Both standard laminate and thermofoil cabinets can effectively mimic the look of wood cabinets but generally cost considerably less.
Traffic, use, and water contact or humidity will only speed up the process.
Thermofoil is a thin PVC vinyl material that is applied toMDFunder both vacuum pressure and heat.
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Safety Considerations
When working with contact cement, work only in a well-ventilated area.
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Thermofoil is thin and delicate, so pull it back only as far as it will comfortably go.
Scrape Any Old Cement
Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.
Use a putty knife or a five-in-one tool to scrape off residue from any previous fixes.
Do not use a foam brush with contact cement.
It is critical that both surfaces be coated with contact cement.
Wait for the Contact Cement to Dry
Do not immediately pressthe thermofoil back onto the MDF core.
The cement instructions will specify how long you must wait until pressing the two materials together.
A drying period of about 15 minutes is common.
The surfaces should be dry to the touch or they will not stick together.
Press Materials Together and Secure
Press the two materials together.
Hold them firmly in place for about one hour.
A pencil eraser can also help with pilling off dried contact cement.
Pull small heat-generating appliances away from the cabinets when using them.
In bathrooms, the equivalents are curling irons and blow dryers.
Because bathrooms are high-moisture environments, humidity and direct contact with water will only speed up the delamination process.
Should You Replace or Repair Peeling Thermofoil Cabinets?
Regluing the thermofoil layer is not difficult to do in small areas with contact cement and clamps.
If the peeling section is still intact, it is a good candidate for a repair.
Warped MDF cannot be sanded down, planed, or otherwise smoothed.
The core would need to be measured, cut, and laminated.
