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Cabinet Door Finishes in Brunei, Compared
Door finishes affect the appearance and care of a kitchen or wardrobe. Compare samples and written product specifications before choosing an option for your home.
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Quick Answer
Who this page is for: Homeowners comparing HPL, lacquer, PET, and PETG door finish options for cabinets and wardrobes.
Ask for the exact product name, core, edge treatment, care instructions, and written warranty terms. See physical samples before deciding.
Material Standard
ENF plywood is Caramella's default carcass specification unless another material is agreed. The door finish and core should be confirmed separately in the project specification.
Finish Comparison
| Property | Formica (HPL) | PET | PETG | Thermal-Cured Lacquer |
| Appearance | Wide range of colours and patterns. Solid feel. | Clean ultra-matte or high-gloss. Modern look. | Gloss and matte options; confirm the selected finish from a sample. | Smooth, painted finish. Classic or modern flat. |
| Product documentation | Request the exact product specification, applicable test data, and warranty terms; performance varies by product and fabrication. | |||
| Moisture suitability | Ask the supplier for product-specific guidance for the intended location and how edges are treated. | |||
| Care | Follow the quoted product's care and cleaning instructions. | |||
| Price | Request a project-specific quotation that identifies the selected finish and included work. | |||
| What to confirm | Ask how the selected finish is made and applied to the quoted core. | |||
| Design use | Compare colour, pattern, texture, and edge detail in physical samples. | Compare colour, sheen, texture, and edge detail in physical samples. | Compare colour, sheen, texture, and edge detail in physical samples. | Compare colour, sheen, routed profiles, and edge detail in physical samples. |
On a narrow screen, swipe horizontally to compare the columns.
Questions to Ask About Each Finish
1. Formica (High-Pressure Laminate / HPL)
Ask for the exact HPL product, thickness, core, edge treatment, adhesive, and cleaning instructions. Product properties should be checked against the supplier's documentation.
2. Thermal-Cured Lacquer (Premium Finish)
Ask whether the quoted door uses lacquer, what core and application process are specified, how edges are finished, and what care and warranty terms apply.
3. PET & PETG (Engineering Polymers)
Ask the supplier to distinguish PET from PETG in the quoted product, identify the core and application method, and provide product-specific care and performance documentation.
Door Construction Methods
Choosing a Finish for Your Project
- HPL: Compare the available colours, patterns, surface texture, and edges.
- PET and PETG: Confirm the exact product, finish, core, and supplier care guidance.
- Lacquer: Confirm the coating system, core, colour sample, and maintenance instructions.
Note on Internals: Door finish and carcass material are separate specifications. Caramella's default carcass specification is ENF plywood unless another material is agreed; confirm internal surfaces and finishes in the quotation.
What to Ask When Comparing Quotes
- What specific finish material is included — HPL brand (Formica, Arborite, Greenlam), PET brand, or generic?
- What is the exact core and finish product specification?
- What is the finish thickness, if applicable, and where can I see that in the product documentation?
- How are door edges treated, and which materials are included?
- For Lacquer: how many coats? What type of paint system is used?
- For gloss or matte finishes: what product is quoted, and what care and warranty terms apply?
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