When it comes to refreshing a tired-looking kitchen, one of the top-trending DIY trends in recent years has been using vinyl wrap to resurface kitchen cabinets and units. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, as well as being relatively easy to apply, this quick decorating fix has been taking the UK by storm. But is it the right choice for you, and your home?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of vinyl wrapping, discussing the cost and application, as well as the common pitfalls that you should know about.
What is kitchen cabinet wrapping?
Kitchen cabinet wrapping is a process where cabinet doors are transformed by applying sheets of adhesive vinyl to create a new colour or finish. Many homeowners choose vinyl wrapping over other decorating techniques, as kitchen cabinet wrapping can be completed in a short time (sometimes in a single afternoon), and vinyl wrap is relatively inexpensive and can easily be cut to size.
How much does it cost to wrap kitchen cabinets?
The cost of wrapping kitchen cabinets can vary, depending on a number of factors. To begin with, the vinyl sheets themselves may differ in price based on the quality, thickness, colour, and the type of adhesive used. If you have a large kitchen, or are wrapping several cabinets and drawers, you’ll also need to factor in a higher cost of materials than somebody with a smaller kitchen.
Finally, will you be hiring a kitchen cabinet wrapping service, or attempting the task yourself? Although it can be cheaper to wrap your cabinets yourself and eliminate the cost of labour, you may prefer to hire a professional who is likely to complete the job more quickly, and possibly with more accuracy.
Kitchen wrapping services vary in cost and will normally provide a quote based on the size of your kitchen. These services tend to cost between £150 and £600. However, for luxury vinyl wrap or very large kitchens, an all-inclusive wrapping service could cost over £1500. It’s always best to shop around and find a quote that best matches your budget.
If you’re planning to apply the vinyl wrap yourself, vinyl wrap for kitchen cabinets tends to cost between £8 and £30 per 2-metre roll (although luxury vinyl wrap can be much more expensive). However, how many rolls of vinyl wrap you will need depends upon the layout and size of your kitchen, and your kitchen cabinets.
Wrapping kitchen cabinets: the Pros and Cons
Before hiring a cabinet wrapping service, or purchasing the materials, it’s important to consider whether vinyl wrapping is the best option for you. We’ve compiled a list of benefits, as well as some drawbacks, to the cabinet wrapping method.
The benefits of kitchen cabinet wrapping
Cost-effective
Compared to purchasing new cabinet doors, or renovating all of your kitchen units, vinyl wrapping can be an affordable way to change the appearance of your kitchen. With a range of colours to choose from, you can achieve a fresh, modern look for your kitchen just for the price of materials.
Customisable
Adhesive vinyl wrap doesn’t require any special cutting tools, like some other DIY materials do. Often, you can cut your vinyl kitchen cabinet film with a simple pair of kitchen scissors! If you have non-standard-sized cabinets, vinyl wrapping allows you to cut to the exact shape and size you need, with minimal waste.
Mess-free
As well as requiring no specialist tools to apply, the vinyl used for kitchen cabinet wrapping is normally self-adhesive, meaning you don’t need to deal with messy substances like wood glue or liquid adhesives. Simply peel off the backing, and stick straight to your prepared surface!
Drawbacks of kitchen cabinet wrapping
Tricky to apply
Although the method of applying vinyl wrap to your kitchen cabinets is fairly self-explanatory, if you’re applying it yourself, it can be tricky to get right on the first try. Applying vinyl wrapping requires a steady hand, and is probably best done with an assistant to make sure the vinyl doesn’t fold back or stick to itself once you pull off the backing.
If the vinyl wrapping is placed on the cabinet a little off-centre, it can be tricky to remove and reapply. Not to mention instances where air bubbles get trapped underneath.
Wear and tear
Although vinyl wrap is reasonably scuff-resistant (if it’s of a decent quality), it’s quite a thin material and can end up with tears or scores to the surface over time. Whereas with painted cabinets, things like this are easily touched up with a brush, once vinyl is damaged there aren’t very many options to repair it other than rewrapping the cabinet.
Tricky to remove
Although you want your vinyl wrap to be long-lasting, and good quality wrap shouldn’t begin to peel away from your cabinets, the strong adhesive backing can sometimes cause issues. For instance, if you choose to remove it, the strong glue can sometimes pull away the finish of your cupboard door. This can be particularly annoying if you’re trying to remove a wrap that has bubbled or been incorrectly applied.
One advantage that repainting cabinets can have over wrapping, is that you can typically paint directly over a previous paint job. However, we typically wouldn’t recommend placing vinyl wrap over existing vinyl wrap, as it can be difficult to get a smooth finish.
Can I wrap my own kitchen cabinets?
Yes, if you purchase the right type of self-adhesive vinyl wrap, you can certainly wrap your own kitchen cabinets. However, before you do, make sure to:
- Check that your kitchen cabinets are suitable to be wrapped. For instance, if they have a wood-grain texture, this could cause the vinyl wrap to bubble or peel away over time.
- Measure your cabinets carefully, and make sure to purchase the right amount of vinyl wrap. Vinyl wrap is typically sold in square metres, so make sure you measure your cabinets using this metric, and estimate how many rolls you will need from there.
- Prepare the surface for wrapping. You will need to clean your cabinets thoroughly, removing any dirt or sticky residue, and dry them before you apply the vinyl wrap.
- Apply the vinyl wrap carefully. We’d recommend asking a friend or family member to help. Vinyl wrap for furniture is very sticky, so you typically only get one chance to get the application right!
Vinyl Wrap for Kitchens: FAQs
Can I vinyl wrap my kitchen units?
As well as kitchen cabinet doors, you can also use vinyl wrap to cover the sides and even interiors of your kitchen units if you wish. Vinyl wrap can be applied to most flat surfaces, provided they aren’t textured (for instance, wood grain or wood chip) and can be used throughout your kitchen, as well as many other areas of your house.
Can I vinyl wrap my kitchen worktop?
Whilst it is possible to wrap your kitchen worktop, you may want to carefully consider it before doing so. Worktops are ‘higher-traffic’ areas than kitchen cupboard doors. As you’ll be using them for food preparation, it’s likely that the vinyl wrap will suffer some wear and tear, and not be as long-lasting as a standard worktop surface.
Although there are some products on the market and wrapping services that are designed specifically for kitchen worktops, it’s important to do your research before committing.
Should I wrap my kitchen cabinets instead of painting them?
Both kitchen cabinet wrapping and cabinet repainting have their benefits, and their drawbacks. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when deciding whether to wrap or paint your cabinets. For instance, how large your kitchen is, the appearance you want to achieve, your budget, and whether you will be carrying out the work yourself or paying a professional to refresh your cabinets.
How long does kitchen cabinet wrapping last?
How long your vinyl wrap will last will depend on a few different things. These include, but are not limited to:
- The quality of materials. Did you choose a durable and long-lasting self-adhesive vinyl wrap or opt for a cheaper version?
- The application. Vinyl wrap, which has bubbles trapped beneath it, won’t be as long-lasting as a smooth, seamless application.
- Location. Vinyl wrap that’s in high-traffic areas of your kitchen will naturally suffer more wear and tear than wrapped cabinets, which are out of the way or rarely used.
- Care and maintenance. Although scuffs, marks, and even scratches can be unavoidable, the more care and attention you give to your wrapped cabinets, the longer it will be before you need to replace them.
Although there are a number of things that can affect the lifespan of your vinyl wrap, most manufacturers estimate that your cabinet wrapping should last around 10 years if applied and cared for properly.
Alternatives to wrapping kitchen cabinets
If you’re looking to refresh the look of your kitchen but aren’t sure that vinyl wrapping is the right option for you, these are some alternatives that may appeal to you more.
Spraying kitchen cabinets
Spraying kitchen cabinets is similar to vinyl wrapping, as you’re taking an existing piece of furniture and using DIY materials to change the appearance. However, cabinet spraying involves removing the kitchen doors, repainting them with spray paint, and then reinstalling them for a fresh new colour or look.
Some homeowners prefer this method, as it’s fairly cost-effective, and there’s less chance of air bubbles or other issues that can arise when vinyl wrapping kitchen cabinets. But be aware that while this painting technique can easily be done at home, it can be messy and may not be the best option for people with young children or pets. Your existing cabinet doors will need to be in fairly good condition, or a fresh coat of paint may not be much of an improvement.
Replacement kitchen cabinet doors
Another alternative to wrapping or spraying your cabinet doors is to replace them with new cupboard faces. Many people don’t realise that you don’t have to tear out your existing kitchen units to enjoy a new kitchen design. Simply updating your kitchen doors can make all the difference without the need to spend thousands of pounds on a renovation.
Replacing your kitchen cabinet doors is a quick and easy process which can completely transform the look of your home. Rather than painting over or wrapping damaged doors, which may be in desperate need of an update, you can choose a new set of doors that reflect your taste rather than someone else’s.
Visit our doors page to browse the wide range of replacement kitchen cabinet doors which we offer, which can fit you in as little as one day.
Makeover your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’d like to update your kitchen cabinets by using of our professional fitting service and range of made-to-measure kitchen doors, feel free to contact us to learn more. Or, if you’d like to book a visit from one of our expert fitters, you can arrange an in-person consultation via our website.
We can advise you on your cabinet door refresh and provide information about our other kitchen makeover services, such as kitchen handles and worktop replacements. Although we do provide fitting services for new kitchens as well, our kitchen makeover services are a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your kitchen.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your dream kitchen, you may like to browse our kitchen designs and previous work, as well as the Kitchen Makeover blog, where we share articles full of tips and tricks for creating your ideal kitchen.
