Refacing Formica cabinets is most easily done by adding a new fresh layer of Formica laminate over the old. This is an easy, cost-effective method of giving your kitchen a fresh look without doing a lot to the rest of the room. In some cases you will need to remove old Formica.
Yes, laminate cabinets can be refaced as long as the cabinet boxes are in good shape. But if the cabinet boxes are weak or damaged, you may need to replace your cabinets altogether.
Removing the Formica laminate from kitchen cabinets is an easy process that is labor intensive. The care you take in removing the Formica will depend on whether you plan on re-using it elsewhere. If the laminate will be scrapped, then you don't need to worry about it coming off in parts.
Painting laminate cabinets offers an inexpensive way to update the appearance of your kitchen in a short amount of time. With a minimal financial investment, a little time and some elbow grease, your kitchen can have a richer, more customized look.
Rather than replacing the cabinets, paint over the Formica to give it a fresh look. Formica requires a bit more preparation than wood when it comes to painting since its surface is not porous like plain wood. A specialty primer or paint designed for slick surfaces is required.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface. Wood Veneers give the impression of a more desired quality wood without being as costly.
Depending on the damage, you can either fix the existing laminate or reface the door to fix the problem without installing entirely new units. As a general rule, if there are any cracks in the laminate, the entire piece needs to be replaced; however, if there's only peeling, you can reattach the laminate with adhesive.
Stir your paint, and apply a thin, even coat to your Formica using a clean foam roller or pad. Brushes aren't the best choice for painting over Formica; they're likely to leave stroke marks. If painting cabinets, work from the top down; if painting a counter, start at the back and work your way forward.
Position a heat gun along the edge of the cabinet base to soften the glue. Wedge a thin piece of wood between the veneer and substrate every 3 to 4 inches along the edge. Continue to heat the glue, wedge in the wood and lift the veneer until you've removed all the veneer from the cabinet surface.
When the cabinets are exposed to excessive humidity, sunlight or when the laminate was installed poorly to begin with, it can come loose. You can relaminate cabinets, restoring the finish to renew the look of your home or camper.
Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $12,000 to $20,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.
Laminate costs an average of $91 per linear foot or $1,000 to $3,000 total. High-quality veneer costs an average of $193 per linear foot or $2,500 to $6,500 total. Real wood veneer costs an average of $454 per linear foot or $6,000 to $14,000 total.
The best way to do it is to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and pull the laminate off in sections, starting with the edging. Some MDF cabinets have a plastic coating, and removing a plastic coating from kitchen cabinets is usually easier than removing a wood laminate.
Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.
As Pro Handyman describes, pry the loose laminate open and use a wooden block, chisel or small tool to keep the two pieces separated. Scrape old glue off the laminate and the core with a putty knife. Apply contact cement to the laminate and core, and allow it to dry to the touch — typically between 15 and 30 minutes.
If you are asking yourself “Can you stain wood veneer?” The answer is yes! Staining veneer furniture is a great alternative to paining veneer, and allows you to restore the beautiful wood.
The fundamental differences between thermofoil and laminate stem from their terminology. Laminate refers to any type of material used in the laminating process, whereas thermofoil constitutes a very specific type of PVC vinyl coating. Thermofoil comprises just one of the numerous laminates used in and around the home.
That being said, most veneers can sustain a moderate amount of sanding, but there are ways to avoid it. Use a strong chemical stripper so you don't have to sand off finish and bleach the wood to lighten it and remove spots.
On countertops with square edges, Formica® brand laminate can be installed over the existing laminate – provided it has been cleaned, degreased and lightly sanded. Before cutting your laminate surface, check corners with a carpenter's square so you won't have problems later.
Laminate is cheap, even if you're going for the brand name Formica countertops. If you're looking to get a new kitchen on a budget, then a laminate countertop is probably best for you.