What
is MDF?
MDF is medium-density fiberboard. It has become the most popular
composite material in recent years. Because MDF is uniform, very dense,
smooth and free of knots and grain patterns, it makes an excellent
substitute for solid wood in many applications. It is an excellent base for
solid color and woodgrain RTF veneers and laminates. It is also the perfect
choice for painting because there is no woodgrain showing through. Kitchen
doors of MDF, as opposed to natural wood, have no joints to crack after they
have been painted.
MDF is made up of wood particles and resin. The particles are separated
uniformly to make a fine, consistent material that is cooked and pressure
steamed. The material is then bound with an adhesive and heat pressed to
produce a solid board with many of the same qualities of natural wood, but
without many of natural wood's limitations.
Because of MDF's consistent makeup, machining this material with the
right tools results in clean, sharp edges without chip-out or fuzzing.
Because MDF is more dense than most woods, manufacturers use only the
highest quality tools of carbide and diamond for cutting. MDF can be glued
and holds screws as well as natural wood.
What is RTF?
RTF is "Ridged Thermofoil". It is
applied to an MDF substrate with heat and heat activated glue under immense
pressure in a mercury vacuum press. The resulting product is very durable.
With the new RTF veneers available today, cabinet doors look very much like
natural wood. In fact, many of these veneers have natural looking woodgrain
texture built right into them. RTF has become the most popular choice for
homeowners who want a beautiful product without all the care and upkeep of
natural woods. Better Homes and Gardens has
touted RTF cabinetry as "the 40 year kitchen"!
Courtesy of
Www.kitchenrefacing.org |