Ethan Clarke
Covering kitchen cabinets is a simple and cost-effective way to update your space without a full renovation. Before covering your cabinets, it is important to check their condition and material. Common materials include wood, laminate, metal, or thermofoil/melamine. Once you've determined the material, you can choose the appropriate covering method, such as painting, adhesive paper, vinyl wraps, or installing wood veneers. If you're looking for a quick fix to cover cabinets with plastic, consider using sticky back plastic, which is water-resistant and heat-resistant. To apply sticky back plastic, start by removing doors and handles, cleaning the surface, and measuring the door. Cut the plastic to size, allowing extra to wrap around the edges. Peel away the backing paper and stick the film, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.
Characteristics and Values Table for Covering Cabinets with Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Sticky back plastic, vinyl wraps, vinyl paper, plastic insulation, paint, wood veneers, wood stains, modern colours (blue, green, grey) |
| Benefits | Affordable, easy, quick, protective, aesthetic |
| Preparation | Remove doors and handles, clean surface, sand off any lumps or bumps, prime surface (if necessary), measure door |
| Application | Cut plastic to size, peel away backing paper, stick film, smooth out, prick air bubbles with pin, seal edges with silicone |
| Removal | Use ethanol or warm soapy water, heat vinyl with hairdryer |
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What You'll Learn
How to cover cabinet doors with sticky plastic
Covering your kitchen cabinet doors with sticky plastic is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen a new look. It is also a good option if your cabinets are made of MDF, which is a material that is great for painting but may need a primer first.
Before you start, check the condition and material of your cabinets. Knowing what they are made of will help you choose the right covering. For example, you can apply sticky plastic to surfaces like glass, painted wood, or laminate furniture. However, unpainted MDF may need a primer first.
To apply sticky plastic to your cabinet doors, first remove the doors and handles. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove grease and dust. This will ensure that the film adheres properly. Sand off any lumps or bumps and use a primer if necessary. Measure the door and cut the sticky plastic to size, allowing enough extra to wrap around the edges. You can use the grid on the backing paper to measure and cut in straight lines.
Peel away a small section of the backing paper and stick the film in place. Gradually peel away the rest of the backing paper, smoothing out to the sides as you go. If you make a mistake, simply peel back the film and start again. Use a smoother or squeegee to push out any air bubbles. For small bubbles, prick with a pin to release the air.
Remember that sticky back plastic can be removed using ethanol or warm soapy water if needed. It is also heat resistant up to certain temperatures, so you can use a hairdryer to heat and smooth out the vinyl if needed.
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Preparing the cabinet surface
To prepare the cabinet surface for covering with plastic, you must first determine what material your cabinets are made of. This is important because it will help you choose the right covering. Common materials for kitchen cabinets include wood, laminate, metal, thermofoil/melamine, MDF, and plywood. Knowing the material will also help you select the appropriate cleaning method and products. For instance, laminate cabinets can be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap, while tough stains may require diluted bleach or a baking soda paste.
Once you've identified the cabinet material, the next step is to thoroughly clean the surface. This step ensures that the plastic film adheres properly. Use a mild detergent or soap and warm water to remove any grease, dust, or grime. If necessary, sand down any uneven areas or lumps to create a smooth surface. It is crucial to ensure the surface is free of debris and completely dry before proceeding.
If your cabinets are made of MDF, it is recommended to apply a primer before covering them with plastic. A primer will help the adhesive stick better and create a more durable finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to measure the cabinet doors and cut the plastic to size. Remove the cabinet doors and handles for easier handling. When measuring, ensure you allow for enough extra plastic to wrap around the edges. You can use the grid on the backing paper to help with measuring and cutting straight lines.
Finally, with your surface prepared, you can begin the application process. You are now ready to peel away the backing paper and adhere the plastic to your cabinets.
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Applying the sticky plastic
Covering your kitchen cabinets with sticky plastic is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen without a full renovation. Before you start, check the condition and material of your cabinets—this will help you choose the right covering. Wood cabinets, for example, are classic and long-lasting, while MDF cabinets are budget-friendly and great for painting.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on applying sticky plastic to your cabinets:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Start by removing the cabinet doors and handles. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove grease and dust. This step is crucial as it ensures that the sticky plastic adheres properly to the surface. Use a mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning, and if necessary, remove any lumps or bumps with sandpaper.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Sticky Plastic
Measure the cabinet doors and cut the sticky plastic to size, allowing for some extra material to wrap around the edges. The backing paper on the sticky plastic usually has a handy grid to make measuring and cutting straight lines easier.
Step 3: Apply the Sticky Plastic
Peel away a small section of the backing paper and stick the sticky plastic to the cabinet door. Gradually peel away the rest of the backing paper, smoothing out the sticky plastic as you go. Work in small sections to ensure you can manage the sticky plastic effectively.
Step 4: Smooth Out Air Bubbles
Air bubbles are inevitable, but they can easily be pushed to the sides and smoothed out. For small bubbles, use a pin to prick and release the air. A squeegee or smoother can also be used to push out the air bubbles.
Step 5: Seal the Edges (if necessary)
If you are applying sticky plastic to a worktop or in a bathroom, you may need to seal the edges with a silicone sealant. This will ensure that the sticky plastic is water-resistant and can withstand regular use.
Tips:
- If you make a mistake, simply peel back the sticky plastic and start again.
- Use a hairdryer to heat up the sticky plastic and make it more pliable when smoothing it into curves and grooves.
- You can use a primer on certain surfaces, like unpainted MDF, to ensure better adhesion.
By following these steps, you can easily apply sticky plastic to your cabinets, giving them a fresh new look without breaking the bank!
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Removing air bubbles
Covering cabinets with sticky-back plastic is a great way to update your kitchen. However, one of the challenges with this method is the formation of air bubbles. Here are some tips to help you tackle this issue:
Prepare the Surface
Before applying the plastic film, ensure the cabinet surface is clean, smooth, and flat. Sand down any lumps or bumps and use a primer if necessary. A smooth surface will help prevent air bubbles from forming.
Measure and Cut
Accurately measure the cabinet door and cut the plastic to size, allowing a little extra to wrap around the edges. This will make the application process easier and reduce the risk of air bubbles.
Use Water
Lightly spray water onto the cabinet surface before applying the plastic film. This technique, recommended by B&Q, helps the film glide into place, and you can smooth out any excess water as you go.
Use a Hairdryer
If you encounter stubborn vinyl, use a hairdryer to heat it up. This will make the vinyl more pliable, and you can then smooth it out with a cloth, pushing out any air bubbles as you go.
Use a Rubber Roller
When applying the sticky-back plastic, use a rubber roller and start from the centre, rolling outwards towards the edges. This method helps to prevent air bubbles from forming and pushes out any existing small bubbles.
Prick Small Bubbles
For tiny air bubbles, you can prick them with a pin and then smooth out the area with a cloth. This method is best for small, isolated bubbles and should be done carefully to avoid creating larger bubbles.
Remember, it's important to work slowly and carefully when applying sticky-back plastic to cabinets. Take your time, and if you make a mistake, simply peel back the film and start again in that section.
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Maintaining the plastic covering
Cleaning the Cabinets
It is important to regularly clean your plastic-covered cabinets to maintain their appearance and prolong their lifespan. Use mild dish soap and warm water for cleaning laminate cabinets. For tough stains, create a baking soda paste or use diluted bleach. Remember to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that may scratch or damage the plastic covering.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Wood cabinets are susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. To maintain the plastic covering, ensure the cabinets are kept in a stable environment to prevent wood swelling, shrinking, or warping. Avoid placing hot items directly on the plastic-covered surfaces, especially if the plastic is not heat-resistant.
Protecting the Wood
To protect the wooden parts of your cabinets, reapply mineral or vegetable oil to maple chopping blocks and other exposed wood surfaces. Additionally, place felt or cloth pads under plastic or rubber items placed on the cabinets to prevent damage to the wood. This will help maintain the integrity of the wood and the plastic covering.
Handling Air Bubbles
If you notice air bubbles forming under the plastic covering, use a pin to prick them and smooth out the area. This will prevent the plastic from peeling or cracking.
Refacing and Repair
Over time, the plastic covering may start to peel away or crack. To maintain the appearance and functionality of your cabinets, consider refacing or repairing the plastic covering. You can use a hairdryer to heat the vinyl, making it more pliable, and then smooth it out with a cloth. Alternatively, you may need to replace the plastic covering entirely if the damage is extensive.
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your plastic-covered cabinets and keep them looking neat and presentable.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering cabinets with plastic is an easy and affordable way to update your kitchen without a full renovation. It can give your space a fresh new look and also protect your cabinets from damage.
First, check the condition and material of your cabinets. Then, remove the doors and handles, and clean the surface thoroughly to remove grease and dust. Next, measure the door and cut the plastic to size, allowing enough extra to wrap around the edges. Peel away a small section of backing paper and stick the plastic into place, gradually peeling away the rest of the backing paper and smoothing out to the sides as you go. You can push out any air bubbles or prick small bubbles with a pin.
You can use sticky back plastic, which is water-resistant and heat-resistant (up to 75°C/167°F). It can be used outdoors and on surfaces such as glass, painted wood, laminate furniture, and MDF (which will need a primer first).
