Thermoplastique (also called PVC film or membrane-pressed) is a decorative PVC film, typically 0.3–0.5 mm thick, heated and vacuum-formed over a machined MDF door. The film wraps the face, the edges and any recess in one piece, so there is no joint to lift.
The only finish with no edge seam
Because the film is formed over the whole door, a thermofoil door has no edge banding and no joint line. That is why it is the standard choice for a shaker-style door at low cost: the recessed panel and the frame are one continuous surface, and there is no glue line to fail.
The same process allows profiles that would be expensive in timber — a deep shaker recess, a beaded edge, a curved top rail. The tooling is the mould, not a set of cutters.
| Propriétés | Thermoplastique | laque PU | Mélaminé |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge seam | None — wrapped | Bord peint | Banded edge |
| Profils | Any moulded shape | Toute forme | Appartement uniquement |
| Tolérance à la chaleur | Low, roughly 70–80 °C | Haute | Modérée |
| Réparabilité | Médiocre | Touch-in possible | Médiocre |
| Coût relatif | Bas-moyen | Mi-hauteur | Low |
Where the heat gets it
PVC softens at roughly 70–80 °C. Above an oven or a hob, or beside a dishwasher that vents into the run, the film can lift from the MDF substrate and blister. Once it lifts, it does not go back — the door is replaced.
This is not a reason to avoid thermofoil, it is a reason to place it correctly. Bedroom wardrobes, bathroom vanities, studies and low-use kitchens are all fine. The cabinet directly above a built-in oven is not.
Que vérifier sur un échantillon ?
Épaisseur du film. 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm behave differently at a tight radius; thin film tears at the internal corner of a shaker recess over time.
Adhésif. The glue between film and MDF decides whether the wrap holds in humidity. Ask what it is, not whether it is "strong".
Edge return. On the back of the door, the film should wrap and terminate in a clean line. A rough or short return is where lifting starts.
Foire aux questions
Is thermofoil the same as vinyl wrap?
Effectively yes. Thermofoil, PVC film, membrane press and vinyl wrap all describe the same process: a PVC sheet vacuum-formed over an MDF substrate.
Can thermofoil doors be used in a kitchen?
Yes, away from direct heat. Avoid the cabinets immediately above an oven or hob, and anywhere a dishwasher vents into the run.
Why is the film lifting on my doors?
Heat or moisture reaching the adhesive layer. Once lifted, it cannot be re-bonded invisibly — the door is replaced. Check the heat sources nearby first.
Is thermofoil cheaper than lacquer?
Usually 20–35% cheaper on a profiled door, because there is no spray, no sanding between coats and no drying time. On a flat door the gap narrows.
