Repairing Guides

how to repair a kitchen cabinet

by Mrs. Anastasia Rutherford I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Prepare the cabinets for repair. First things first, you need to prepare the cabinets for the work you’re going to do. ...
  2. Use a shellac-based primer on the wood. Easy to find in most hardware stores, shellac-based primers are designed to help repair small blemishes and damage in wooden furniture such ...
  3. Apply plastic wood filler if necessary. If there are larger areas of damage on your kitchen cabinets, you may like to use plastic wood filler to help seal them ...
  4. Get sanding that cabinet door! Now it’s time to start sanding! Kitchen cabinets repair often involves sanding at some stage, and this is no exception!
  5. Repeat the previous steps if necessary. If your cabinet are really badly affected by water damage, you should consider repeating the previous steps 1 or 2 times over until ...
  6. Start painting your kitchen cabinet! Once the water damage is barely visible and the cabinet door looks very flat and smooth, it’s time to start painting it back to ...
  7. Sand the painted cabinet doors down. You’ll find that you’re very good at sanding after this repair job! ...
  8. Apply a final coat of paint and sand it down again. ...
  9. Apply a water-proofing varnish or seal. If you want to really repair water damaged kitchen cabinets and stop the problem from coming back, I would suggest applying a final ...

Part of a video titled Repair Kitchen Cabinets - YouTube
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Based wood filler it dries very fast when the wood filler dries it turns a chalky white. And thenMoreBased wood filler it dries very fast when the wood filler dries it turns a chalky white. And then sand off the excess. Creating a smooth surface on the side of the cabinet.

Full Answer

How to repaint kitchen cabinets the right way?

Prepare to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

  1. Assess the Cabinet's Condition. Determine the condition of your cabinets. Surfaces that are already painted can be painted again if the existing paint is in good condition.
  2. Empty the Cabinets and Remove the Doors
  3. Remove Dirt and Grease, and Repair Damages
  4. Prep the Area and Sand
  5. Vacuum the Area. Applying primer is an important step in the painting process. ...

How to refinish your old kitchen cabinets?

Tips for Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

  • The “Before”. ...
  • Protective Measures. ...
  • Preparation Pays Off. ...
  • Degrease. ...
  • Prep, Part One: SVT. ...
  • Prime Time! ...
  • Application. ...
  • Prep, Part Two: Repeat SVT. ...
  • Top It Off. ...
  • De-Prep (Almost There!) Once everything has dried to the point where you can handle it, start by removing the tape and plastic from the cabinets.

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How to properly clean kitchen cabinets?

Tips for Keeping Kitchen Cabinets Clean Longer

  • Dust your cabinets at least once every two weeks with a soft cloth, rag, or standard duster. ...
  • Clean up spills as soon as they happen with a damp cloth or sponge. ...
  • Cabinets installed near a self-cleaning oven are prone to damage from the intense heat that can escape from a faulty heat gasket seal. ...

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How do I remodel my kitchen cabinets?

  • What are your project goals? Consider whether this is your forever home or a rental/flip, whether you’d like to change your kitchen layout, how many children and/or pets you have, ...
  • What is your overall project budget? ...
  • What is your project timeline? ...
  • What are your style preferences? ...
  • Do you want The Home Depot to take care of installation for you? ...

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How do you repair damaged wood cabinets?

0:415:35Fix a Hole or Chipped Cabinet - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can fill this in now these are actually a little plant sticks. But you could use paint sticksMoreSo you can fill this in now these are actually a little plant sticks. But you could use paint sticks you could use a tongue depressor. Whatever. You have that's large enough to go along this edge.

How do you repair damaged laminate cabinets?

1:232:41Laminate Cabinet Door Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet them to cut the piece a little bit smaller than the original sighs. Bring it back and glue it onMoreGet them to cut the piece a little bit smaller than the original sighs. Bring it back and glue it on. File. It off and clean it with lacquer thinner.

How do you repair a chipped cabinet?

Home Tips recommends a plastic wood filler as a first defense to small chips and nicks that go below the surface of the paint. Fill the divot or large chip with the glue filler and allow to dry. Sand around the edges until the area is smooth and even with the rest of the cabinet façade.

How do you fix kitchen cabinets that are peeling?

InstructionsPull Back the Thermofoil Layer. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF. ... Scrape the Cement. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.Apply the Contact Cement. ... Wait to Press. ... Press Together and Secure. ... Clean Up.

How do you fix plastic coated cabinets?

Remove any loose or peeling plastic coating. Sand the surface to dull the gloss and smooth the transition between the bare wood and plastic coating. Vacuum any sanding dust, and then wipe the cabinet down with a damp cloth. Apply one or more coats of a bonding primer to the cabinet (spray primer works best).

How do you fix peeling veneer on kitchen cabinets?

Match the grain on the new veneer to the old before cutting the patch. If the new veneer is thinner than the old, glue down a piece of kraft paper to make the repair level. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the substrate and a similar amount to the new veneer. Then press the patch into place.

How do you repair a chipped MDF cabinet?

0:092:39repairing water damaged MDF cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEverything like shellac reframing dries fast but it seals everything. So that puffiness a go awayMoreEverything like shellac reframing dries fast but it seals everything. So that puffiness a go away this is going to take a couple coats for sure.

How do you fix a chipped melamine cabinet?

0:000:34How to repair melamine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo repair melamine thermal plastic or laminated cabinet doors proceed as follows. Use toothpicks toMoreTo repair melamine thermal plastic or laminated cabinet doors proceed as follows. Use toothpicks to maintain the edges or other loose surfaces away from each other.

How do you fix nicks in kitchen cabinets?

0:161:11Fix Cabinet Scratches, Scuffs and Dents - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply peel off the backing. And apply to a clean dry door or drawer at the point where it makesMoreSimply peel off the backing. And apply to a clean dry door or drawer at the point where it makes contact with the frame the touch-up marker and fill stick are matched to the finish of your cabinetry.

What to do with peeling laminate cabinets?

As a general rule, if there are any cracks in the laminate, the entire piece needs to be replaced; however, if there's only peeling, you can reattach the laminate with adhesive.

Why is my kitchen cabinet peeling?

Your kitchen cabinets might peel for many reasons, including water damage, a poor paint job or high humidity. Areas near the sink and above the stovetop are especially prone to peeling, and it's an eyesore that can drive you batty.

How do you fix peeling vinyl cabinets?

0:202:46Repair Loose Vinyl Cabinet Door Edges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.MoreHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.

Can laminate cabinets be repaired?

Depending on the damage, you can either fix the existing laminate or reface the door to fix the problem without installing entirely new units. As a general rule, if there are any cracks in the laminate, the entire piece needs to be replaced; however, if there's only peeling, you can reattach the laminate with adhesive.

How do you fix laminate cabinets that are peeling?

Unscrew the hinges from the cabinet with a screwdriver. ... Lay the door flat and peel back the laminate with your fingers as far as it will go. ... Apply solvent-based, waterproof contact cement to the exposed core as well as the underside of the laminate surface that you peeled away, using a small paintbrush.More items...

Can laminate kitchen cabinets be refaced?

Yes, laminate cabinets can be refaced as long as the cabinet boxes are in good shape. But if the cabinet boxes are weak or damaged, you may need to replace your cabinets altogether.

How do you fix peeling vinyl cabinets?

0:202:46Repair Loose Vinyl Cabinet Door Edges - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.MoreHold the edge. Back. Put the glue. Inside. Rub it with a sponge or your finger.

What to do if your cabinet is warped?

For instance, if a cabinet shelf, drawer box or any of the doors and drawers have warped, you usually need a cabinetmaker or carpenter.

How to get a close color match on a cabinet?

Start with a color slightly lighter than the cabinet's finish and then layer darker markers until the scratch is no longer obvious. Test markers in an inconspicuous area first to ensure a close color match. 2.

Why won't my cabinet door close?

A cabinet door that doesn't close or that doesn't stay closed is often caused by a problem with one of the hinges. Check the hinges to see if any of them are loose or no longer flat against the cabinet or cabinet door. If a hinge is loose, the most common cause is a loose screw or two.

What is a fill stick for cabinet?

A fill stick, available at most hardware stores, comes in handy for filling tiny holes, such as old screw holes or gouge marks on a door or drawer front.

Do you need to paint scratches on kitchen cabinets?

Minor scrapes and scratches on kitchen cabinets and countertops usually don't need paint or stain and are simple enough to be a DIY home improvement project with very little out-of-pocket expense. If you still have the original literature that came with your cabinets, look for the manufacturer and any information about the cabinet finish. Check with the original retailer or on the manufacturer's website for a touch-up kit or scratch-repair marker that matches your type of finish. Some cabinet retailers even include these with the cabinets since minor dings are bound to happen during the installation process.

Can you replace a cabinet door with a manufacturer part?

If a cabinet door or box is beyond a simple repair, it's usually easiest and cheapest to simply replace it with a manufacturer part, but if the cabinets were custom built, you may need to have a skilled carpenter or cabinetmaker craft an identical replacement part.

What do you do if your cabinet door won't close?

If you have these and your door won't close or stay closed, loosen the screws to slide the catch forward or backward on the cabinet frame. Or replace it if it's broken. The catches are available at home centers.

How to fix a corner on a drawer?

To fix the corner, first remove the drawer front, if possible. Most fronts are attached by screws driven from inside the drawer. Remove any fasteners from the corner, then scrape away the old glue with a utility knife. Reglue the corner, tap the sides back together and clamp the drawer until the glue dries. Step 10.

How to fix a drawer that sticks?

The fix for sticking drawers is easy. First remove the drawer. Wipe the drawer slides and the cabinet track with a clean cloth to remove any debris. Then spray a dry lubricant directly on the drawer slides. Cans are sold at home centers; it'll say “dry lubricant” on the label.

How to stop drawers from closing?

That can prevent doors and drawers from closing properly. Fix the problem with glue and toothpicks. Start by removing the hardware. Then apply a drop of wood glue to the ends of toothpicks and cram as many as will fit into the hole (maybe only two or three). Wipe away any glue that drips out.

How to fix a crooked door?

For crooked doors, adjust the side screw on one hinge, which moves the door from side to side. It's a trial-and-error process.

How to check if door is higher or lower than door?

If the door is higher or lower than adjacent doors, loosen the mounting screws on both hinges, raise or lower the door, then tighten the screws .

How to fix a broken cabinet?

Start by checking for separating bracing. If you find any, it means you may need to have the old braces taken down and reset with new screws and glue. The screws will draw your cabinet together and make it easier to restore stability. 3. Replace Damaged Parts.

What to do when a cabinet is dry?

Once the cabinet is dry, you can evaluate the damage further, and gather supplies. As a general rule, it’s smart to have carpenter’s glue, clamps, and screws on hand. Keep in mind that a professional will carry these items if you intend to hire one.

Why are my kitchen cabinets wet?

This will depend, in large part, on whether your cabinets got wet due to a burst pipe, high humidity, or leaking water.

Can water damage kitchen cabinets?

Over time, water can destroy the outer shell of your kitchen cabinets, damaging the finishing and darkening the wood. In some cases, water damage can also render your cabinets useless, especially in cases where you’re dealing with a water leak in the cabinets under your kitchen sink, or a similar issue. If your cabinets are made of material like ...

Is laminate good for kitchen cabinets?

Laminating is an effective way to protect cabinets and change the looks of your kitchen, but it doesn’t completely waterproof the cabinets. The following tips also help protect kitchen cabinets from water damage. Caulk Seams – Keep sinks from leaking around edges by caulking seams between sink edges and countertops.

Introduction

I have a broken cabinet door that was accidentally, snapped into two sections. I plan to use a two part 5 minute epoxy, with wood bonding compatibility and duct tape to help hold the two sections together while the epoxy cures. With this simple process I will have a fully repaired cabinet door in under 30 minutes.

Step 1 How to Repair a Broken Cabinet

This is the broken dresser drawer, duct tape & 5 minute 2 part wood epoxy.

Step 2

Take a piece of duct tape and put it on both sides for extra bonding support. Only put the tape on the bigger part of the dresser door for now. You will attach the other side with tape in a later step.

Step 3

This is a 5 minute quick setting 2 part wood epoxy. Take the top off the epoxy. Connect the syringe tip and lock it in place. Press the plunger so you can fill the needle tip with epoxy.

Step 4

Run a thick bead of epoxy on the inside rim of the cabinet from one end to the other.

Step 5

Run a thick bead of epoxy on the inside rim of the smaller piece of cabinet door.

Step 6

Attach and align the smaller cabinet door section to the bigger cabinet door section. Press them firmly together and apply the duct tape on both ends for bonding support.

How to get greasy smears off kitchen door?

Take down the door, remove the knob and wash the surface with detergent in warm water to remove the greasy smears common on kitchen surfaces. Wipe off the residue, go over the surface with a clean cloth and clean water, and let it dry. Then lightly sand the worn area, going only with the grain. Round off any sharp edges of the finish.

What kind of sander do I use for a door?

If you use a power sander, the best type for this task is a finishing sander, also known as a palm sander. It uses rectangular sandpaper and has a back-and-forth motion similar to hand sanding. This helps keep you from sanding the horizontal pieces of the door, which would necessitate refinishing those, too.

How to restore stained cabinets?

If you like a darker tone: First clean your cabinets with a mix of TSP and water.

Can you give stained cabinets a facelift?

If your stained or painted kitchen cabinets are in need of a facelift, you can give them a fresh new appearance with only a minimal investment in tools and materials.

Can you restore cabinets with paint?

Restoring Cabinets with Paint. Just as you can restore cabinets with stain finishes that have tired out, you can also restore cabinets whose painted surfaces have seen better days. Remove as much of the old finish as possible with a paint stripper.

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