What Is Rigid Thermo Foil?

Characteristics

• Also known as Formica, RTF doors have RTF laminate as a front cover, a fiberboard in the middle and a thermo-fused melamine as a back cover. RTF uses computer-controlled pressure and heat to laminate vinyl to a medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Because the vinyl is laminated, a certified RTF does not easily scratch, and you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Uses

• RTF is widely used in cabinet refacing, which means you just change your cabinet doors to give it an instant aesthetic upgrade. Aside from cabinet doors, RTF can also be made into drawer cabinets. RTF is used in kitchens and bathrooms, where furniture surfaces often get scratched and dirtied. Since RTF is resilient, you only need to clean the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove the stains.

Advantages

• The cost of RTF may be the best advantage it has over wood. Likewise, compared to wood, RTFs do not react negatively to cleaning products. You can get rid of typical stains and splashes with a damp cloth. RTF doors are also quite versatile and can be molded into different shapes and designs easily.

Disadvantages

• Depending on the lamination process, the vinyl from an RTF can peel off the MDF, particularly if it's exposed to too much heat or moisture. RTF cabinets near the cooktop are the most vulnerable to this type of problem. To counter this, look for offer warranties that include coverage for MDF and vinyl separation.