Repairing Guides

how to repair cabinets

by Miss Greta Jast DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Restoring Cabinets with Paint

  • Remove as much of the old finish as possible with a paint stripper. Then use a sharp scraper, where needed, to remove all traces of the old finish.
  • Next, use wood filler to repair any dents, scratches, or other forms of surface damage.
  • When newly smoothed surfaces are dry, finish off with sandpaper —100 grit, then 180 grit, and finally, 220-grit.
  • Paint in whatever color you like; before applying sealer, clean surfaces with a tack cloth.
  • When the sealer dries, rub surfaces lightly with 000 steel wool and use tack cloth to remove residual dust.

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.

How to repaint an old cabinet?

Repainting kitchen cabinets, while often a tedious process ... use a folded blanket or knee pad to reduce pressure on the knees. Take it from an old man: shot knees do not a fun day make. ANOTHER PRO TIP: Wrapping brushes in plastic bags between uses ...

How do I resurface cabinets?

How to Clean and Refinish Kitchen Cabinets

  • Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets. To refinish kitchen cabinets, start by cleaning them. ...
  • Cleaning and Updating Kitchen Cabinet Hardware. Hardware (including hinges) gets greasy and dirty too. ...
  • Adding Moulding to Cabinets. You can refinish cabinet doors with kitchen cabinet crown molding. ...
  • Stripping and Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

How to make old cabinets look better?

  • Before making any upgrades, get those cabinets squeaky clean. ...
  • Coordinate your new cabinet look with existing appliances and furniture, as well as any woodwork sharing the same space (especially in an open-plan kitchen/living/dining area).
  • To update cabinet style, add strips of plywood or MDF to create “Shaker” doors on a budget. ...

How to rejuvenate old cabinets?

Things You Will Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Small can
  • Mineral spirits
  • Clean rag
  • Tack cloth
  • Touch-up pen
  • Varnish paintbrush
  • Stain-and-polyurethane combination product
  • Stir stick

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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.

Can you repair a kitchen cabinet?

Introduction. Kitchen cabinets work hard, and all that opening and closing creates a variety of problems. Most are inexpensive and easy to fix, so take a day and plow through them—it'll be like having a new kitchen.

How do you repair built in cabinets?

0:049:01How to Repair a Built-In with Hand Tools | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have some chips on the corner. Well i think we can fix those too yeah that'd be great that'dMoreAnd you have some chips on the corner. Well i think we can fix those too yeah that'd be great that'd be perfect for us all right let's get some tools and we can get started sounds good.

How do you repair the surface of a kitchen cabinet?

0:273:19$5 Fixes Easily Update Worn, Scratched Kitchen CabinetsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you'll want to start with a paintbrush to get into the molding. And kind of dust off any dirtMoreThen you'll want to start with a paintbrush to get into the molding. And kind of dust off any dirt that's built up over time. This really gets into that molding.

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 can I redo my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

0:331:394 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them (Part 1YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown molding crown molding can fillMoreAnother great way to accent your kitchen cabinets is by adding crown molding crown molding can fill space between your cabinets.

How do you repair laminate cabinets?

1:182:41Laminate Cabinet Door Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With justMoreIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With just a knife and a putty knife. And that's going to take some doing you may need to cut. Down.

Can you repair damaged MDF?

When baseboard made of medium-density fiberboard sustains water damage, your best solution is to replace it. However, if the damage is not significant, you can attempt repair. MDF in its undefiled manufactured state is stable and consistent.

Can you repair MDF cabinets?

Yes, you CAN repair MDF cabinet doors (sometimes called laminate cabinet doors, too). And the chunk that I took out of my cabinets was super easy to repair! Did you know, even water-damaged MDF cabinets can be repaired? However, it does take a bit more time and effort, but it's really not hard.

How do you fix peeling veneer on kitchen cabinets?

0:556:10Repairing A Peeling Veneer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then heal it all feels all really easy then it was just a matter of cutting. The iron-on veneerMoreAnd then heal it all feels all really easy then it was just a matter of cutting. The iron-on veneer strips to fit perfectly with the circle that I cut again they cut very easily.

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.

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 much does it cost to repair kitchen cabinets?

The national average cabinet repair cost is $302, with most projects ranging between $131 and $474. Refinishing or repainting can add between $1,000 and $4,100 to your final cost. Repair options like refacing or repainting can change the look of your cabinets without a total replacement.

How do you repair laminate cabinets?

1:182:41Laminate Cabinet Door Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With justMoreIf you have wood floors you're going to have to peel that piece of laminate. Off of there. With just a knife and a putty knife. And that's going to take some doing you may need to cut. Down.

How do you fix peeling laminate cabinets?

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...

How do you fix water damaged particle board cabinets?

Follow our step by step instructions below to repair water-damaged boards in your home.Dry the wet area. ... Buff off the raised area with sandpaper. ... Cut out damaged areas of the board with a knife. ... Add wood filler to the holes. ... Sand the area to finish the repair. ... Conclusion.

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.

How to patch a drawer with wood glue?

Glue the patch to the face of the drawer using wood glue. Clamp it down and allow it to completely dry. Before removing the clamps, try to match the profile of the drawer on the short side of the patch. Use a combination of the block plane, the rasp, and the sanding block until the profile matches. Remove the clamps and repeat the process for ...

How to make a drawer with chipped wood?

Start by straightening out the chip on the face of the drawer using a block plane. Hold the scrap wood flat against the chip . Use a pencil and mark the wood roughly for the length. To get the depth, slide the board until the pencil mark hits the end of the chipped section and mark the height there as well. Use a straight edge to draw a line ...

How to keep drawers from sticking?

To keep the doors from sticking, flip them upside down and plane the inside edges of the drawer to allow for more expansion and contraction in the wood. Once the drawers have been planed, lubricate the bottom edges of the drawer with bar soap until they slide in and out of the cabinet with ease.

How to score a wood patch?

Use a straight edge to draw a line from the pencil marks to the corner of the board . Cut the patch from the wood along the pencil lines using the pull saw. Next, mark the thickness for the patch by holding it up against the drawer face. Cut the patch to thickness. At this point, the patch will be thin, so it’s easiest to score ...

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.

How to contact Mr Handyman for cabinet repair?

Let your local Mr. Handyman lend a hand - from cabinet repair to cabinet installation, we do it all! Contact your local Mr. Handyman today by calling 877-256-3376 for an estimate on your next home improvement project. Before you begin, make sure your cabinets aren't peeling or cracked.

How do I refinish laminate cabinets?

1) Remove the cabinet faces from the base and any exposed hardware, using your permanent marker and masking tape to label the hardware's location. 2) Lay the cabinets on a level surface with the edges accessible and cover your surroundings with drop cloths or old rags.

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.

Can you sand wood with a power sander?

Individual pieces of wood, even from the same species, vary in color, so if the match isn’t perfect, people probably won’t notice. Although it’s faster to sand off old finish with a power sander, it’s safer to do it by hand, using sandpaper attached to a sanding block.

Evaluate the Issue

This should always be your first step. Evaluating the issue could allow you to see whether the issue happened because of overuse or if it was a manufacturing error. Identifying a manufacturing error will allow you to work with the dealer or company to provide a replacement or schedule professional repairs if needed.

Decide if It Can Be Repaired or Needs Replacement

During the evaluation, you should be able to decide if the issue requires a quick and easy repair or if you’ll need to replace the entire area. If a few inches of the laminate strip or edging have been pulled loose, but the majority of the area is still intact, the necessary laminate cabinet repairs may be as simple as adding some extra adhesive.

Follow Recommendations for Fixing Scratches and Gouges

If your laminate cabinet doors have gouges and scratches on them, it might take away from the look of the room. Don’t let this be the case! Fill the cracks and seams with seam filler. Once you fill the crack or gouge, wet your fingertip and smooth the area. Then, allow it to dry, and you will be golden.

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