how to repair water damaged cabinet doors

^{9 Steps For Repairing Kitchen Cabinets After Water Damage}

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!
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 ...
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 ...
Sand the painted cabinet doors down. You'll find that you're very good at sanding after this repair job! ...
Apply a final coat of paint and sand it down again. ...
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 ...

How do you repair water damaged cabinets?

If your cabinet are really badly affected by water damage, you should consider repeating the previous steps 1 or 2 times over until the repair work is adequate. You may want to reuse the shellac primer, the plastic wood filler, and the sanding process depending on how damaged the cabinet door actually is.

Do water damaged kitchen cabinets affect your kitchen?

You might even notice that a laminate surface starts to pop off completely due to water damage inside your cabinets. However water damaged kitchen cabinets affect your kitchen, you need to repair them as soon as possible before the damage gets any worse.

How to repair painted kitchen cabinets?

1. Prepare the cabinets for repair 2. Use a shellac-based primer on the wood 3. Apply plastic wood filler if necessary 4. Get sanding that cabinet door! 5. Repeat the previous steps if necessary 6. Start painting your kitchen cabinet! 7. Sand the painted cabinet doors down 8. Apply a final coat of paint and sand it down again 9.

How do you seal wood cabinets to keep water out?

Use A Water-Proofing Seal Or Varnish In order to stop the water from damaging the kitchen cabinets, it is suggested to apply a final clear coat or topcoat in order to help in keeping the water out in the future. There are numerous different waterproof clear coats, varnishes, and seals available for kitchen cabinets made from wood.

Can you fix a water damaged cabinet?

Unfortunately, you can't always save water damaged cabinets. Since water weakens the glue, particle board cabinets are more likely to fall apart than solid wood. Once they start crumbling, no amount of glue will fix them. Your only option here is to remove the damaged cabinets and replace them with new units.

How do you fix water damaged MDF cabinet doors?

1:112:39repairing water damaged MDF cabinets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI got two coats of primer. And now we just filled it. And sometimes there's a like a body fillerMoreI got two coats of primer. And now we just filled it. And sometimes there's a like a body filler bondo type thing but today I'm using this plastic wood it's not less moisture to it.

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.

Can water damaged MDF be repaired?

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.

How do you harden water-damaged MDF?

How TO Fix Water-Damaged CabinetsStep One: Dry Out the MDF.Step Two: Remove any Hardware Determine the Extent of the Damage.Step Three: Sand Down and Fill the Damaged Area Until Smooth.Step Four: Wipe Clean and Prime.Step Five: Paint And Re-attach Hardware.Step One: Remove the Baseboards.More items...•

How do you fix a swollen laminate cabinet?

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.

How do you fix swollen water from wood?

Another easy way to fix water-damaged swollen wood is to iron it. Water can cause clear layers of wood to turn creamy or milky gray. These patches are called water stains or watermarks, and ironing is an effective way to fix this. You will need an iron, ironing board, and a soft cloth for this method.

How do you fix water-damaged laminate furniture?

0:384:57How To Remove Bubbles on Laminate Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome elmer's wood filler and you can use um like dixie bell mud or wood filler sanding black andMoreSome elmer's wood filler and you can use um like dixie bell mud or wood filler sanding black and then a rag.

How do you fix water-damaged wood?

How to Repair Water Damaged Wood in 7 Simple StepsStep 1: Remove rotting wood. Wood rots quickly when it gets damp and the water is allowed to seep in. ... Step 2: Use auto filler putty. ... Step 3: Fill the hole. ... Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3. ... Step 5: Sand to a smooth finish. ... Step 6: Prime and paint. ... Step 7: Maintain your wood.

How do you fix MDF swelling?

1:216:59How to Repair MDF - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're looking for is a cut out that has no raised edges. So you want to be pushing. In theMoreAnd what you're looking for is a cut out that has no raised edges. So you want to be pushing. In the edge of the MDF. So that it's compressed and it's got a sharp edge.

How do you fix steam damaged kitchen cabinets?

0:061:20How to Repair Steam and Water Damage on Kitchen CabinetsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich is your beeswax. Take your touch of beeswax. This will go a long ways you can do a wholeMoreWhich is your beeswax. Take your touch of beeswax. This will go a long ways you can do a whole kitchen with this product right here in that pint bottle buff it into those dry.

How do you refinish MDF cabinet doors?

1:0217:26Painting MDF Doors [video 407] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext we can fill in the panel with a foam roller. And then they mean to get the edge of the rollerMoreNext we can fill in the panel with a foam roller. And then they mean to get the edge of the roller as close to the edge of the panel rebate as I can without actually touching.

How do you repair a MDF door?

1:136:59How to Repair MDF - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're looking for is a cut out that has no raised edges. So you want to be pushing. In theMoreAnd what you're looking for is a cut out that has no raised edges. So you want to be pushing. In the edge of the MDF. So that it's compressed and it's got a sharp edge.

Can you repaint MDF cabinets?

Yes. Painting MDF cabinets is completely possible. You just need to seal the edges first because they are typically very porous.

Can you repair MDF?

Consequently, repairing cracked MDF is usually a simple matter. Although any type of wood filler is suitable for cosmetic repairs, you should use one with structural strength if the repair has to hold screws or nails.

How do you restore MDF furniture?

0:547:30Furniture Repair | Fixing MDF Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey do require a little bit of sanding because they're fairly rough cut. But we like that that'sMoreThey do require a little bit of sanding because they're fairly rough cut. But we like that that's gonna add a lot of character to our finish.

How long does it take to repair a water damaged cabinet door?

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 prevent water damage to cabinets?

An easy way to prevent water damage is by applying a coat of liquid polyurethane on all cabinet surfaces . Like linoleum, polyurethane is plastic and will become fully waterproof when it dries.

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.

Why do kitchen cabinets separate?

Water making its way into the material’s core can cause the different layers of kitchen cabinet doors to separate. Solid wood cabinets usually don’t have many layers that can separate, but the wood panels could crack.

What are the weaknesses of kitchen cabinets?

One of the main weaknesses of kitchen cabinets is their vulnerability to moisture. Whether they are made of solid wood, MDF, or plywood, you’ll have to deal with cabinet water damage sooner or later. In addition to the cosmetic damage, moisture can also soak into the material, swelling it and compromising the cabinet’s structural integrity. Considering the kitchen renovation costs, you may wonder how to repair water-damaged cabinet doors.

How to sand wood in the direction of grain?

Start from a corner and work your way across the entire surface. On solid wood, always sand in the direction of the grain. You can speed up the process and reduce the effort by using a sander instead of sanding manually.

What causes wood to fall apart?

The first signs of damage are stains and discoloration, but you may also observe a fine powder covering the wood surface. Lastly, water can weaken the wood material and cause it to fall apart.

How Do I Protect My Kitchen Cabinets From Water?

Once you've got your kitchen cabinets repaired, you want to keep them safe from future damage. After all, it's better to protect your cabinets than constantly repair them. There are 5 main ways to do this:

How to protect cabinet from spills?

Personally, I find that it's best to keep your cabinetry protected from future spills by investing in deep sinks, good sealing, and counter edges which help spills to roll off the end and straight onto the floor. Whether you're repairing existing issues or safeguarding against future moisture, I hope that your repair job goes well.

Why does laminate pop off?

You might even notice that a laminate surface starts to pop off completely due to water damage inside your cabinets. However water damaged kitchen cabinets affect your kitchen, you need to repair them as soon as possible before the damage gets any worse.

What is under the sink cabinet made of?

Kitchen cabinets are put through a lot of stress, especially if they're under the sink or refrigerator and they're made from materials like MDF and particle board which don't tend to be super strong. Water from your sink and moisture in the air can lead to water damaged cabinets that look a bit worse for wear.

What grit sandpaper should I use for a sanding machine?

I like to use 120- grit sandpaper, though any similar coarse grit should be okay. Some people do this step by hand, but I find that it's much easier to use an electric sander for this step.

How to apply plastic wood filler?

Personally, I like to apply the plastic wood filler straight from the tube into affected areas and then smooth it over with a small putty knife. Obviously the amount you use and the technique you use to apply it will depend on the situation you've got in front of you.

How long does it take for paint to dry on a cabinet door?

Bear in mind that oil-based wood paints can take several hours to dry in between coats, so allow as much time as you'll need. 7. Sand the painted cabinet doors down.

What happens when water gets under cabinet?

Surface or finish damage: When the water has gotten underneath the finish, causing it to stain, peel or bubble. Unfortunately, if you see this kind of damage, there’s a good chance the cabinet structure may be damaged.

What happens if you damage your kitchen cabinets?

With structural damage, your cabinets are at risk of not doing their job: solidly holding whatever you need them to. This kind of damage usually means you’ll need to replace the cabinets entirely.

What does refinishing cabinets do?

Refinishing or refacing cabinets also gives you a change to upgrade hardware, like soft-close tracks or hinges, and install new pulls for a brand new look.

How to keep cabinets dry?

Keep cabinets well ventilated. This helps keep cabinets dry to prevent mold and mildew from growing in wet areas.

Why do plywood shelves sag?

Plywood, which is made of thin sheets of wood glued together, will start to delaminate when it gets wet, causing shelves to sag and boxes to warp or ripple.

What is structural damage?

Structural damage: When the underlying material (typically an engineered wood or sometimes hardwood) has started rotting, warping or even molding.

What is cabinet refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing, which entails removing the water-damaged finish from cabinet boxes, doors and drawer fronts and then applying a new finish of your choosing.

How Does Water Damage My Kitchen Cabinets?

Badly soaked MDF swells, distorts and crumbles. Water-damaged plywood buckles as its layers split and splinter.

What to do if your kitchen cabinets are damaged beyond repair?

If you notice that there are parts of the cabinet that are damaged beyond repair, it’s time to replace them.

How Can I Protect My Kitchen Cabinets From Water?

The job consists of applying a smooth, water-resistant material to exterior cabinet walls and doors. Laminating is an effective way to protect cabinets and change the looks of your kitchen, but it doesn’t completely waterproof the cabinets.

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.

What happens when you put wet cabinets in?

Wet cabinets also spread water damage to other areas of the kitchen. Moisture wicks into dry cabinets, baseboards, flooring and drywall. The dark, damp space creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

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.

How to repair water damage particle board?

Wondering how to repair water-damaged particle board cabinets? 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.

How to clean wood after it dries?

When you're done, dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in a gallon of water and sponge it on the wood to neutralize the acid, then wash the area with clear water. When the wood dries, it's ready for refinishing.

How to tell if a cabinet is structurally sound?

If it has sustained long-term damage from a persistent leak or high humidity, however, the glue joints may be loose and the plywood warped. The damage might be confined to the lower half of the cabinet if the drain or water valves have, unbeknown to you, been leaking. The bottom shelf may be sagging and waterlogged, and the plywood at the base of the cabinet delaminating.

How to remove black spots from oak wood?

You should notice an improvement when it dries, but if not, brush more. When you're done, dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in a gallon of water and sponge it on the wood to neutralize the acid, then wash the area with clear water. When the wood dries, it's ready for refinishing.

Can you remove a veneer cabinet in one piece?

Depending on the cabinet design, you may not be able to extract it in one piece, so be sure to get its exact dimensions before demolishing it. If the veneer has separated from the side or front of the cabinet, you may be able to re-skin it by gluing on a new veneer with contact cement as an alternative to replacing it.

Can water damage kitchen cabinets?

Water can wreak havoc on a cabinet's outer shell, destroying the finish and blackening the wood, but that's just part of the story. It can also cause structural damage that compromises the cabinet's usefulness. This is especially true for under-sink kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Can you replace braces with new glue?

An examination of the inside of the cabinet may reveal weakened or separated bracing. It's usually best to knock these old braces off and reset them with new glue and screws or replace them with new ones altogether. The screws will draw the cabinet together more effectively if you've first removed the old braces.

Why do you sand cabinet edges?

Even out the filled areas with sanding, too. This helps maintain your evenness throughout the cabinetry.

How to get dust out of a drywall wall?

Dig out soft areas using a screwdriver or chisel. Once soft areas have dried, vacuum up any particles that have remained as dust. A handheld vacuum works best here.

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 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.

Is particle board waterproof?

Particle board is somewhat water-resistant, but you can help waterproof it with a waterproof sealant. Some manufacturers use wax and strong release agents to make particle board more waterproof and durable.

Can you fix particle board cabinets?

Believe it or not, fixing particle board cabinets is actually an easy and affordable task. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this is a DIY project that anyone can do. There’s no need to call your local handyman when you can usually do it in a couple of hours, for under $50 in supplies.

Can you paint mold on a cabinet?

When it comes to the actual repairs, you are going to need to remove any mold you see, scrape away the damaged parts of your cabinet, fill in any holes with a wood filler, and then top it with paint. It sounds easy, because it is easy. Even a person who doesn’t consider themselves a DIY aficionado can do it.

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.

How to cut toothpicks out of cabinet?

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.

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.

Can you fix laminated kitchen cabinets?

Most modern kitchen cabinets are made from laminated plywood or particleboard, and the lamination has a nasty habit of peeling away when it gets wet or sometimes even when it's dry. You can usually fix lifting laminate yourself, but if moisture was the cause of the peeling, you have to make sure everything dries out before you attempt the repair, and you have to do something about the source of the moisture. Another thing to remember is that particleboard that has suffered water damage often remains flaky and unstable, so the repair might not work.

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.