Protective Film Kitchen Units - When to remove

HampshireH

All units arrive with a protective film. Do you remove this before or after you fit.

Our units had transparent sides and a patterned (almost) film on the edges - not transparent.

Kitchen fitter left them on during install. Now we have identified cosmetic damage to one (scratched) down the front (side larder panel) after kitchen is complete & film removed from the edges

Supplier online is stating thats as its installed its deemed fit for purpose regardless of cosmetic damage (they have seen it). Referred to in store.

So my question is would you have removed all film before install Or left it on to protect untill completion?

It isn't going to change anything but I'm interested to know the correct order of things as its really disappointing

Norman_Castle

Common sense says remove it after fitting but are you expecting the kitchen supplier to reimburse for fitting as well? If so they have a valid argument for checking before or while installing.

HampshireH

This is why I don't expect to be able to do anything.

We returned home from work to find it once the plastic was removed. It's quite significant - like someone put a knife down it. We have photos throughout the install and you wouldn't have noticed it through the film.

They wouldn't reimburse. It's the main point in the centre of the install housing the cooker. The lot would need to come out inc all worktops etc.

Problem it they are gloss so can't even be rubbed down and filled

HampshireH

Well up turn for the books.

Supplier in store has accepted the damage and offered replacement or refund no quibbles. We have opted for refund and to pay for a repair by a hopefully "magic man" who does repairs. Replacement would mean removing half the kitchen.

Instore far more helpful than their online customer services.

They also acknowledged that their online support service is often not helpful.

Next time I think we will remove the plastic and then reapply it. Seems like a sensible solution. You live & learn.

Norman_Castle

It could be argued the fitter should check during the installation but only a fitter who has experienced what is likely to be an unusual situation is likely to do this. The plastic film could be refitted after checking.

Have you asked the fitters how much work it would be to replace this panel? If the tiling has been done removal could be difficult but as the worktops are now cut to size refitting them might not be excessive work.


Edit, good luck with the magic man repair.