
How to Restore Old Cabinets
- Remove Hardware. If your buying cabinets and restoring them look specifically for good hardware. It'll save you a lot of time and money in the future.
- Strip Stain. Paint stripper is pretty cheap and can be bought at any hardware store. ...
- Sand. After allowing the cabinets to dry off a little sand the cabinets down in preparation for the new stain.
- Stain. Wipe down the wood and free it of all saw dust and dirt. ...
- Brush and Restain. Take some fine steel wool and lightly brush down the stain. ...
- Clean Hardware. Our hardware only really needed some soup and warm water. ...
- Reinstall Hardware/Cabinets. I suggest replacing the screws and hinges even if you don't feel like you need to a project worth doing is a project worth doing well.
- Finished! Once everything is installed and dry set up the cabinets the way you want them! ...
How to restore old cabinets?
How to Restore Old Cabinets. 1 Step 1: Remove Hardware. If your buying cabinets and restoring them look specifically for good hardware. It'll save you a lot of time and money in the ... 2 Step 2: Strip Stain. 3 Step 3: Sand. 4 Step 4: Stain. 5 Step 5: Brush and Restain. More items
How do you fix a broken screw in a kitchen cabinet?
Insert the glue-covered end of the toothpick into the damaged screw hole. Repeat the process with more toothpicks if the hole is large. Let the glue dry for several hours. Break off each toothpick so it is flush with the cabinet surface. A craft knife comes in handy for cutting them if they don't break cleanly.
How to fix kitchen cabinets that won’t stay open?
Start by removing the hinge. Then fill the hole with toothpicks dipped in glue. Once the glue is dry, cut off the toothpicks flush with the cabinet and re-install the hinges. With all the cooking and frying that goes on in the kitchen, grease gets splattered onto cabinets and steam leaves a film on wooden surfaces.
Do your kitchen cabinets need repairing or replacing?
Your kitchen gets a lot of use. So it doesn’t take long to begin seeing signs of wear and tear on wood cabinets. Soon you may decide that some changes or updates are needed. And sometimes the simplest remedies are the best—and the most budget-friendly, too.

How do you revive old cabinets?
1:052:50Home Depot: How To Revive Old Kitchen Cabinetry (English)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDo a quick wet wipe and then dry wipe of the area. Allow to dry for 1 hour before proceeding. ApplyMoreDo a quick wet wipe and then dry wipe of the area. Allow to dry for 1 hour before proceeding. Apply the bond coat evenly with up and down brush. Strokes. Let the first coat dry for two to three hours.
How do you repair old wood cabinets?
0:031:39How to Restore and Refinish Wood Kitchen Cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's clean that up really good use terry cloth to wipe off any excess dirt. Or oil next step wouldMoreLet's clean that up really good use terry cloth to wipe off any excess dirt. Or oil next step would be your restorer finish. This comes in nine different colors.
How do you repair damaged kitchen 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 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.
Can old kitchen cabinets be restored?
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. Then use a sharp scraper, where needed, to remove all traces of the old finish.
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 repair peeling veneer cabinets?
Glue It Down Using a paintbrush, apply contact cement to both the particleboard and the underside of the veneer. Ensure you continue to pull the veneer away from the particleboard, as you don't want the cement to touch until it's dry. Once the contact cement has dried, push the veneer against the particleboard.
How can I update 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 can I make my old wood cabinets look better?
Wooden cabinets that are looking past their best can be easily spruced up by adding a good kitchen-friendly waterproof paint to the surface. A wipeable paint is best as it will make the doors easier to clean.
How do you clean and restore wood cabinets?
Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. This step is optional. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.
How can I update my oak kitchen cabinets without painting them?
How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint5 Ideas: Update Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors & More!UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES.ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS.ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH.USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR.PAINT… JUST A LITTLE.
How to fix scratches in wood?
Scratches in the Wood. The fix is easy—use a touchup stain marker to fill in the scratch. A marker costs about $6 at home centers, and the stain dries in a matter of minutes. The tough part is finding the right color to match your finish.
What to do if you have a gash in your wood?
If you've got a real gash, or a chunk of wood missing, you'll need to fill in the problem area with epoxy filler or epoxy paste. Once it hardens, the epoxy acts like real wood, which means it can be sanded smooth and then painted or stained.
How to get stains out of wood cabinets?
Avoid using scouring pads since they can scratch the wood. Finally, rinse the cabinets with clean water and then wipe them dry with a clean cloth . To restore the wood's shine, apply a wood cleaner or polish.
What happens when you put grease on a kitchen cabinet?
As a result, cabinets end up feeling grimy and losing their luster. Happily, the same method for cleaning greasy dishes also cleans cabinets.
How much does a soft close adapter cost?
You can also buy soft close adapters, starting at $2.15 each online, that attach to the inside of the cabinet face frame. Right before the door closes, it engages the adaptor, which keeps the door from slamming shut. For a cheap solution, buy self-adhesive bumpers that cost $2.30 for a 16-pack at home centers.
How to clean greasy dishes?
Happily, the same method for cleaning greasy dishes also cleans cabinets. Mix a couple tablespoons of a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent, like Dawn, in a bowl of warm water. Dip a sponge or white cloth into the mixture and scrub the wood surface clean.
Why do knobs and handles come loose?
Loose Handles or Knobs. Because they're subjected to constant pushing, pulling, and grabbing, handles and knobs frequently come loose. The obvious fix—tightening the screws—is good short-term solution. But eventually they'll twist loose again.
What is Euro hinge?
Euro hinges are designed for easy adjustment. If the door isn’t flush with the doors next to it, adjust the depth screw. This screw moves the door in or out. Some depth screws move the door as you turn them. But with most, you have to loosen the screw, nudge the door in or out and then tighten the screw. If your hinges don’t have depth screws, ...
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.
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 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 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 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 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 to restore stained cabinets?
If you like a darker tone: First clean your cabinets with a mix of TSP and water.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Who is Chris Deziel?
Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker.com.
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 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.
