the paintbrush in every direction and cover all the project area. Avoid applying thick coats.

To avoid paint overpowering, choose a well-ventilated areas. Open the windows and allow the air blowing.

Second coat: After applying the first coat, let it dry. Surprisingly chalk paint dries quickly. Once it dries, it’s time to apply a second coat of the paint.

Consider a third coat: Wait until the second coat dries properly. If you think that it’s necessary, consider applying a third coat.

Apply varnish finish: Make sure you paint the whole project area and dry it thoroughly. Then apply the varnish finish. Though it’s not essential, it will offer you a long-lasting glossy finish.

Here is a guide:

How Do You Paint Peeling Thermofoil Cabinets?

Thermofoil cabinets are prone to peeling off for their materials. It’s common to start peeling off after using a few years. However, you can paint it without much hassle.

• Before painting, you have to remove peeling thermofoils. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to remove them easily.
• Apply heat to the surface with a hair dryer or heat gun, scrub slowly and carefully to peel them off.
• You can use a razor blade, knife, or scraper to remove the adhesive edges.
• Before applying the paint, sand it lightly. Without properly sanding the surface, the paint will not stick well. You can use sandpaper to sand it.
• Avoid over sanding. It can create a cause to disintegrate the surface.
• After peeling off and sanding carefully, apply the paint according to your choice.
• Remember to wear hand gloves and safety glasses for your protection.

How Do You Ensure Proper Finishing on Thermofoil Cabinets?

Use a MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) liquid primer to refinish the cabinets. Spray over the clean cabinet surfaces with this primer. A protective layer will be creating by using it. The primer also helps to stick well every coat of paints to the surface.

Before applying any primer, check the manufacturer’s instructions that they permit to apply it in thermofoil cabinets or not. Once the primer applies thoroughly, allow them to dry. Consider not to applying oil-based paint because of its strong smell, not so adhesive on thermofoil, and hard to apply.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think about painting your thermofoil cabinets? Just clean the whole cabinet, and choose paint with the correct base and color that will offer you a perfect finish.

Take a paintbrush or a roller and start painting. Apply paint coats according to your need. The most important thing is, before applying another coat, let it dry properly.