How To Fix Kitchen Cabinets That Are Peeling Guide

Sure, here is a blog post on how to fix kitchen cabinets that are peeling.

Yes, you can fix peeling kitchen cabinets! Whether it’s a minor flake or a widespread issue, there are effective ways to restore your cabinets to their former glory. This guide will walk you through diagnosing the problem, preparing your cabinets, and applying the right solutions for a lasting fix. We’ll cover everything from touching up small spots to a full-blown cabinet refinishing project.

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Why Do Kitchen Cabinets Start Peeling?

Before we dive into fixes, it’s helpful to know why this happens. Common culprits include moisture, age, wear and tear, and improper application of the original finish. Understanding the cause can help you choose the best repair method and prevent future peeling.

Moisture and Humidity

Kitchens are humid environments. Steam from cooking, spills, and even cleaning can seep into cabinet finishes. Over time, this moisture can break down adhesives and finishes, leading to bubbling and peeling.

Age and Wear

Cabinets are used daily. Constant opening and closing, bumping, and general use can chip away at finishes. Older finishes, especially those that were not expertly applied, are more prone to this type of damage.

Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight can heat up cabinet surfaces, causing the finish to expand and contract. This repeated stress can lead to cracking and peeling over time.

Poor Quality Finishes or Adhesives

Sometimes, the original manufacturing process might have used lower-quality materials or applied them incorrectly. This makes the cabinets more susceptible to peeling from the start.

Assessing the Damage: What Kind of Peeling Are You Dealing With?

The first step in any cabinet repair is to figure out how bad the peeling is and what material is affected.

Light Peeling or Chipping

This often looks like small flakes or chips along edges or in high-traffic areas. It’s usually manageable with touch-ups.

Bubbling or Blistering

This indicates moisture or heat has gotten under the finish, creating pockets. This often requires more intensive repair.

Peeling Veneer

If your cabinets have a thin layer of wood (veneer) over a core material, the veneer itself can lift and peel. This is a common issue with older or lower-quality cabinets. Peeling veneer needs careful handling.

Flaking Paint

If your cabinets are painted, the paint may be flaking off in larger sections. This means you’ll likely need to remove the old paint before applying a new coat.

Laminate Cabinet Repair

Laminate cabinets have a plastic or paper-like layer bonded to particleboard or MDF. When the edges or surface of laminate peels, it requires a specific approach.

Preparing Your Cabinets for Repair: The Crucial First Step

No matter what repair method you choose, proper preparation is key. This ensures your new finish or adhesive will adhere well and last.

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly

Start by cleaning your cabinets. Use a mild degreaser or a solution of warm water and a bit of dish soap. Wipe down all surfaces, paying attention to areas with grease buildup. For stubborn grease, a specialized kitchen degreaser might be needed. Rinse with a damp cloth and let them dry completely.

Step 2: Remove Loose Material

This is where you tackle the peeling itself.

• For Peeling Paint/Finish: Use a putty knife or scraper to gently remove any loose paint or finish. Be careful not to gouge the underlying material.
• For Peeling Veneer: If the veneer is lifting, you’ll need to remove the loose pieces. If it’s a large section, you might need to carefully trim it with a sharp utility knife.

Step 3: Sanding

Sanding smooths out any rough edges left after removing loose material and creates a surface for new material to adhere to.

• Light Peeling/Minor Repairs: Use fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) to lightly scuff the area around the peel. This helps new adhesive or paint stick.
• Heavier Peeling/Removing Old Finish: If you’re removing significant amounts of old paint or finish, you might start with a coarser grit (100-120 grit) and then move to a finer grit (150-220 grit) for smoothness. For large areas, an orbital sander can save time.
• Sanding Veneer: Be very gentle when sanding veneer. You want to smooth the edges of the lifted veneer, not sand through it.

Step 4: Clean Again and Prime

After sanding, wipe down the cabinets again with a tack cloth or a damp cloth to remove all dust. If you’re painting or applying a new cabinet coating, priming is essential. Use a primer suitable for the type of cabinet material (wood, laminate, painted surfaces). This helps the new finish adhere better and provides a uniform base.

Repairing Specific Types of Peeling

Now, let’s get into the actual fixes. The method depends on what’s peeling and the material of your cabinets.

Fixing Peeling Veneer

Peeling veneer can be tricky. The goal is to reattach it or, if it’s too damaged, replace it.

Reattaching Lifting Veneer

1. Lift the Veneer: Gently lift the peeling veneer as much as you can without tearing it further.
2. Apply Adhesive: Use a strong wood glue or a specialized veneer adhesive. Apply it thinly and evenly under the lifted veneer. A small craft brush or a syringe can help with precision.
3. Press Down: Carefully press the veneer back into place.
4. Clamp or Weight: This is critical. Use painter’s tape to hold the veneer down firmly. For larger areas, you might need to place wax paper over the glued section and then apply weight (like heavy books or blocks) on top. Let it dry completely according to the adhesive’s instructions (usually 24 hours).
5. Trim and Sand: Once dry, carefully trim any excess glue that squeezed out with a sharp blade. Lightly sand the edges to blend them.

Replacing Damaged Veneer

If the veneer is torn or missing in sections, you might need to replace it.

1. Remove Old Veneer: Carefully remove all loose and damaged veneer pieces.
2. Cut New Veneer: Purchase a matching or suitable veneer sheet. Cut a piece to size, ensuring it overlaps the existing veneer slightly.
3. Apply Adhesive: Apply wood glue or veneer adhesive to the cabinet surface and the back of the new veneer piece.
4. Attach and Clamp: Place the new veneer onto the glued surface. Use painter’s tape or clamps to hold it in place while the adhesive dries.
5. Sand and Finish: Once dry, sand the new veneer smooth and flush with the existing surface. Then, you can stain or paint to match.

Repairing Peeling Paint

When paint starts to peel, it can make your cabinets look very shabby.

Removing Peeling Paint

1. Scrape Away Loose Paint: Use a putty knife or paint scraper to gently lift and remove all the loose and flaking paint. Work from the edges of the peeling areas inward.
2. Sand the Edges: Once the loose paint is gone, sand the edges of the remaining paint to create a smooth transition to the underlying surface. Use medium-grit sandpaper (100-150 grit) for this.
3. Smooth the Surface: If there are any rough spots or paint build-up, sand the entire area until it’s smooth.

Applying New Paint

1. Clean and Prime: After sanding and cleaning, apply a good quality primer. This is especially important if you’re changing the color or if the old paint was oil-based and you’re using water-based paint.
2. Apply Paint: Apply thin, even coats of cabinet-grade paint. Most modern cabinet painting projects benefit from a water-based acrylic enamel or a lacquer-based paint for durability. Use a high-quality brush for edges and a foam roller or a sprayer for flat surfaces.
3. Multiple Coats: Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Two to three coats are usually sufficient for good coverage and durability.
4. Top Coat (Optional but Recommended): For added protection, especially in a kitchen environment, consider a clear top coat or polyurethane. This adds a layer of durability against moisture and wear.

Laminate Cabinet Repair

Laminate is more about adhesion than traditional wood cabinet repair.

Re-adhering Peeling Laminate Edges

1. Clean the Area: Ensure the area where the laminate is lifting is clean and dry.
2. Apply Adhesive: Use a strong adhesive suitable for laminate and the substrate (like contact cement or a strong craft glue). Apply it to both the back of the laminate and the cabinet surface.
3. Press Firmly: Carefully press the laminate back into place.
4. Use a Roller or Weight: A small roller (like a rolling pin) can help ensure good contact. You can also place heavy objects on top, protected by a cloth, to keep it pressed down.
5. Trim Excess Glue: Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out immediately.

Covering Damaged Laminate

If the laminate is scratched or small pieces are missing, you might consider covering it.

1. Clean and Smooth: Clean the surface thoroughly. If there are any raised edges, sand them down gently.
2. Apply Contact Cement: Apply contact cement to the cabinet surface and the back of a new laminate sheet or a strong vinyl adhesive sheet.
3. Position and Press: Carefully align and press the new laminate onto the cabinet. Work from one edge to the other, pressing out any air bubbles with a roller or a smooth object.
4. Trim Edges: Use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess laminate around the edges.

Cabinet Resurfacing: A Bigger Project for Big Changes

If the peeling is extensive, or you’re looking for a significant style update, cabinet resurfacing might be the best option. This typically involves a more involved process than simple spot repairs.

What is Cabinet Resurfacing?

Cabinet resurfacing is essentially giving your cabinets a new look and finish without replacing the entire cabinet boxes. It often involves removing old finishes, repairing damage, and applying new paint, stain, or a veneer.

Steps for Cabinet Resurfacing:

1. Remove Doors and Drawers: Take off all cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Label them so you know where they go.
2. Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean all cabinet components to remove grease and grime.
3. Repair Damage: Address any peeling, chips, or dents. This might involve filling holes with wood filler, re-gluing veneers, or sanding down rough areas.
4. Sanding: Sand all surfaces to create a smooth, receptive base for the new finish.
5. Prime: Apply a quality primer.
6. Apply New Finish: This is where you choose your new look – cabinet painting, staining, or applying a new cabinet coating. Multiple thin coats are usually best.
7. Reassemble: Once everything is dry and cured, reattach the doors and drawers.

Cabinet Refinishing vs. Cabinet Painting

Both cabinet refinishing and cabinet painting can revive peeling cabinets, but they offer different looks and involve slightly different processes.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing generally refers to restoring the original wood look or applying a new stain and protective topcoat.

• Pros: Highlights natural wood grain, can provide a rich, classic look, often very durable.
• Cons: Can be more labor-intensive, requires careful sanding to remove old finishes, matching stain can be tricky.
• Best For: Cabinets with good wood quality that you want to showcase, or when you want to change the stain color.

Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painting involves applying a solid color finish to the cabinets.

• Pros: Offers a huge range of color options, can completely transform the look of your kitchen, often simpler than staining.
• Cons: Hides wood grain, requires meticulous prep work for a smooth, professional finish, can chip if not properly sealed.
• Best For: Cabinets that are made of lower-quality wood or laminate, or when you want a modern, uniform look.

Tips for a Lasting Kitchen Cabinet Restoration

Whether you’re doing a small touch-up or a full kitchen cabinet restoration, keep these tips in mind for a professional and long-lasting result:

• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Especially when sanding, priming, or painting, ensure good airflow.
• Use Quality Materials: Invest in good quality brushes, rollers, sandpaper, primers, paints, and adhesives. This makes a huge difference in the final outcome.
• Patience is Key: Don’t rush the drying times between coats. This is crucial for a durable finish.
• Test Finishes: If you’re staining or painting, test your chosen color or finish on an inconspicuous area (like the inside of a cabinet door) first.
• Protect Your Workspace: Lay down drop cloths or old sheets to protect your floors and countertops from dust, paint, and spills.
• Consider Professional Help: For very large or complex peeling issues, or if you’re not comfortable with DIY, consider hiring a professional cabinet restorer or painter.

When to Consider Replacing Cabinets

While most peeling can be fixed, there are times when it might be more economical or practical to replace your cabinets altogether.

• Extensive Water Damage: If cabinets have been exposed to significant water and the underlying material (like particleboard) is warped or rotten, repair might not be feasible.
• Severe Veneer Damage: If veneer is missing in large sections or is completely delaminated, replacement might be easier than trying to patch extensively.
• Structural Integrity Issues: If the cabinet boxes themselves are damaged, weak, or unstable, it’s time for a replacement.
• Outdated Style and Functionality: If your cabinets are old, don’t fit your current needs, and the peeling is just the latest in a long list of issues, a full renovation could be a better investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I fix peeling kitchen cabinets myself?

Yes, for most types of peeling, especially minor to moderate damage, you can fix kitchen cabinets yourself with the right tools and patience.

What is the best adhesive for peeling veneer?

For peeling veneer, a strong wood glue or a specialized veneer adhesive is recommended. Contact cement can also work for certain applications, especially if you need a strong, quick bond.

How do I remove peeling paint from cabinets?

To remove peeling paint, use a putty knife or scraper to lift loose flakes. Then, sand the edges smooth and the entire area to create a uniform surface for re-priming and repainting.

Is cabinet resurfacing worth it?

Cabinet resurfacing can be very worth it, especially if your cabinet boxes are in good condition. It’s significantly less expensive than a full cabinet replacement and can dramatically improve the look of your kitchen.

How do I repair laminate cabinets that are peeling?

For laminate cabinet repair, you typically need to re-adhere lifting laminate with strong adhesive or, if the damage is more extensive, replace the laminate section.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively tackle peeling kitchen cabinets and give your kitchen a fresh, updated look. Happy renovating!