Can these (non-paint-grade) cabinets be "warmed" up a little?

Question

Just purchased a ten year old home. Three years ago, previous owner had Sears come in and replace the kitchen cabinet fronts and refinish them. The material is similar to white laminate, but with a very, very slight "texture" - they're not slick and shiny, in other words; they have a matte finish. I'm not crazy about them, although they are paneled, at least. Could I "warm" these up a little bit by applying some type of glaze to the indents around the raised panel so it looks like they've been somewhat "antiqued"? Will it stick to this material? What mat'l would I have to use or what process? Thank you so much for any help.

Pat Barber · Accepted Answer

That sounds an awful like "thermofoil" finished... which is mdf that shrink wrapped in a plastic coating at high temps.

I don't think you will be able to get a finsih to stick to that finish(plastic).

I would consider buying a door(s) that is closer to what you want.

arl> Just purchased a ten year old home. Three years ago, previous owner

Mike · Answer

Not much info to go on but they might be thermofoil. Check to see if the raised panel is a separate piece of wood. Thermofoil is applied to a routed mdf panel. Be they laminate or thermofoil there's not much you can do other than live with them or replace.

Mike

Sprog · Answer

See if you can find a product called ESP, Easy Surface Prep.Makes paint stick to any surface.                     (arl

Sprog · Answer

For ESP also see >                 (arl

FOW · Answer

Flood makes good products. Try  some on a test area to see it it works.There is another product called Paso. It's mostly xylol alcohol to cutgrease and degloss. Try it too.Maybe use 220 silicon carbide sandpaper, the black stuff.I've painted many a thermofoiled set of doors and cabinets. I like Zinnserproducts very much, but they be primers, they might be able to tint them toa color and then you thin them way down to a glaze like thing, but theywon't be CLEAR, like. You can get almost any paint/ stain to stick to anysurface if prepped right. Do your homework and ask questions at a good paintstore.PS.............. don't ask the dumb kid working at the paint store ,asksomeone older that HAS been a painter.Or ask the real painters when they come in the door.

Can these (non-paint-grade) cabinets be "warmed" up a little?

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