cupboard door coverings

[Elle44]

Hello all.  And a happy new year.  Our new house has very shiny cupboard doors, I think MDF or chip board covered with high gloss plastic.  I’m not sure if you can see it from the photo as it is very reflective.  But my question is, the current handles are screwed into the back of the door (which is not shiny) and go over the top.  If I were to screw handles into the front, would it crack the covering? They are a problem as they catch on everything — including heads!

Thanks Elle

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Elle44,

Happy New Year!

As I don't have specific details on the coating of your cupboard doors, I can't confidently say that screwing handles into the front won't cause any issues. However, most cabinetry, including high-gloss finishes, can typically have handles attached to the front face. Just be sure to pre-drill the holes to avoid cracking the surface.

One thing to keep in mind: If your current handles are screwed in from behind, placing the handle at the front could obscure the holes and prevent you from attaching them. You might need to choose new handles that are designed to be attached to the front. These typically have screws that are inserted through the rear of the panel and screwed into the handle at the front.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Noyade]

Hi @Elle44 

Have you selected the replacement handles?

I may not be understanding the problem - but with the appropriate template for the handles and drilling from the 'shiny' side - I can't see a problem.

Provided there is a reasonable surface area making contact and you don't overtighten the screws at the back.

But I may be thinking of the wrong style?