How can I remove the vinyl wrap from kitchen cabinets easily?

Cindy Perez
by Cindy Perez

I have a TON of cabinets, drawers, a large island, etc. covered in vinyl wrap! Nobody told us it would only last for 5-10 years, and now it's peeling. And it can't be glued. So obviously I'm going to have to remove the stuff and paint them - I've seen videos using a heat gun and a hair dryer - just wondering if anyone has any other ideas or useful tips. Thanks!


  12 answers
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on May 23, 2022

    So sorry to hear that, Cindy. You can use a hairdryer or heat gun if you have one. Blow hot air over the vinyl until it starts to lift. Use a putty or palette knife and run this under the vinyl if it doesn't pull away easily. Here's a video that will show you how it's done - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO51RWg5S_Q

  • It sounds like you're on the right track. Use a heat gun and peel slowly. Time-consuming but it will get the job done.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 23, 2022

    Try using Hot iron or Hairdryer etc. to warm glue and therefore release it from cabinets.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 23, 2022

    You want to warm the glue so it will loosen and you can peel off the vinyl. a putty knife will help you lift off, you could try a wide bladed one.

  • Janice Janice on May 23, 2022

    Since you have many cabinets,it would be efficient to purchase a heat gun to soften the glue for easier removal with a scraper. It's time consuming, but for me it is easier than a hair dryer and you're less likely to cause discomfort to yourself. After removing it all you can use a stain-locking primer and then paint in a color you want. A big job but so much moe inexpensive than new cabinets!

  • Mogie Mogie on May 23, 2022

    When removing peeling vinyl, the first thing you need to do is remove the cabinet doors from their frame. Using a screwdriver, you should be able to easily remove all the doors which will then allows you to work on removing the vinyl from each cabinet without the hassle of the door still being attached to your kitchen or bathroom.

    In order to remove the peeling of cracked vinyl you simply need to run your stanley knife across the edges of the cabinet doors. Once the vinyl has been cut, you should be able to slowly start peeling the vinyl back. In areas where the glue is stuck down, you can slide the ruler under the vinyl in order to help lift it from the underlying MDF


    Like the old saying says, slow and steady wins the race. Make sure you take your time removing the vinyl from your cabinet doors. Some vinyl will peel straight off with almost no work, but there may be parts when the glue is still quite strong and the vinyl is still secured on.



  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 23, 2022

    Heat is definitely your best bet. However, if you go the heat gun route be careful and don't get too close. It can cause a fire. I can't imagine a hair dryer would produce sufficient heat to do the trick. You could try using a solvent that is formulated to dissolve glue to make the job easier.

  • Dee Dee on May 23, 2022

    The best way to do it is to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and pull the laminate off in sections, starting with the edging. Some MDF cabinets have a plastic coating, and removing a plastic coating from kitchen cabinets is usually easier than removing a wood laminate

  • William William on May 23, 2022

    Try the hair dryer or heat gun if they don't peel easily.


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/redoing-my-kitchen-peeling-cabinets-one-at-a-time-28925627


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/how-to-fix-peeling-cabinets-44405872

  • Annie Annie on May 24, 2022

    I also think using a heat gun is the way to go. It'll take time, for sure, unfortunately. If you do use a scraper consider a plastic one, so that the doors don't get dinged and damaged.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on May 24, 2022

    You could use a razor on the side start it to peel nd then keep pulling .Try a blow dryer that’s going to be a big job .you might look into getting new fronts