The durability and affordability make laminate cabinets a smart and fashionable option for many homes and kitchens. But they can deteriorate with time like any other surface in your home. Whether it be a loose corner, scratches, or a large tear, you will know how to repair laminate cabinets and bring them back to being intact as they once were. This guide will help you with simple steps in repairing laminate cabinets.
Dr. Cabinet is a U.S.A.-based cabinet repair and installation company. If you are not sure about how to repair it yourself and want to professionals to take care of your cabinet repairing needs.
In this article, we will explain how to repair laminate cabinets on your own.
Assessing the Damage and Preparing Kitchen Cabinets
Before fixing anything, you must evaluate the damages done to your laminate cabinets. This step will enable you to identify if the simple repair will suffice or if the replacement is needed.
- Inspect the extent of the damage: Inspect the surface of the laminate. It is easy to fix loose laminate or chips, but large tears or water damage could require more detailed repair or even replacement.
- Find the root cause: The reason for the damage needs to be identified. Was that due to misuse, moisture exposure, or a manufacturing fluke? This can guide you with your repair strategy.
- Consult a professional: Should you discover significant damage or feel lost as to what to do, contact experts such Dr.Cabinet. Our staff can offer skilled repairs to make sure your cabinets are back in their original state.
- Sand the damaged area: Sand it down to bare particle board to obtain a smooth repair. This helps with glue adhesion and removes any old adhesive or rough spots.
- Clean the damaged area completely: Before moving on, check the surface for dust, debris, or traces of old adhesive. A little cleaner or oil used with a moist cloth can help.
Repairing Laminate Cabinets
The surface is prepped and the damage is assessed, now it is time to begin the repairing process.
- Select the correct adhesive: Place high-quality contact cement or another laminate adhesive onto the damaged area and position the replacement laminate sheet over the area. This is an adhesive that will give a very strong bond, and hold the laminate thoroughly for years.
- Apply the glue by carefully following the manufacturer’s directions. A consistent layer of glue depends on using a brush or roller. The best thing to do for a clean repair is to prevent the excessive glue from spreading over the nearby areas.
- Secure and clamp the laminate: Then, secure the laminate with tape or clamps while the adhesive sets. Tip: Be sure mine is aligned along the line of the cabinet as that’s going to allow an even surface.
- Air bubbles between the laminate and the cabinet surface can be smoothed out with a flat tool such as a credit card or a similar tool. A flawless finish is what we wish for in the final step.
- If you need a fix for a smaller area in lighter spots, you may want to think again to iron on veneer — it could work. It is easy to use, and lacks effort but it may not work for all types of wood.
- Make sure to test your adhesive before you apply it to the damaged area: Always apply the glue to a scrap piece of laminate first. Doing this will show you what the glue will do and how it will dry.
Refinishing and Reassembly
When the laminate is secured and bonded, it is time for the repaired section to have a custom designed stylish finish and for everything to be replaced and back in place.
- If the repair of laminate is noticeable, refinish with a laminate primer and finish to match the original finish. Always, choose a paint that fits the lunch original pattern and sheen of the kitchen cabinet.
- If it takes too long to repair or you don’t achieve the desired results, then the best option would be to replace the whole cabinet door or kitchen cabinet.
- After the laminate has dried, apply a clear coat to this area to protect the repaired laminate and bring its sheen back to a gloss or matte.
- Reassemble any screw, handle, or shelves removed during your repair.
- Make it a habit to inspect your work: Make sure the repaired laminate is aligned yes and that everything is well secured.
Final Touches and Maintenance
Regular upkeep and a few last touches are essential to maintain the appearance and condition of your laminate cabinets.
- First put a small amount of paint on a test piece and wipe it with rubbing alcohol. This does a good bit to take off the shine and made the surface match better.
- In case you have water damaged laminate, it is necessary to fix it first. If you do not repair it then painting over it could look bad.
- If you have chipped edges, you can use product called Builder’s Bog to fill before painting.
- Scratches and dents on laminate cabinets can be helped by filling them in.
- A laminate sealant should be used to prevent the areas where the laminate has been fixed from being damaged again.
- This means cleaning your laminate cabinets frequently so as to keep them in good shape and lasting longer.
- When fixing or replacing cabinets, try to reuse or repurpose materials. It can save money.
In general, laminated cabinets are cheaper to repair than to replace the whole cabinet or the whole countertop.
FAQ: How to Repair Laminate Cabinets
How to repair peeling laminate cabinets?
Gently lift the loose part off the laminate and put some contact cement under and press back down. Hold it in place while drying using tape so it adheres well.
Can you reface laminate cabinets?
Yes! If the damage isn’t too bad you can reface them by putting on a new laminate sheet or painting them.
Is it possible to apply wood filler to laminate?
For small scratches, you can use wood filler, however, it is better to use special products for fixing laminate.
How to repair chipped edges on laminate cabinets?
Use a laminate repair kit or Builder’s Bog if the edge is chipped. Sand it smooth after filling and paint.
Do laminate repair kits work?
Indeed, they do a good job of fixing small scratches or chips. Usually, they come with glue, veneer and finishing tools.
Conclusion
Laminate cabinets are easy to fix and you can make your kitchen or bathroom look new again without spending much money. We will help you with how to repair laminate cabinets one step at a time in this article. Regardless of whether you have small chips or large damage, these tips will assist you in getting a smooth, clean finish.
Dr. Cabinet is here if you need help from experts. We fix laminate cabinets all across the U.S.A. and you can contact us for advice or to set up a repair. Visit our website or call us at 201-212-5477.