What vinyl wrap is
Vinyl wrap is a thin plastic film pressed and glued over a shaped MDF door. You may also see it called foil wrap or thermofoil. They are the same thing. It is a quick way to give a door a smooth, even colour, which is why so many fitted kitchens use it.
Why it lifts
The film is held on by glue. Heat and steam from ovens, kettles, toasters and dishwashers soften that glue over the years, so the edges and corners nearest the heat usually lift first. Once air gets under the film, the gap tends to grow, and cleaning sprays can work their way in behind it.
Why painting over it fails
Paint on top of wrap is only as good as the film underneath. If the film is lifting, it keeps lifting and takes the paint with it. That is why re:love Home never sprays over loose wrap.
How re:love Home renews wrapped doors
- The wrap is removed completely.
- The old glue is cleaned off.
- The MDF is filled and sanded smooth.
- Every face and edge is sealed and primed.
- The doors are sprayed in the booth.
You get a photograph at every stage, so you can see the bare MDF before the colour goes on.
Is it worth doing?
If the doors are wrapped but the cabinets are sound, removing the wrap and spraying keeps the kitchen you already have and gives it a finish that is paint bonded to primed MDF rather than a film. The vinyl wrap doors page explains the service in full.