How to Paint Thermafoil Doors

Use a sponge soaked in hot water and mild dish soap to clean any dirt and grease off the doors. It may be useful to use a double-sided sponge that has a smooth side and a rough side to attack stains of different strengths.

Sand the doors with 220-grit sandpaper. This will create a rougher surface on the thermofoil for paint to stick to, and it also will remove any possible sheen or finish that could affect your paint job.

Do a final cleaning of your doors with a tack cloth. The tack cloth picks up any loose particles and dirt created by sanding. If you don't have a tack cloth handy or cannot find one in stores, use a damp cotton cloth.

Use a primer made for plastics to prepare the doors for the final paint job. Apply the first coat in thin strokes with a stiff paintbrush and allow it to dry for about an hour. When dry, apply a second coat. Provide at least three hours between applying paint coats and then allow the doors to dry overnight.

Paint your doors with acrylic latex paint (standard wall paint) using a roller or foam brush of your choice. Be sure to use long, even strokes for a clean finish. You also can rent an electric paint sprayer for the most professional appearance.