Peeling gloss wardrobes transformed with soft-touch architectural film
The fitted wardrobes were still serviceable, but their original gloss foil surface had failed and was peeling away. Refurbishing the visible surfaces restored and modernised the installation without replacing the complete fitted wardrobe system.
- Location
- Greater Manchester
- Service
- Fitted wardrobe wrapping
- Existing issue
- Failed and peeling gloss foil
- Finish
- LX Hausys ST001 Soft Touch White
- Furniture retained
- Existing fitted wardrobe structure
The original wardrobe finish was failing
The existing Hammonds fitted wardrobe structure remained usable, but the aged high-gloss foil had begun delaminating. Several areas were visibly peeling and separating from the panels, including sections above the doors.
Applying new architectural film over a failing finish would not provide an appropriate substrate. The loose foil therefore needed to be removed before the wardrobe refurbishment could begin.
Removing the failed finish and preparing the surface
Preparation was particularly important on this fitted wardrobe refurbishment. The new film could only be installed after the failing surface had been removed and the substrate assessed.
- Foil removedThe failed original surface was taken away.
- Panels inspectedThe underlying substrates were checked.
- Surfaces cleanedVisible areas were cleaned and prepared.
- Primed as requiredSuitable areas were primed before wrapping.
This careful assessment and preparation is an important difference between professional refurbishment and simply applying another covering over a failing finish.
The wardrobes were refurbished in place
The exposed panel surfaces show the stage between removing the failed gloss foil and installing the new architectural film. The underlying panels were retained wherever they were suitable for refurbishment.
The fitted wardrobe structure and internal storage remained in place throughout the project. The work focused on the five doors, top and bottom finishing areas, visible end panel and other visible surfaces needed for a consistent result.
LX Hausys ST001 Soft Touch White
The customer selected LX Hausys BENIF ST001, a soft-touch white architectural interior film. Its contemporary, understated appearance is considerably less reflective than the previous high-gloss surface and creates a clean fitted-furniture finish.
Explore more architectural film options on our finishes page.
What we wrapped
The fitted installation measured approximately 3,100mm wide and 2,450mm high overall. Its internal structure and existing handles were retained.
- Fivefull-height wardrobe doors
- Top fitted infill / fasciarefinished for continuity
- Bottom plinthincluded in the visible frontage
- Visible side / end panelwrapped to match the doors
- Associated visible finishing areascompleted where required for a consistent appearance
Before and after
The finished transformation
The completed wardrobe has a clean matt, soft-touch appearance in place of the failing gloss finish. The visible change is significant, while the existing fitted furniture, handles and internal storage continue to be used.
There was no need to remove the full wardrobe or replace the complete fitted system. The refurbishment directly addressed the failed visible surface and gave the otherwise usable installation a more contemporary finish.
When fitted wardrobes are worth wrapping
Wrapping can be a strong option when the carcasses and structure remain sound, the problem is primarily cosmetic, the doors are suitable for architectural film and a different finish is wanted without removing the entire installation.
Not every wardrobe is suitable. Existing surfaces, damage, door profiles and substrate condition must be assessed first. Learn more about suitability and wardrobe wrapping in Manchester and Greater Manchester.
Project summary
- Location
- Greater Manchester
- Project
- Fitted wardrobe refurbishment
- Original finish
- High-gloss foil
- New finish
- LX Hausys ST001 Soft Touch White
- Doors
- Five full-height fitted wardrobe doors
- Also wrapped
- Top and bottom finishing panels and visible end panel
- Service
- Architectural vinyl wardrobe wrapping