As a trainer for Home Decorators Collection cabinetry, I hear a lot of questions—and misconceptions—about cabinet finishes, especially when it comes to our Rigid Tough Finish (RTF). In this edition of Erica Explains, I want to break down what RTF really is, how it compares to older finishes, and why it’s something your customers will truly love in their homes.
A New Evolution of Thermofoil
Rigid Tough Finish is a modern evolution of traditional thermofoil cabinetry. While older, “old school” thermofoils have been around for a long time, they weren’t always engineered to hold up well in real homes. RTF takes the core idea of thermofoil and significantly improves it, resulting in a finish that performs far better over time.
Designed with Homeowners in Mind
When we developed our RTF finish, we focused on what matters most to customers. The top priorities were:
- Durability
- Long-lasting performance
- Scratch resistance
These are the exact areas where older thermofoils often fall short. Traditional thermofoil finishes can be thin, which makes them more prone to scratching, chipping, and peeling—especially around the edges of doors and drawer fronts.
Thicker, Stronger, and Built to Last
The key difference with RTF is the material itself. Home Decorators Collection uses a much thicker, rigid thermofoil compared to older products. That added thickness gives the finish greater strength and resilience in everyday use.
RTF is applied over MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which is what our doors and drawer fronts are made from. The thermofoil layer is then heat-sealed and vacuum-bonded directly to the board.
Fully Sealed Edges for Long-Term Performance
One of the biggest advantages of RTF is how it’s sealed. The finish isn’t just applied to the surface—it wraps completely around the edges and is sealed along the entire perimeter of the door or drawer front. This full heat and vacuum seal helps prevent the peeling and lifting issues commonly seen with older thermofoil products.
Because the edges are fully sealed, customers can feel confident that their cabinets will maintain their appearance over time, even in high-use areas like kitchens.
Made for Real Life—and Real Longevity
Most homeowners aren’t designing a kitchen for just a year or two. Kitchens are long-term investments, often expected to last 4, 5, 10, even 15 years… or more. With that in mind, RTF was engineered to support a kitchen that looks beautiful and performs well for the long haul.
By prioritizing durability, scratch resistance, and edge integrity, our Rigid Tough Finish helps ensure customers can enjoy their cabinetry for a lifetime.
For more Erica Explains breakdowns, helpful cabinet tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from our team, follow us on Instagram and stay connected @HomerDesignTools
