How to Refinish a Thermofoil Door

Thermofoil is a type of material called medium density fiberboard, or MDF. MDF is composed of the waste byproducts of the lumber industry, such as sawdust. These materials are tightly compressed to form objects such as doors, cabinet doors and furniture. Thermofoil doors are known for their uniformity; there are no knots in the wood that can make refinishing difficult. To refinish a Thermofoil door, sand it down lightly before applying a primer and finishing coat of paint.

Screwdriver
Drywall compound
Sandpaper
Cloth
Mineral spirits
Paintbrush
Primer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew any screws in the door and remove the handle and other hardware. Unscrew the hinges and take the door down.
- 2
  Dip a finger in drywall compound and apply the material to the edges of the door. The edges of a thermofoil door are much more porous and will absorb a great deal of the finish coating, unless you apply drywall compound.
- 3
  Wait for the drywall compound to dry, and then sand it down.
- 4
  Sand the rest of the door with 120-grit or 150-grit sandpaper. This allows the primer coat to adhere to the door more effectively. Sand the thermofoil door lightly in the direction of the grain.
- 5
  Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits. Wipe away the dust with the cloth.
- 6
  Dip a clean paintbrush in a solvent-based primer. Apply the primer to the door with even strokes, adding more primer as needed.
- 7
  Wait for the primer to dry completely.
- 8
  Dip a clean paintbrush in your desired paint finish. You may use a water-based paint for Thermofoil doors, so long as you used a solvent-based primer. Apply the paint evenly to the surface. Allow the door to dry completely before reassembling it.

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Windows, Doors & Walls