Renuvaâ„¢ Architectural Film FAQ

Everything you need to know about Renuvaâ„¢ Architectural Film, from what it is and how the eight series differ to surfaces, installation, cleaning, the 5-year warranty, samples, Quick-Ship rolls and returns. If you are refacing kitchen cabinets, refreshing doors and built-ins, or specifying a wipeable finish for a hospitality or office interior, start here. Looking for guides and downloads instead? Visit the Renuva resources hub.

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Product basics

What is Renuva Architectural Film?

Renuva Architectural Film is a self-adhesive interior finish film that applies directly over existing surfaces to give them a new look without demolition, replacement or repainting. It reproduces the appearance and texture of natural materials (wood grain, painted timber, marble, brushed and stippled metal, woven linen) as well as matte and high-gloss solid colors. Each finish is printed and embossed on a durable film with a scratch- and abrasion-resistant wear layer and a water-based adhesive backing. Renuva applies dry with a squeegee across flat and gently contoured surfaces, and it is used by designers, architects and refacing professionals on furniture, doors, cabinetry, built-ins and walls. Browse the range in our Renuva Architectural Film collection.

Who makes Renuva, and where can I buy it?

Renuva is a premium architectural film brand from Renuva Architectural Surfaces, built around one idea: renew, don't replace. Surface Supply is the authorized US distributor. Every Renuva finish is stocked in the United States and ships from Surface Supply, so you can order samples, the swatch book and full rolls at surfacesupply.com without import lead times. The brand site at renuvafilms.com hosts the finish library, project gallery and an online visualizer.

Is Renuva the same as contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper?

No. Contact paper and peel-and-stick wallpaper are thin products for drawer liners, shelves and light-duty accent walls. Renuva is an architectural-grade film for surfaces that get touched, bumped and wiped every day: cabinet fronts, doors, wardrobes, furniture and wall panels. It has a protective wear layer that resists scratches, abrasion and household stains, an embossed texture that matches the printed design and an adhesive formulated for a long-term bond, and it is sold in 48-inch professional rolls. Read more in Vinyl Wraps vs Contact Paper: The Real Differences Explained.

How many Renuva finishes are there?

The current range has 27 finishes across eight series: Premium Wood (6), Painted Wood (4), Marble (3), Metal (2), Matte Solid (6), High Gloss Solid (3), Soft Matte (1) and Fabric (2). It is a deliberately edited palette focused on the tones refacing professionals actually specify: whites, creams, greys and charcoal, oaks from cream ash to amber, a deep mahogany, three white-based marbles, champagne and silver metals and two linen weaves. Every finish comes as a sample, an 82 ft roll and a 164 ft roll, and all 27 are in the Renuva Film Swatch Book.

What size are Renuva rolls?

Renuva rolls are 48 inches (122 cm) wide and come in two lengths: 48 in x 82 ft and 48 in x 164 ft. Both lengths are stocked in the US for every finish. Individual samples measure 8 in x 10 in. The 48-inch width covers most cabinet doors, drawer fronts, interior doors and wardrobe panels in one piece with no seam; wider surfaces such as wall panels are seamed from multiple drops. The 164 ft roll costs less per linear foot and suits large or repeat projects; the 82 ft roll suits a single kitchen, a run of doors or furniture pieces. Cut-to-length pieces are not listed on the store; for unusual quantities, contact us before ordering.

What does Renuva cost?

Pricing is set per series and shown live on every product page. As a guide at the time of writing, Matte Solid is the most economical series and Soft Matte, Metal and Fabric sit at the top of the range, with Premium Wood, Painted Wood, High Gloss Solid and Marble in between. An 8 in x 10 in sample costs roughly $2.50 to $3.50 depending on series, and the 27-finish swatch book is $24.99. A Renuva reface is typically a fraction of the cost of replacing doors or re-veneering millwork; see How Much Does Vinyl Wrapping a Kitchen Cost? for a realistic budget.

Is Renuva for interior or exterior use?

Renuva is an interior film, designed for cabinetry, doors, furniture, built-ins and wall panels inside conditioned spaces. It is not offered as an exterior product and should not be used on facades, weather-exposed doors or outdoor furniture. For exterior elements, look at the exterior-rated series from 3M DI-NOC or Bodaq.

Series and finishes

What are the Renuva series?

Renuva finishes are grouped into eight series, each identified by the letter prefix in the finish code:

Series Codes Look Shop
Premium Wood PW1512, PW1514, PW1516, PW1518, PW1520, PW1522 Layered print plus textured embossing; cream ash and sandy oak through golden, amber and rosewood mahogany tones Premium Wood
Painted Wood RW1412, RW1414, RW1416, RW1418 Painted color over subtle raised grain, the look of brushed and lacquered joinery; warm whites through dove grey Painted Wood
Marble ST1105, ST1107, ST1109 Honed cream onyx, classic Carrara and dense feathered cloud-white veining Marble
Metal ME1213, ME1215 Metallic pigments with precision texturing; hairline-brushed champagne and fine-stipple pearl silver Metal
Matte Solid MT1701, MT1703, MT1705, MT1707, MT1709, MT1711 Low-sheen single colors in smooth and finely textured surfaces; pure white to charcoal Matte Solid
High Gloss Solid HG1630, HG1632, HG1634 Deep, reflective lacquer-like sheen; pure white, ivory and greige High Gloss Solid
Soft Matte MTS1308 Ultra-low sheen with a velvety soft-touch coating; slate grey Soft Matte
Fabric FP1840, FP1842 Woven linen texture at thread level in a wipeable film; white and grey Fabric

What is the difference between Premium Wood and Painted Wood?

Premium Wood (PW series) reproduces natural, stained timber. Layered printing and textured embossing follow the grain so the film reads as real wood in sight and touch: Cream Ash (PW1512) has a subtle Scandinavian figure, Sand Oak (PW1514) and Amber Oak (PW1520) show soft cathedral figure, Honey Oak (PW1516) is an even golden oak, Golden Rift Oak (PW1518) has straight rift-sawn grain and Rosewood Mahogany (PW1522) is a deep reddish mahogany for formal interiors. Painted Wood (RW series) reproduces timber that has been painted and lacquered: the color is a solid (warm white, cream, dove grey, bright white) but a fine raised-grain texture shows through, the way brushed paint on a real wood door does. Choose Premium Wood when you want the wood species visible; choose Painted Wood for a painted-cabinet look with the texture of joinery.

Matte Solid, Soft Matte or High Gloss Solid: which solid should I pick?

All three are single-color finishes; the difference is sheen and feel. Matte Solid (MT series) is the workhorse: six low-sheen colors from Pure White to Charcoal in smooth (MT1701, MT1703, MT1705) and finely textured (MT1707, MT1709, MT1711) surfaces. It hides fingerprints, photographs evenly and is the most economical series. Soft Matte (MTS1308 Slate Grey) adds an ultra-low sheen and a velvety soft-touch coating, the super-matte look of contemporary European cabinetry. High Gloss Solid (HG series) is the opposite end: a deep, reflective lacquer-like sheen in Pure White, Ivory and Greige that bounces light around a kitchen or wardrobe run. Gloss shows the substrate honestly, so it rewards flat, well-prepared surfaces. Read Matte vs Gloss Architectural Film: Which Should You Choose? for the trade-offs.

Surfaces and applications

What surfaces can Renuva be applied to?

Renuva is designed for flat and gently contoured interior surfaces: cabinet doors and drawer fronts, cabinet boxes and end panels, interior doors, wardrobe fronts, built-ins, furniture, wall panels, columns and reception desks. As with any self-adhesive architectural film, the substrate should be smooth, clean, dry, structurally sound and non-porous or properly sealed. Suitable substrates include painted or primed MDF and wood, fully bonded laminate and melamine, cured painted drywall, metal and sealed plywood. Raw wood, bare drywall, chalky or peeling paint, textured surfaces and anything oily or waxed must be sealed, primed, sanded smooth or degreased first. Existing laminate cabinets are one of the most common Renuva applications: clean, degrease and lightly scuff them and they make a good substrate. Peeling thermofoil must be removed and the exposed MDF sealed and primed first, because film cannot fix a substrate that is already letting go. When in doubt, apply a test piece and check adhesion after 24 hours. With heat, Renuva also wraps cabinet door edges, softened corners and shaker-style profiles; deep compound curves and heavily sculpted profiles are outside the intended use, so test edge conformability with a sample first. Our kitchen cabinet wrapping guide walks through the refacing process and applies equally to Renuva.

Can Renuva be used in kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes. Renuva's wear layer resists common household stains and cleaners and wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is exactly what cabinet fronts in kitchens and vanity fronts in bathrooms need. Two cautions apply, as they do to every architectural film. Keep film away from direct, sustained heat: leave a gap or use a heat shield at the edges of ovens and cooktops, and do not use Renuva on countertops or other horizontal work surfaces where hot pans and knives are used. In wet areas, make sure edges are fully sealed to the substrate so water cannot get behind the film.

Is Renuva fire rated?

Renuva is not marketed as a fire-rated film. Its specification lists it as not fire rated, and Surface Supply does not supply fire test reports for it. That is rarely an issue for the cabinet, furniture and door refacing Renuva is designed for, but it matters when a specification or building code calls for a tested finish. For code-driven fire-rated assemblies, elevator interiors, corridors and other regulated wall finishes, use Bodaq or 3M DI-NOC instead; both are tested to ASTM E84 (Class A) for US interior use. See Bodaq Fire Ratings and Certifications, the fire-rating answer in our DI-NOC FAQ, and Fire Ratings for Vinyl Wraps: What to Check Before You Order.

Installation

How is Renuva installed?

Renuva is a dry-apply film installed with a squeegee; no water, paste or application fluid is used. The sequence is: remove hardware and, for cabinets, take doors and drawer fronts off so they can be wrapped flat; clean, degrease and wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry; cut the film with a trimming allowance; peel back part of the release liner and set an edge; work the film down with firm, overlapping squeegee strokes from the center outward, peeling the liner as you go; trim with a sharp blade; then post-heat edges and returns and press them firmly so the adhesive sets. Work in a clean space at normal room temperature and give the installation time to build full bond before heavy use. Surface preparation decides the result: grease, polish residue, dust, chalky or uncured paint and moisture all stop the adhesive from wetting out, and film highlights bumps rather than hiding them (especially in High Gloss Solid), so fill and sand repairs flush and let fresh paint cure fully. The tool kit is the standard one for architectural film: a felt-edged squeegee, a snap-off blade knife, a straight edge, an adjustable heat gun, isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths, and a soft roller for edges; Surface Supply stocks professional installation tools. For technique and tool detail, read How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes in Architectural Wrapping, Tools Necessary to Install Architectural Film and The Best Vinyl Wrap Squeegee for Bubble-Free Installation, and if you must work in a cool space, How to Apply Vinyl Wraps in Low Temperatures.

How do I calculate how much Renuva I need?

Renuva is 48 inches wide, so list every surface and decide how it will be cut from a 48-inch drop; cabinet doors and drawer fronts are usually laid out across the width, so several come from one length. Measure each piece and add at least 1 inch on every side for trimming (about 3 inches if you are wrapping edges and returns on thick doors). Add the lengths, then add 10 to 15 percent for waste, grain matching and spare material for repairs. A typical kitchen refacing project fits in a single 82 ft roll; a large kitchen with tall pantry units, or a kitchen plus a bathroom vanity, may call for a 164 ft roll. Order all the film for a project at once so it comes from the same print lot, since color can vary slightly between print lots and between samples and production rolls.

Cleaning, durability and warranty

How do you clean Renuva?

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. For everyday grease and marks, use warm water with a mild liquid detergent, then wipe again with clean water and dry. Renuva is resistant to common household stains and cleaners, so ordinary kitchen and bathroom sprays are fine. Avoid abrasive powders and scouring pads, strong solvents, bleach concentrates and acetone, which can dull the wear layer or damage the print. On High Gloss Solid, a microfiber cloth avoids fine swirl marks; on Soft Matte, avoid oily polishes that would change the sheen. Renuva never needs refinishing or resealing.

How durable is Renuva?

Renuva is built for surfaces that take daily contact. Its scratch- and abrasion-resistant wear layer stands up to busy households, it resists common household stains and cleaners, and it wipes clean without refinishing. Normal daily contact will not mark it, while a deliberate knife cut or heavy impact will damage it just as it would a laminate or painted door. A cut or lifted edge is fixed by re-wrapping the affected door or drop, so keep leftover film from the original print lot. Longevity depends on substrate preparation, edge sealing and keeping film away from direct heat. For a general discussion, read Is Architectural Film Durable Enough for Commercial Spaces?

What is the Renuva warranty?

Renuva carries a 5-year warranty on the film. As with all architectural film warranties, coverage is for the product itself (manufacturing defects such as discoloration, cracking or delamination under normal interior use) and does not extend to problems caused by installation, unsuitable or poorly prepared substrates, heat exposure, moisture ingress at edges, misuse or exterior use. Keep your order confirmation and note the finish code and roll SKU (for example PW1518-HR for an 82 ft roll or PW1518-FR for a 164 ft roll). Contact Surface Supply with photos and order details and we will handle the process with Renuva.

Can Renuva be removed?

Yes, and clean removal is one of the advantages of refacing with film instead of painting. Warm a corner with a heat gun to soften the adhesive, lift an edge and pull the film back at a low angle, warming just ahead of the peel. Sound, well-prepared substrates typically come clean; poorly bonded paint may lift with the film, and unsealed substrates can be damaged, another reason to seal them before installation. Adhesive residue comes off with a citrus-based remover or isopropyl alcohol. See How to Remove Vinyl Wrap Without Damaging the Surface.

Ordering, samples, shipping and returns

How do I get Renuva samples?

Every Renuva product page has a "Sample" option that ships an 8 in x 10 in piece of the actual production film for a few dollars, so you can check color, texture and sheen under your own lighting. Samples are the right first step for every project: screens do not show embossed grain, linen weave or the difference between a smooth and a textured matte, and color can vary slightly between print lots and between samples and production rolls. Browse the Renuva collection and add samples from each product page, preview finishes first in the Renuva visualizer, or contact us with a list of finish codes.

What is the Renuva Film Swatch Book?

The Renuva Film Swatch Book is a fan-style deck containing real material swatches of all 27 finishes, each cut from the same film stocked in 48-inch rolls and labeled with its finish code. It lets you compare wood grains side by side, hold a marble against an existing countertop or check how a gloss solid reads in a client's kitchen. At $24.99 it costs less than ordering every sample individually.

Is Renuva a Quick-Ship product?

Yes. The entire Renuva range (all 27 finishes in both roll lengths, plus samples and the swatch book) is stocked in the United States and ships from Surface Supply in 1 to 3 days. There are no import lead times and no special-order finishes, which matters for refacing businesses that quote a job and want material on hand the same week. Surface Supply also ships Renuva to Canada; switch the country selector to Canada to see options at checkout.

What is the return policy for Renuva?

Full Renuva rolls are eligible for return within 30 days of material receipt, provided they are unused, unopened and in their original manufacturer packaging. Return authorization must be requested within that 30-day window by emailing contact@surfacesupply.com, and approved returns ship back with the label and instructions we provide. Renuva samples and the swatch book are final sale and cannot be returned, which is why they are priced to be an inexpensive first step. Refunds go to the original payment method, or you can choose store credit. Full terms are in our refund policy.

Renuva vs 3M DI-NOC vs Bodaq

How is Renuva different from 3M DI-NOC?

Both are self-adhesive architectural films in 48-inch rolls that install with a squeegee; the differences are scope and positioning. 3M DI-NOC is the broadest architectural film line available, with over 1,000 patterns, exterior-rated and abrasion-resistant series and fire test data to ASTM E84 (Class A); only a portion of the catalog is stocked in the US, with the rest imported from Japan. Renuva is a tightly edited range of 27 interior finishes focused on refacing work, every one stocked in the US in two roll lengths, priced for residential and light commercial budgets, with a 5-year warranty. Choose DI-NOC when you need exterior films, fire-rated finishes, abrasion-resistant grades or a very specific pattern; choose Renuva for a stocked, cost-effective interior finish for cabinets, doors and furniture. Details are in our DI-NOC FAQ and The Complete Guide to 3M DI-NOC Architectural Film.

How is Renuva different from Bodaq?

Bodaq Interior Film, made by Hyundai L&C in Korea, sits between the two: 468 patterns spanning wood, solid, stone, metal, fabric and exterior series, every interior finish fire rated to ASTM E84 (Class A) for US interior use, and stock that ships in 6 to 9 business days. Renuva is smaller, faster and simpler: 27 finishes, Quick-Ship from US stock in 1 to 3 days, and no fire rating. If your project needs a fire-rated finish, a specialty look (hologram, real-metal foil, gold metal, exterior) or a pattern outside Renuva's palette, Bodaq is the answer; for cabinet or furniture refacing with material in hand this week, Renuva is. Read the Bodaq FAQ and Bodaq vs 3M DI-NOC for the Bodaq side.

Which should I choose for my project?

Renuva Bodaq 3M DI-NOC
Range 27 finishes, 8 series 468 patterns 1,000+ patterns
Roll width 48 in (122 cm) 48 in (122 cm) 48 in (122 cm)
Roll lengths 82 ft and 164 ft See product page 164 ft (some series 82 ft), cut lengths available
US stock All finishes, ships in 1 to 3 days Ships in 6 to 9 business days Quick-Ship patterns stocked; others imported from Japan
Fire rating (US) Not fire rated ASTM E84 (Class A), all interior finishes ASTM E84 (Class A)
Exterior option No Yes, Exterior series Yes, EX and EXR series
Warranty 5 years See product page 12 years on most interior series
Best for Cabinet, door and furniture refacing; fast turnaround; budget-conscious interiors Code-driven interiors needing a fire rating with a large pattern choice Specification-grade commercial work, exterior, abrasion-resistant and specialty needs

A simple way to decide: if the surface is regulated by code as an interior wall or ceiling finish, or the specification names a fire rating, choose Bodaq or DI-NOC. If the surface is outdoors, choose DI-NOC EX/EXR or Bodaq Exterior. For everything else inside a home, office or hospitality space (cabinets, doors, wardrobes, furniture, panels), Renuva is usually the most cost-effective choice that is in stock today.

Still have questions?

Contact Surface Supply for finish recommendations, project quantities or installation guidance. Professional installers can apply for installer pricing, and design firms, contractors and fabricators for trade pricing, on Renuva, Bodaq and DI-NOC. If you are hiring out the work, see 7 Important Questions to Ask Your Vinyl Wrap Installer. Visit the Renuva resources hub for guides, the swatch book and the online visualizer, or explore the brand at renuvafilms.com.