There's no timber under the vinyl wrap is there? I thought it was MDF. Different upper and lower doors can look fine so I like that idea best. Removing the upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves is a bigger job which might necessitate repainting as well. It might not bother you as I know some people are fans of the open shelving look, but it means more dusting.

Can you post a pic of kitchen so we can see general set out. You could selectively swap out some doors for glass or replace all a contrasting colour to base , as options. A photo may help us advise

Thanks for the comments:)

Here are some photos to help. The lighter colour was the original shade called Maple and then some of them changed and became darker over time. Not sure if the remaining lighter vinyl wrap will eventually change too. You can see how they are all different size doors.

I thought maybe glass doors would be the best look rather than a different colour and be easier to match if I end up having to replace the other overhead doors if they change colour later. Not sure how expensive glass cabinetry is but it is probably easier than removing all overheads etc and which would also mean getting a plasterer in to do the wall behind the cupboards and repaint so more costs to consider. I guess I just want to make it look matched again. If I did glass though it still needs a frame to sit in so I guess I would have to go a maple colour to match.

Our flooring is Marri timber and the bench tops are just a laminate finish in a brown granite look. It's a bit dated and scratched after 14 years of wear and tear so I will probably have to change this soon too.

Thanks,

Michelle

Hi, yes Vinyl can discolour over time with UV exposure. You can actually remove the Vinyl with applied Heat and it should come off clean without damaging the MDF board underneath and so yes you could then pant these panels.

Another reason for the discolouration may be that this particular type of vinyl (woodgrain gloss) were pressed with a clear peel off protective coating on them which is removed at install and so it also may be that someone forgot to take it off these odd doors, as the coating itself also discolours with UV. You may like to work an edge and see if they have a thin clear peal off layer still attached?

Hope this helps.

Malcolm

Getting custom-made glazed door is not going to be a cheap option for the overheads. Vinyl-wrap kitchens only exist as they are a cheap option to timber veneers or two-pac. If it is a 14-year-old vinyl-wrap kitchen I would not be spending any money on remedial work, but saving for a new kitchen that doesn't use problematic vinyl-wrap.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits

Hi Malcolm,

Yes about 5 years ago we did discover one of the lower panels on the island bench (the side that faces the oven) did still have the plastic left on:) however all the other ones were removed. Could a kitchen specialist remove the existing vinyl? Do you know what this would cost?

Michelle

Hi Michelle, I am not sure. All I can suggest is that you contact trades in your state who are in close proximity to you.

Regards, Malcolm

To Kate,

Here are some more kitchen photos