Kitchen wrapping and kitchen film

What is kitchen wrapping?

What can be wrapped?

Can every kitchen be wrapped?

Most kitchens, yes: smooth fronts made of melamine, laminate, lacquered wood or MDF are ideal. Highly porous, badly damaged or damp surfaces need to be repaired or pre-treated first, or the film will not adhere properly. Not sure about your kitchen? Send us a photo or read our step-by-step kitchen wrapping guide first.

Can I wrap just the kitchen cabinets?

Yes, that is actually the most popular approach: wrapping only the fronts and visible sides already gives you a completely new kitchen. You can work cabinet by cabinet or drawer by drawer and leave the rest of the kitchen as it is. We have put together the adhesive film for kitchen cabinets collection especially for this.

Can a high-gloss kitchen be wrapped in matte?

Yes. A high-gloss front is actually a great surface, because it is smooth and non-porous. With a matte film, for example matte black or a soft pastel shade, you completely transform the look. Browse the matte colours we apply most often to high-gloss kitchens.

Can an old or damaged kitchen be wrapped?

Yes, as long as the surface is made smooth first: fill deep scratches, holes or loose edges with filler and sand them flat, because film follows every imperfection. An old kitchen with solid carcasses is actually an ideal candidate for a wrap. The step-by-step guide explains how to prepare the surface.

Can handleless kitchens be wrapped?

Yes, handleless kitchens with grip profiles or push-to-open fronts can be wrapped well. The grip profile needs a bit of extra attention: the film is wrapped around it or the profile is covered separately. Remove the fronts where possible for a tight result. You will find handy tools for that in our tools collection.

Can a countertop or worktop be wrapped?

Yes, with the right reference: some films are suitable for worktops, but not every kitchen film is made for it. Always use a cutting board and never place hot pans directly on the film; the exact load capacity differs per reference. Check the specifications on the product page or ask us for advice for your worktop.

Do the insides of the cabinets need to be wrapped too?

Usually not. As standard, the fronts, visible sides and possibly the plinths and grip profiles are wrapped; the insides of the cabinets stay original. If you want to include the edges of the doors, fold the film over a few centimetres for a seamless look. That keeps the job manageable and the result tight — see the kitchen cabinets collection.

Cost, choice and comparison

How much does kitchen wrapping cost?

That depends on the number of fronts, the size of your kitchen and the film you choose — but wrapping is almost always considerably cheaper than installing a new kitchen, especially if you do it yourself. In our detailed kitchen wrapping cost guide we work through several scenarios step by step.

What are the benefits of wrapping compared to a new kitchen?

You keep your existing layout, appliances and worktop, but get a completely new look — without demolition, building dust and weeks of waiting. Wrapping is faster, cheaper and more sustainable, and if you want a colour change later, you can simply wrap again. Read the full comparison in our cost comparison of wrapping versus replacing.

Is wrapping better than painting the kitchen?

That depends on your kitchen and your wishes: film gives a factory-grade, tight finish with texture (such as wood look or marble) and is ready immediately, while paint needs days to dry and can streak on melamine. In painting or wrapping your kitchen? we compare both options honestly.

Which colours are popular for kitchen wrapping?

Matte black and deep matte shades remain the most popular, followed by warm wood look (oak, walnut), concrete look for an industrial kitchen and marble look for a luxurious feel. Combining works too: think wood-look cabinets with a marble-look splashback, or matte black base units with light wall units for a modern contrast.

How do I choose the right colour for my kitchen?

Start with what is already there: your floor, worktop and wall colour determine which film shades will match well. Choose no more than two colours or textures for a calm overall look, and never judge colours on a screen alone. So order samples first and view them in your own kitchen in daylight and artificial light.

In practice

How long does it take to wrap a kitchen?

An average kitchen is wrapped in one to a few days, depending on the number of fronts, whether you remove the doors and your experience. A few individual cabinets take an afternoon. Allow plenty of time for preparation: cleaning and measuring determine the end result. The step-by-step guide gets you started.

Do the doors need to be removed?

It is not required, but it is recommended: on a flat work table you wrap more tightly, you can fold edges over neatly and you work faster than on hanging doors. Note the position of each door and keep the screws per hinge. With a good squeegee and cutting knife the difference is immediately visible.

Is kitchen film resistant to heat from the hob and oven?

Partly — and it differs per reference. Right next to a hob or above an oven without shielding, it gets too hot for many films, which can cause edges to lift. Keep your distance around heat sources and check the heat resistance of your reference on the product page before you order.

Is kitchen film suitable for damp zones, such as near the dishwasher?

Many professional kitchen films handle household moisture and steam well, provided the edges are firmly pressed down and folded over so no moisture can creep behind them. Direct steam outlets (dishwasher, kettle) remain points of attention. Moisture resistance differs per reference; check the specifications or ask us which film suits your kitchen.

How long does a wrapped kitchen last?

That depends on the film reference, the use and the care — we deliberately do not quote a fixed number of years, because manufacturers specify this per reference. With normal use and good care, a professionally wrapped kitchen lasts for many years. How to keep the film looking great is explained on our page about care and lifespan.

Can new film be applied over existing film?

Sometimes it is possible, but we advise against it: the new film is only as good as the layer underneath, and with double layers the edges become thicker and more vulnerable. Better to remove the old film first and clean off adhesive residue, so you work on a smooth surface. How to do that is explained on the page applying interior film yourself.

Wrap it yourself or have it done?

Wrapping it yourself is very doable for flat fronts and cabinets, especially with professional tools and our step-by-step guide. If you have many profiled fronts, grip profiles or little time, outsourcing is worth considering. We wrap kitchens at our workshop in Groningen — see the options on kitchen wrapping Groningen.

Where can I find examples of wrapped kitchens?

In our blogs and on our product pages you will find real-life examples of kitchens transformed with film, including the references used. That way you can see how wood look, matte black or marble works out in a real kitchen. Start with the buying guide with examples and our kitchen collections.