Your Easy Guide: How To Touch Up Kitchen Cabinets DIY

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Your Easy Guide: How To Touch Up Kitchen Cabinets DIY

Yes, you can touch up kitchen cabinets yourself, and it’s a great way to make them look new again without spending a lot of money. This guide shows you simple steps to fix cabinet scratches, repair chipped wood cabinets, fill dents in cabinets, and do other minor repairs. We’ll cover the best way to touch up cabinets for different problems.

Kitchen cabinets see a lot of action. Doors open and close. Pots and pans bump them. Life happens. Soon, small marks appear. A scratch here. A little chip there. Maybe a small dent. These small problems can make your whole kitchen look tired.

You might think you need to paint all your cabinets again. But often, you just need to touch up the small spots. This guide is your easy helper for that job. It saves you time and money. Let’s get started.

Grasping Cabinet Touch-Ups

Why touch up instead of repaint? Think of it like fixing a small hole in a wall versus painting the whole room.

• Saves Time: You only work on the small spots that need help.
• Saves Money: You buy just a little bit of material, not gallons of paint. A good cabinet repair kit or a simple cabinet touch up pen can cost very little.
• Less Mess: No need to take down all doors or cover everything.

Touch-ups work best for small marks. If your cabinets have damage everywhere, or the finish is wearing off all over, then a full repaint might be better. But for little problems, touch-ups are perfect.

Common Problems You Can Fix

What kind of damage can you fix easily? Lots of everyday marks:

• Scratches: Lines on the surface. Some are light, some are deep.
• Chips: Small pieces of wood or finish missing, often on edges.
• Dents: Push-in marks on the wood.
• Worn Spots: Areas where the color or finish has rubbed off a little.

We’ll look at how to fix each of these.

Getting Ready: Your Simple Checklist

You need a few things before you start. It’s smart to get everything ready first. This makes the job easier.

Gather Your Supplies

What you need depends on the problem. But here is a general list. Many of these come in a cabinet repair kit.

• Cleaning stuff: Mild soap, water, clean rags.
• Things for scratches: Cabinet touch up pen, wax stick, or felt-tip marker (matching color).
• Things for chips and dents: Wood filler or putty, small putty knife, fine-grit sandpaper (like 220 or 320).
• Color: Touch up paint for cabinets, stain, clear coat, or wax. This is key for matching cabinet color.
• Brushes: Very small artist’s brushes or foam brushes for applying color.
• Other helpful things: Painter’s tape, disposable gloves, paper towels, maybe a hair dryer (to dry faster).

Here is a table of supplies based on the fix you need:

Problem	Key Supplies Needed	Helpful Notes
Light Scratch	Cabinet touch up pen, Wax stick, Marker	Choose color closest to cabinet.
Deep Scratch	Wood filler or putty, Fine sandpaper, Touch up paint	Filler matches wood color or is paintable.
Chip in Wood	Wood filler, Small putty knife, Fine sandpaper, Touch up paint	Match filler color or be ready to paint/stain over it.
Dent in Wood	Wood filler (if deep), Fine sandpaper, Touch up paint	Small dents might be lifted with heat/moisture first.
Worn Finish/Color	Touch up paint, Stain, Clear coat	Need exact color match. Small brush is best.

Choose Your Color Wisely

Finding the right color is very important. This is part of matching cabinet color. If the touch-up color is wrong, the repair will stand out.

• Check the label: Do you know the cabinet brand or paint color name? Look inside drawers or on cabinet backs. There might be a label.
• Get a sample: If you know the color, get a tiny can of touch up paint for cabinets.
• Take a door: If you don’t know the color, take a cabinet door or drawer front to a paint store. They can often match the color using a computer. This is the best way to touch up cabinets invisibly.
• Test it: Always test the color in a hidden spot first. The inside of a door is good. Let it dry fully. The color can change as it dries.

For stained wood cabinets, matching stain can be harder than matching paint. You might need a few shades of stain and mix them. Or use special stain markers or pens.

For cabinets with a clear coat finish (like poly or varnish), you’ll need a small can of the same type of clear coat to put over the color touch-up. This finishes the cabinet finish repair.

Making the Surface Ready

Before you fix anything, clean the spot well. Dirt, grease, or old wax will stop the repair stuff from sticking right.

Step 1: Clean the Spot

1. Dip a clean rag in warm water with a little mild soap.
2. Gently clean the area around the scratch, chip, or dent.
3. Rinse the rag and wipe the soap off.
4. Dry the spot completely with a clean, dry rag. Make sure it is very dry before you go on.

Step 2: Lightly Sand (If Needed)

For some repairs, like filling a deep scratch or chip, you might need to lightly sand the edges. This makes the surface smooth and helps the filler or paint stick.

• Use very fine sandpaper (220-grit or higher).
• Wrap it around a small block or just use a small piece.
• Gently rub only on the damaged spot and its edges.
• Wipe away all dust with a clean rag or a slightly damp cloth.

Be careful not to sand the good finish around the damage. The goal is just to make the problem spot ready for the fix.

Fixing Different Kinds of Damage

Now let’s get to the actual repairs. We’ll go through each common problem.

How To Fix Cabinet Scratches

Scratches are common. The fix depends on how deep the scratch is.

Light Scratches

These only go into the top layer of finish, not the wood color below.

Method 1: Rubbing It Out

Sometimes, you can just rub the scratch away.

1. Put a tiny bit of furniture polish, mineral oil, or even olive oil on a soft cloth.
2. Rub the cloth firmly along the scratch following the wood grain.
3. See if the scratch fades. This works because the oil fills the tiny scratch lines and makes them less visible.
4. Wipe off any extra oil.

Method 2: Using a Cabinet Touch Up Pen or Marker

These pens have color or clear finish inside. They are super easy to use for thin scratches.

1. Shake the pen well if it’s a paint or stain pen.
2. Carefully draw the pen tip along the scratch.
3. Wipe off any extra color that gets on the good finish right away. Use a clean cloth.
4. Let it dry completely. You might need a second coat.

Tip: For wood grain, use a pen slightly lighter than your cabinet color first, then use a darker one to draw thin lines that look like grain. This helps blend cabinet touch up paint into the grain pattern.

Method 3: Wax Stick

Wax sticks come in wood colors. You rub the stick over the scratch. The colored wax fills the scratch.

1. Rub the end of the wax stick firmly over the scratch. Make sure the scratch is filled.
2. Scrape off any extra wax gently with a plastic card or the edge of a credit card. Go across the scratch, not along it.
3. Buff the area lightly with a soft cloth to make it smooth and match the shine.

Deep Scratches

These go through the finish and color, into the wood.

1. Clean and Prep: Clean the scratch as shown before. Lightly sand any rough edges only around the scratch.
2. Fill the Scratch: You need to fill the gap.
   • Use wood filler that matches your cabinet color, or is paintable/stainable.
   • Put a tiny bit of filler on the end of a small putty knife or your finger.
   • Press the filler firmly into the scratch. Push it down so it fills the whole depth.
   • Wipe off any extra filler from the surface right away with a slightly damp cloth. You want filler only in the scratch.
3. Let Filler Dry: Let the wood filler dry completely. This can take a few hours. Check the product instructions.
4. Lightly Sand Filler: Once dry, the filler might be a little higher than the wood surface. Use very fine sandpaper (320-grit or finer) to gently sand it level with the cabinet. Be super careful not to sand the good wood around it. Sand only the dried filler bump.
5. Clean Dust: Wipe away all sanding dust.
6. Add Color (if needed): If you used filler that doesn’t match the color, you need to add color now.
   • Use touch up paint for cabinets or stain.
   • Use a very fine artist’s brush.
   • Carefully paint or stain only the filled scratch. Try to keep the color just on the repair.
   • Let it dry. You might need a second light coat.
7. Add Finish (Clear Coat): If your cabinets have a clear top coat (like poly), you need to put a thin layer of that over the dried color.
   • Use a tiny brush.
   • Apply the clear coat only to the repaired scratch.
   • Let it dry. This finishes the cabinet finish repair.

This method of filling and coloring is the best way to touch up cabinets with deep scratches so they are almost invisible.

How To Repair Chipped Wood Cabinets

Chips are often on edges or corners. A piece of the cabinet is missing.

1. Clean the Chip: Clean the area around the chip well. Remove any loose bits.
2. Prep the Chip: If the edges of the chip are rough, very lightly sand them smooth with fine sandpaper. Do not sand the good cabinet surface.
3. Fill the Chip: This is like filling a deep scratch, but for a bigger area. This is how you repair chipped wood cabinets.
   • Use wood filler or wood putty. Choose a color close to your cabinet or a paintable/stainable type.
   • Use a small putty knife or your finger to press the filler into the chip. Push it down firmly so there are no air bubbles.
   • Make the filler slightly higher than the cabinet surface. It might shrink a little as it dries.
4. Remove Extra: Wipe off any extra filler from the good cabinet surface right away with a slightly damp cloth.
5. Let Filler Dry: Let the filler dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight for bigger fills.
6. Sand the Filler: Once fully dry, sand the dried filler until it is perfectly level and smooth with the cabinet surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper (320 or 400). Sand gently. Use a sanding block if it helps keep it flat.
7. Clean Dust: Wipe away all sanding dust.
8. Add Color: Now add the touch up paint for cabinets or stain. This is where matching cabinet color is key.
   • Use a very small brush.
   • Carefully paint or stain only the filled area.
   • Apply thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding the next. This helps blend cabinet touch up paint better.
9. Add Finish (Clear Coat): If your cabinets have a clear top coat, apply a thin layer over the dried color touch-up. Let it dry. This completes the cabinet finish repair.

Repairing a chip takes a bit more work than a scratch, but it makes a big difference in how the cabinet looks.

How To Fill Dents in Cabinets

Dents are pushed-in spots. How you fill dents in cabinets depends on the size and depth.

Small Dents in Wood (No Broken Fibers)

For small dents in solid wood where the wood fibers are just pressed down, sometimes you can lift the dent.

1. Put Water On It: Put a drop or two of water on the dent. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
2. Use Heat: Place a damp cloth or paper towel over the dent.
3. Heat an iron (not too hot, medium setting).
4. Press the hot iron briefly onto the damp cloth over the dent. The steam can make the wood fibers swell and rise.
5. Check the dent. Repeat if needed, but be careful not to burn the wood or finish.
6. Let the area dry fully.

This might make small dents disappear or become much less visible. If the finish is damaged, you might need a tiny touch-up of clear coat after.

Deeper Dents or Dents with Broken Fibers

For dents where wood fibers are broken or missing, you’ll need to fill them. This is similar to fixing a chip.

1. Clean the Dent: Clean the area well.
2. Fill the Dent: Use wood filler or putty. Press it firmly into the dent with a small putty knife or your finger. Make it slightly higher than the surface.
3. Remove Extra: Wipe off any extra filler from the good cabinet surface right away.
4. Let Filler Dry: Let the filler dry completely.
5. Sand the Filler: Once dry, sand the filler until it is perfectly smooth and level with the cabinet. Use fine-grit sandpaper.
6. Clean Dust: Wipe away all sanding dust.
7. Add Color: Use touch up paint for cabinets or stain with a tiny brush to color the filled spot. Apply thin layers. Let dry.
8. Add Finish (Clear Coat): If needed, apply a clear top coat over the touch-up. Let dry. This completes the cabinet finish repair.

This process helps make the dent invisible by making the surface flat again and matching the color.

The Touch-Up Painting Steps

Applying the touch up paint for cabinets or stain needs care.

Step 1: Prepare Your Color

• Stir your touch-up paint or stain very well.
• Pour a tiny bit onto a clean surface. An old lid, a piece of cardboard, or a paper plate works.

Step 2: Apply the Color

• Use a very small artist’s brush with a fine tip. Or use the brush that comes with the touch-up paint bottle if it’s small enough.
• Dip just the tip of the brush into the color. Do not get too much paint on the brush. Wipe off extra on your surface.
• Carefully touch the brush to the damaged spot. Gently fill in the scratch, chip, or dent filler.
• Try to apply the color only to the repair area. If you get a little on the good finish, carefully and quickly wipe it off with a slightly damp rag or cotton swab before it dries.
• For scratches, try to follow the line of the scratch.
• For filled chips or dents, gently tap or brush the color onto the filled spot.

Step 3: Let It Dry (First Coat)

• Let the first layer of color dry fully. This is very important. Check the paint can or bottle for how long this takes. It might be 30 minutes or a few hours.

Step 4: Apply More Coats (If Needed)

• Often, one coat is not enough to cover the repair fully or match the depth of color.
• Apply a second thin layer, just like the first.
• Let it dry completely.
• Repeat with more thin layers until the color looks right. Applying many thin layers is better than one thick layer. Thick layers can look lumpy and are hard to blend cabinet touch up paint smoothly.

Step 5: Blend the Edges (Optional but Good)

Sometimes, you can see the edge where the touch-up paint stops and the old finish starts. To help blend cabinet touch up paint:

• While the last coat is still slightly wet (but not too wet), gently tap the edge of the touch-up spot with a clean, dry brush. This helps soften the edge.
• For stained finishes, you might use a clean cloth to gently rub the edge while the stain is still wet. Rubbing lightly in the direction of the wood grain can help blend.

Step 6: Add the Clear Finish (If Needed)

• If your cabinet has a clear protective top coat (like lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane), you need to put a thin layer of that over the dried color touch-up. This protects the color and makes the shine match. This is a key step for good cabinet finish repair.
• Use a tiny brush.
• Dip just the tip in the clear finish.
• Carefully apply a thin coat only over the touched-up spot. Try not to get it on the good finish.
• Let it dry completely. You might need a second clear coat for durability and shine match.

More Tips for Success

• Work in Good Light: Make sure you have bright light so you can see the damage and your work clearly.
• Practice First: If you are new to this, find an old piece of wood or a hidden spot on your cabinet (like the back of a door) to practice the steps, especially matching cabinet color and blending.
• Be Patient: Do not rush the drying times. Waiting for each layer to dry is key to a good repair.
• Keep It Clean: Keep your brush and work area clean. Dust or dirt can ruin your touch-up.
• Store Supplies: Keep your leftover touch up paint for cabinets or stain in a cool, dry place. Seal the containers well. Label them with the cabinet location so you can find the right color later.

When To Ask for Help

Most small scratches, chips, and dents can be fixed with DIY touch-ups. But sometimes, the damage is too big or too many spots need fixing.

Call a professional cabinet refinisher or painter if:

• The damage is large or goes deep into the wood structure.
• There are many damaged spots all over the cabinets.
• The cabinet finish is very old, cracked, or peeling everywhere.
• You cannot find a good match for your cabinet color or finish.
• You try a touch-up and it doesn’t look right, and you can’t make it better.

A pro can help you decide if touch-ups are enough or if a full refinishing is needed.

Grasping Different Cabinet Materials

The steps might change slightly based on what your cabinets are made of.

• Solid Wood: These are often stained or painted. Scratches and dents can be filled with wood filler. Chips are repaired as described. Matching cabinet color is done with stain or paint. Cabinet finish repair involves matching the top coat.
• MDF or Particleboard with Veneer: These cabinets have a thin layer of real wood (veneer) or plastic coating over a pressed wood core.
  • Scratches: Light scratches in veneer can be fixed with pens or light stains. Deep scratches or chips that go through the veneer into the core are harder. You must fill the core first, then try to match the veneer pattern and color with paint or stain. This can be tricky.
  • Chips: Chips often show the brown or green core material. You must fill this core area smoothly. Repair chipped wood cabinets that are veneer requires filling the core, then painting/staining the filled spot to match the veneer color and maybe drawing grain lines.
• Laminate or Thermofoil: These have a plastic-like coating.
  • Scratches: Light surface scratches can sometimes be hidden with colored wax or special laminate repair pens.
  • Chips: Chips often break off the coating and show the core board (MDF or particleboard). These are hard to fix invisibly. You can fill the core material with putty or filler. Then use a very close touch up paint for cabinets to color the filled area and try to match the sheen. Cabinet finish repair on these types often involves special kits. A cabinet repair kit for laminate might have colored fillers and pens.
  • Note: Heat can damage thermofoil (like from a toaster below a cabinet). This damage often cannot be touched up.

Always try your touch-up method in a hidden spot first, especially on veneer or laminate cabinets, to see how the material reacts and how well you can blend cabinet touch up paint.

Making a Simple Cabinet Repair Kit

You can buy pre-made kits, but you can also put one together yourself. This is great for quick fixes.

• Small jar of your cabinet touch up paint (matched at a store).
• Small artist’s brush.
• A few different color cabinet touch up pen or markers (if you have stained wood).
• A few wood-filler wax sticks in colors close to your cabinets.
• A tube of wood filler (paintable/stainable type).
• A tiny putty knife.
• Small piece of fine sandpaper (220-grit).
• A clean cloth.

Keep these items together in a small box or bag. When you see a small mark, you have everything ready to fix cabinet scratches or repair chipped wood cabinets right away before the damage gets worse.

FAQ: Quick Answers

Here are answers to some common questions.

Q: How long does touch-up paint take to dry?
A: It depends on the paint type. Small spots usually dry to the touch in 30 minutes to a few hours. Wait at least a few hours, or even overnight, before adding another coat or clear coat.

Q: Can I use regular wall paint to touch up cabinets?
A: It’s usually not the best way to touch up cabinets. Cabinet paint is often harder and more durable than wall paint. Using wall paint might not match the shine, and it might not last. It’s best to use actual touch up paint for cabinets or the same paint that was used originally.

Q: My cabinets are stained, not painted. How do I touch them up?
A: For stains, you need stain touch-up pens or small amounts of stain that match your color. The process is similar: clean, fill (if needed), apply stain carefully with a small brush or pen, and then apply the matching clear top coat (cabinet finish repair). Matching cabinet color with stain can be harder than paint.

Q: How can I match the shine (sheen) of my cabinets?
A: Cabinets come in different shines: flat, satin, semi-gloss, gloss. Your touch-up paint or clear coat needs to have the same shine level. Look on the original paint can or cabinet specs. If you don’t know, test different sheens in a hidden spot to see which one looks closest. Applying too much touch-up paint or clear coat can also make the spot shinier or duller than the rest. Apply thin layers.

Q: Will the touch-up repair be invisible?
A: If you take your time, match the color well, and apply carefully, the repair can be very hard to see. It might not be 100% invisible under close inspection, especially in certain lights, but it will make the damage much less noticeable and improve the overall look of your cabinets. Practicing helps make the repairs less visible and blend cabinet touch up paint better.

Finishing Up

Touching up your kitchen cabinets is a simple, effective way to keep them looking nice for years. It saves you the big job and cost of refinishing. By following these steps, getting the right supplies like a cabinet repair kit or cabinet touch up pen, taking care in matching cabinet color and applying the touch-up, you can easily fix cabinet scratches, repair chipped wood cabinets, fill dents in cabinets, and do other small cabinet finish repair jobs yourself.

Give it a try! Your kitchen will thank you.