Repairing Guides

how to repair damaged cabinets

by Mr. Gunnar Gusikowski 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 ...

Depending on the extent of the water damage, you might be able to repair kitchen cabinets. If the water has delaminated parts of the cabinet, use carpenter's glue and clamps to repair the damage. Spread the carpenter's glue between the delaminated layers of the cabinets, then use the clamps to press them back together.Sep 6, 2021

Full Answer

How to repair a broken cabinet?

  • Drill and/or screwdriver
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • New sliders (if needed)
  • Cleaning rag or paper towels

More items...

How do I repair a kitchen cabinet?

Tools Required

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Circular saw
  • Clamps
  • Cordless drill
  • Level
  • Miter saw
  • Rags
  • Utility knife

How to fix a broken cabinet frame?

Repair a cabinet side split, near the hinge mounts. Some wood glue, or epoxy can repair the split, and a drill can be used to reestablish the holes for a fir...

How to fix broken cabinet hinges?

How to Fix a Self-Closing Hinge on Cabinets

  • Traditional vs. European Hinges. ...
  • Self-Closing Cabinet Hinges Won't Close. Self-closing cabinet hinges that won't close might be poorly adjusted. ...
  • Adjusting Traditional Hinges. You can adjust many traditional hinges by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then sliding the hinge plates.
  • Adjusting European Hinges. ...

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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.

What can you do with damaged kitchen cabinets?

If there isn't any structural damage, refacing the cabinets is often the most economical option. A professional restorer will be able to remove the cabinet exterior doors, remove the finish damaged by smoke, make any necessary repairs, and refinish and repaint them.

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.

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 can I fix my kitchen cabinets cheap?

3:185:43Repair Kitchen Cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBased 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 do you fix steam damaged cabinets?

0:022:00Repair Water or Steam Damage on Wood Kitchen Cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause the beeswax is actually feeding. Into this surface. And that will moisturize it so you won'tMoreBecause the beeswax is actually feeding. Into this surface. And that will moisturize it so you won't have that water damage. Let's go ahead and finish that off put your beeswax on.

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).

Can peeling 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 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 can I redo my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

0:081:394 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 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 repair melamine cabinets?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to get rid of excess marker ink?

Wipe away excess marker ink with a soft cloth if necessary before it dries. If you don't know the name of your cabinets' finish, pick up a set of wood-repair markers from a home improvement store. These usually include markers in common natural-wood finishes.

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.

How to hide scratches on kitchen cabinets?

If you have shallow scratches or nicks, hide them with a stain-filled touch-up marker. Dab on the stain and wipe off the excess with a rag. But beware: Scratches can absorb lots of stain and turn darker than the surrounding finish. So start with a marker that’s lighter than your cabinet finish and then switch to a darker shade if needed. For deeper scratches, use a filler pencil, which fills and colors the scratch.

How do I fix a drawer?

How to Fix a Drawer: Remove fasteners and old glue. Don’t put up with a broken corner joint on a drawer. Fix it before the whole drawer comes apart. Remove the drawer and then remove the drawer front from the drawer box if possible.

How do I replace a door catch?

Adjustment is just as simple, but you might have to readjust the catch a couple of times before you get it right. Loosen the screws, move the catch in or out, and tighten the screws. If the door doesn’t close tightly, try again.

What to do if your slides are bent?

To keep the project simple, buy new slides that are identical (or almost identical) to the old ones. That way, replacement is an easy matter of unscrewing the old and screwing on the new.

How to adjust hinges if they don't have depth screws?

If your hinges don’t have depth screws, start with the side screws. These move the door from side to side. In some cases, you have to loosen the depth screw slightly to adjust the side screw. Perfect one door before adjusting the second.

How to fix loose nails?

Remove nails, staples or screws from the loose joint and scrape away old glue with a utility knife. Predrill nails holes and glue the joint. Predrill 1/16-in. holes for nails, apply wood glue to the joint and nail it together with 1-1/2 in. finish nails.

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 .

Assessing cabinet water damage

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out how badly your cabinets have been damaged.

Surface damage: Repair with refacing or refinishing

If you’re working with veneers that have stains, you can try coating the stains in a mixture of hot water and oxalic acid (a common wood bleach), which you can find at most home improvement stores. But if the veneers have started to peel, you’re better off having the damage repaired.

Preventing future water damage

Fix any drips or broken seals. To prevent water from reaching your cabinets, repair dripping pipes and replace cracked or peeling sink seals. If you’re not comfortable making those repairs yourself, call in a plumber.

Need a quote to repair your water-damaged cabinets?

Contact us online or at 480-641-9611 to schedule an appointment. One of our cabinet experts will thoroughly inspect your water-damaged cabinets and give you recommendations for how to repair them.

Why do kitchen cabinets get damaged?

If your kitchen cabinets get damaged due to moisture, then it is recommended to invest in a better ventilation system for the kitchen. Steam tends to accumulate in a kitchen due to cooking and there needs to be a system to get that steam out.

How long does it take to repair kitchen cabinets?

Keep in mind that this entire process could either take a couple of hours or several days, depending on how severe the damage is and the paint that is being used. It will greatly help to take preventative measures by investing in a high-quality deep sink, good sealing, and countertop edges that roll off spilled water on the floor instead of the cabinets.

What is laminated kitchen cabinets?

Laminating your cabinets will protect them from any further water damage. The laminate layer is usually made of plastic or other similar water-resistant material. It looks shiny and smooth on the cabinets, once applied.

Can you use clear coat on kitchen cabinets?

There are different clear coats available for kitchen cabinets in order to make them waterproof. This method will easily prevent the absorption of water, even if the cabinets are made using cheaper wood. Waterproof varnishes, clear coats, and seals are available in a variety of formulas.

Can you use plastic wood filler on particleboard?

For cabinets that have experienced damage on larger areas, the plastic wood filler can be used in order to seal it up and fix the water damage. As compared to MDF, particleboard usually gets more bumps; hence, this step should be done thoroughly for cabinets made from particleboard.

How to Treat Water Damaged Kitchen Cabinets: 10 Easy to Follow Steps

Refinishing damaged cabinet doors is the easiest way to fix them. To do that, you will first have to remove the existing finish and treat the swollen part. Here’s how to do it.

How Does Water Damage Kitchen Cabinets?

Water can damage your kitchen cabinets in a number of ways. The most common damage is mold and mildew. When the cabinets are constantly damp, the moist environment creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow.

5 Ways to Protect Kitchen Cabinets from Water Damage

While most kitchen cabinets will need some repairs sooner or later, there are ways to protect them from water damage.

MDF vs. Plywood: Know the Difference

MDF and plywood are two types of engineered wood commonly used for making kitchen cabinets. They are more robust and durable than particleboard, so they are found in higher-quality kitchens. However, they both have pros and cons. Let’s see how the two compare.

Summary

Repairing water-damaged cabinet doors is possible, but the process is long and tedious. The project will require several days, depending on how long it takes the wood to dry and what type of primer and paint product you use. The result is well worth the wait, though, and you won’t have to spend your hard-earned money to buy new kitchen cabinets.

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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