What’s the Difference Between 2 PAC cabinetry, Vinyl and Laminate Finishes?
What is 2PAC and should you be renovating to have a 2PAC kitchen? If you are renovating your kitchen or bathroom, should you use 2PAC cabinets? Or should you use a different finish, perhaps you are wanting to know the answer to vinyl wrap doors vs laminate? There are so many options when it comes to choosing finishes for your home renovation. You can choose from many different types such as vinyl, laminate, and 2PAC. They all look very similar, but provide completely different results over time.
Custom cabinetry options can help to elevate a typical kitchen or bathroom renovation, it does this by creating a highly functional space that also looks amazing. And with modern advances in kitchen or bathroom cabinet designs and manufacturing, homeowners now have more choices than ever.
Let us explain the advantages and disadvantages of each finish so you can understand the options for your kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation.
To determine which product will offer the best solution for your kitchen or bathroom renovation, you first need to consider the pros and cons of each option.
What is 2PAC paint?
2PAC Cabinets (also known as 2 Pac or 2 Pack) are a unique and innovative finish that features a film on the surface of the wood. It combines the look of vinyl with increased durability, it’s also more durable than traditional paint or stain and it can be applied over existing finishes. 2PAC cabinets are great for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
2PAC got its name from the manufacturing process, which usually involves combining two separate liquids, a special kind of acrylic paint and a hardener. When mixed, these products produce a chemical reaction that causes the paint to dry with a smooth, thick finish that is similar in quality to the paint job you get on a car. 2PAC cabinets are made from a type of MDF (medium density fiberboard) that is cut to size and then sprayed with a two-part liquid concoction.
Advantages
Here are some advantages of using 2PAC cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom renovation:
- Durability: The finish is spayed onto the surface of your cabinets and is a very durable finish so it won’t peel off or discolour over time. It also protects against dings and scratches from everyday use, so your kitchen will look great for years to come.
- Highly customisable: This type of cabinet has many customisation options available, including different door styles, material finishes and accessories like towel bars and pullouts for increased storage space. These customisation options allow you to personalize your kitchen or bathroom to suit your needs and preferences.
- More colour variety: The 2PAC cabinet solutions can be tinted to match existing cabinetry and can even be mixed to ¾, ½ or ¼ strengths (similar to what you can do with wall paint).
- A high-end finish: Quality 2PAC cabinets are ideally suited for high-end kitchen renovations, as it looks amazing and produces a durable surface that will continue to look good for many years.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage to 2PAC cabinets is their cost if you are on a tighter budget.
- Cost: 2PAC cabinets take longer to manufacture than standard cabinetry, because of the more labour intensive construction process and slower dry time. This makes 2PAC cabinetry more expensive than standard products. However, the extra cost can be worth it because better materials provide a long lifespan and an original look.
What are Vinyl Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinet vinyl wrap is a popular alternative to 2PAC and other materials. Vinyl is a durable material that can withstand moisture and temperature changes as well as wear and tear. Vinyl offers a number of benefits that make it well worth its price tag.
It is a quality standard that offers long-term performance. The thermolaminated cabinetry is made from maintenance-free vinyl material wrapped around an MDF substrate. The vinyl is heated and then applied to the MDF using a vacuum method which carefully moulds the material to the board for a lasting finish. You can choose from a wide selection of colours and designs, including realistic wood grain finishes.
Advantages
Vinyl cabinets offer a different set of advantages over other types of cabinetry. Here are some of the advantages of vinyl cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom renovation:
- Easy to clean and maintain: You can simply wipe them down with water and a mild soap solution. There is no need to wax or refinish them as you would with wood cabinets. Polytec has an excellent reputation for producing vinyl wrapped cabinets using the latest technology and the best materials, creating a durable and long-lasting surface.
- Great selection of finishes: Vinyl wrapped cabinets give you a great selection of cabinet finishes to choose from, including textured, gloss, matte and satin. This makes it suitable for use in just about any style of kitchen or bathroom.
Disadvantages
Here are some of the disadvantages of vinyl cabinets.
- Heat Sensitivity: Vinyl cabinets are not heat-resistant, so it’s not suitable for contact with hot surfaces. Vinyl can melt when exposed to temperatures higher than 49 degrees Celsius.
- Poor-quality imitations: If a poor-quality vinyl is used, the product is likely to discolour with time. The vinyl may even start to peel if it hasn’t been applied properly. To avoid these kinds of issues, steer clear of poor-quality imitations.
What is Laminate Finish Cabinetry?
Laminate finish on cabinetry is one of the most popular choices for both residential and commercial use. Durable and easy to maintain, laminate finish cabinets can imitate the look of wood, tile, or stone without the higher price tag. Laminate is also a great choice for high-traffic areas or areas where moisture is a concern, as it is resistant to staining and fading.
The laminate finish is usually the most affordable cabinetry finish, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an inferior product. Laminate is made by covering MDF substrate with compressed, plasticised sheeting. The outer layers of the product are coated to create the finished colour and texture of the laminate. A matching edge strip (usually 1-2mm thick) is then applied wherever the sheets of laminate meet, to create a smooth and uniformly coloured finish.
Thanks to modern technology, laminate colours for kitchen benchtops or your bathroom cabinet designs come in a wide range, making it easy to find the perfect look for any space.
Advantages
Here are some of the advantages of choosing laminate finish cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom renovation.
- Affordable product: Using a laminate finish cabinet solution is cost-effective because it is simple to manufacture. This also makes it a good choice for kitchen renovations on a tight construction schedule, as laminate cabinetry can be ready for installation faster than most other finishes.
- Versatility: It can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood, metal and plastic. Additionally, laminate finishes come in a wide range of colours and styles, so you can easily find one that compliments your existing décor.
Disadvantages
Laminate finish cabinets do have a few disadvantages:
- Not heat-resistant: This means that you should take care not to place hot items directly on laminate surfaces.
- Difficult to repair: Once a laminate finish is scratched or chipped, it can be very difficult to match the colour and pattern of the surrounding area to hide a repair.
Conclusion
It can be hard to decide what finish is best for your kitchen or bathroom renovation. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together this comparison of the three most popular cabinet finishes: 2PAC, vinyl, and laminate.
Contact us today if you have any questions or would like more information on getting started with your renovation project. We would be happy to help!
