
Here’s what you need to do:
- Prior to repairing your cabinets, grab a knife and scrape any mold you see off the particle board. Your goal here is to...
- Open a window if you can. Bleach can get pretty smelly, so you might want to get more ventilation in your workspace. If...
- Use a mixture of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to spray the area. The bleach will kill off any...
How to refinish particle board cabinets?
- Sand the entire surface of the furniture that you would like to paint with 120 grit sandpaper.
- Apply a coat of oil-base primer to the entire surface.
- Sand the primer with 400 grit sandpaper and apply another coat of primer.
- Apply the finish coat of paint.
How do you fix particle board?
Repairing Particle Board With Wood Filler
- Remove loose chips or rotted wood from the damaged area with a stiff-bristled brush. Sand and smooth rough edges with a medium-grit sanding block.
- Fill the damaged area with wood filler using a putty knife. ...
- Sand the patched area with a medium-grit sanding block. ...
- Sand and smooth the wood filler with a fine-grit sanding block. ...
How to repair damaged particle board?
How To Repair Particle Board Water Damage In Step-by-step 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. Can you put screws in particle board?
How to repair a hole in particle board?
Things You Will Need
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Vacuum
- Medium-grit sanding block
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Fine-grit sanding block
- Primer
- Paintbrush, small roller or spray primer

How do you fix peeling laminate on particle board 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.
Can you repair damaged particle board?
Accidents happen, and sometimes the particle board may experience water damage. When this happens, the surface will swell up and lose its smooth shape. Thankfully, water damaged particle board isn't too difficult to repair. In some cases, there may be enough damage that requires new sheets of material.
How do you fix swollen particle board cabinets?
Remove the Laminate and Sand Sand down the swelled particleboard, using a pad sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Apply contact cement to the flattened particleboard and the back of the laminate and let it set for five to 10 minutes. Press the laminate into place and clamp it down with C-clamps. Leave it clamped overnight.
Can particle board cabinets be repaired?
Particle board is more cost-effective than traditional wooden cabinets, which can make it a good choice when renovating. Over time, particle board may require repairs just like any other cabinets. Fortunately, repairs to particle board cabinetry are relatively easy to do yourself.
Does wood filler work on particle board?
Particleboard furniture can chip, scratch, or crack fairly easily. If you see this kind of damage, begin by filling the damaged area with wood filler or putty, using a putty knife. Smooth the patch area so it is even with the surrounding surface. Let the putty or filler dry overnight.
How do you seal crumbling particle board?
Apply a layer of clear acrylic sealant on all the edges of the particle board pieces. You should also apply a layer to any areas that may be exposed to moisture. To do this, you need to shake the clear acrylic sealant can, open the lid, and then paint the sealant onto the particle board using a paintbrush.
What happens if particle board gets wet?
When particleboard gets wet, it can swell or even disintegrate. Manufacturers use particleboard because it is less expensive than plywood. Unless the water damage is significant, particleboard can be repaired after getting wet.
What can you cover particle board with?
Particleboard is soft and will soak up lots of stain, but once it's covered it will look like nothing you've ever seen. After the stain is dry, cover it with two coats of clear varnish, shellac, polyurethane or lacquer.
How do you reinforce particle board cabinets?
Bracing is another way to physically strengthen particleboard. If you have access to the backside of particleboard, whether it's the bottom of a shelf or the back of an interior cabinet jamb, you can glue and screw some small strips of plywood to it.
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 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 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.
How do you fix a hole in a particle board?
0:001:13Fix Particle or Chipboard Screw Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard you can repair it by fill in the missing area with two-part epoxy putty.MoreBoard you can repair it by fill in the missing area with two-part epoxy putty.
Can you glue particle board back together?
Glues suitable for particle board include standard wood glue, polyurethane super glues, and cement glues that instantly bind two materials together. These powerful glues create a bond that will stay in place even when the wood around it does not.
Can you repair chipboard?
Wood glue and sawdust are perfect for a simple repair. Scoop the mixture into the screw hole and press it down firmly with a putty knife. Let the paste dry overnight so it hardens completely. Then just use some sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges until it's flush with the surface.
Can you fix swollen MDF?
MDF in its undefiled manufactured state is stable and consistent. When it gets wet, it swells and distorts. Swells can be sanded down if the MDF hasn't crumbled or separated to any extent.
Step 1 - Assess The Damage
The type of damage done to the particle board will determine the correct route to repairing it. If there is any broken piece still attached due to...
Step 2 - Affix The Broken Piece
If the piece is still attached to the particle board then dry fit it first to determine how well it will sit. Then, fill the glue injector with the...
Step 3 - Secure The Pieces to Dry
Wood glue takes a long time to set. Whatever the label indicates for the dry time, always double it to be safe. You can never control the humidity...
How to get rid of mold on particle board?
Here’s what you need to do: Prior to repairing your cabinets, grab a knife and scrape any mold you see off the particle board.
How long does particle board last?
Particle board will last you anywhere from three to five years, depending on the user and how well the board is taken care of. On the other hand, solid wood cabinets have been known to last more than 30 years, also depending on the care that they receive. So, if you have particle board that was penetrated and damaged by water, ...
How to get rid of mold in a garbage can?
Bleach can get pretty smelly, so you might want to get more ventilation in your workspace. If you don’t have a window, turn on your vents. Use a mixture of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to spray the area.
Why is my particle board swollen?
If your particle board is swollen due to water damage then there are some steps you can take to fix it. However, if the water has completely penetrated it, you may want to just buy some new particle board as this raises the risk for mold growth.
How to fix water on kitchen cabinets?
Here’s how you can fix it on your own: First things first, dry your cabinetry off as soon as possible. The sooner you notice water on your cabinets, the faster you should act. To dry off your cabinetry, use a rag to sop up the excess water. Then, use a hair dryer to blow dry your cabinets.
Can you repair particle board?
It’s rare to see particle board that has been damaged beyond repair, at least from water. However, it can still happen. If you notice that your particle board cabinets have extensive signs of rot, have grown scary amounts of mold, or have become seriously weakened by water exposure, you may not be able to fix them.
What is particleboard made of?
Particleboard is a low-density form of fiberboard that is constructed from scraps of wood, sawdust, and paper products with a binder added. This mixture is then pressed into a form and particleboard is the finished result. Years ago, this material was flimsy and broke easily. However, new manufacturing techniques and added products have made it ...
How to keep wood glue together?
If you are repairing a floor piece then place a piece of plastic wrap over the floor and brace a heavy block on top of the area instead. Once your adhesive has sat long enough, unclamp the pieces and test the repair's strength.
Can you control humidity in particle board?
Whatever the label indicates for the drying time, always double it to be safe. You can never control the humidity in the air or moisture in the particle board and this can greatly affect the drying time of the wood glue, so it is best to give the glue ample time.
Can particleboard be replaced?
Despite the particleboard being stronger, it can still chip or break. There is no reason to replace it, as it can be fixed with simple materials and a little time.
Can you remove particleboard veneer?
The type of damage done to the particleboard will determine the correct route to repairing it. If there is any broken piece still attached due to the veneer, then do not remove it. Leaving the piece hanging will allow you to fit it in place easier than if it is taken apart.
How to repair chipped wood?
Get a can of wood putty and a putty knife. Open the wood putty and scoop some up using the blade of your putty knife. Rub the putty into your damaged surface to fill it with wood putty.
What do I need to paint cabinets?
All you’ll need is painter’s tape, sandpaper, primer, paint, and a clear varnish. Use an oil-based primer and an acrylic or oil-based paint. Before you begin, cover any areas you don’t want painted with tape. You’ll need to sand the surfaces, apply a coat of primer, then paint your cabinets.
How long does it take to refinish cabinets?
You can also draw a diagram showing where each drawer belongs to make the labeling process easier to understand. Refinishing your cabinets will likely take 4-5 days since you need to wait for each coat of primer and paint to dry. ...
How long should I wait to paint cabinets after primer?
Wait at least 24-48 hours after applying your primer to give it time to dry. Use the foam roller on any flat sections of your cabinets. Flat sides, front panels, and narrow beams should all be painted with the roller. Use the brush to paint any section of your cabinets that you can’t use a roller to cover.
How do I remove sawdust from kitchen cabinets?
To remove it, run a cloth across each surface to rub most of the dust off. Then, turn on a vacuum with a hose attachment. Working your way from the top to the bottom, run the hose across every surface of your cabinets to remove the sawdust.
What are kitchen cabinets made of?
While your cabinets may look and feel like particleboard, it’s more likely that they’re made out of engineered or compacted wood —a type of wood used for furniture that tends to get wet. While they may look and feel cheap, your cabinets are probably stronger than you think.
How to paint corners and edges?
To start, dip a 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) angle brush into your paint and tap it in the tray to remove the excess paint. Apply paint to the corners and oddly-shaped edges using smooth, even strokes.
Common Issues With Water Damaged Particle Board
If particle board and furniture made from particle board absorbs moisture and gets water damaged it can cause major problems such as:
1.Remove the Particle Board Panel
For the best chance of drying and repairing particle board, you will need good full access to the water damaged particle board panel.
2.Dry out The Particle board
If the particle board has deformed due to a water leak or it has been installed under a sink where it has been moisture affected & you can tell that it’s still moist, it’s extremely important to completely dry out the particle board.
4.Sand down the Damaged Particle board Areas
Once all the flakey material and large deformed lumps have been removed from the particle board, we will need to sand it to remove any further minor imperfections/raised areas.
5.Apply Wood Filler
Make sure to get a quality wood filler for this step, the ultra-cheap budget stuff won’t work very well with particle board that has been water damaged.
6.Sand the Filler
After the filler has set and is completely dry Use medium-grit sandpaper such as 120 or 180 for this step.
7.Paint ,Seal & Apply edge bands
Before painting or sealing your repaired particle board make sure it’s dust-free otherwise the paint/finish won’t properly stick and will flake off!
How to dry particleboard?
Dry the wet spot by using a hair dryer. Using a heat gun may create temperatures that could ignite the particleboard. If you have time, you can let the particleboard dry naturally.
Why do manufacturers use particleboard?
Manufacturers use particleboard because it is less expensive than plywood. Unless the water damage is significant, particleboard can be repaired after getting wet. Particleboard that will be exposed to moisture should be treated with paint or waterproofing material to prevent further damage. Advertisement.
What is particleboard made of?
Particleboard is a composite wood that is used to construct furniture, door cores, floors and cabinets. The wood is made from sawdust or wood chips and glue. When particleboard gets wet, it can swell or even disintegrate. Manufacturers use particleboard because it is less expensive than plywood. Unless the water damage is significant, particleboard ...
