How to Repair Peeling Veneer on Particle Board Cabinets? For many years, laminate cabinets have been a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen cabinets. They are not only a reasonably priced solution, but they also come in a variety of colours and styles.
However, as the veneer begins to crack and peel, your space will appear sadder and older. Fortunately, repairing your cabinets is a straightforward and inexpensive operation. Let us explore.
What is Veneer?
A veneer is a thin coating of wood or bark that is attached to the surface of particleboard cabinets in woodworking and home furniture. Veneers can be produced of genuine wood or wood filler, which is commonly used to mimic the smoother surface of real wood furnishings. Carpenters attach them to cabinet doors and panels with glue.
Veneers are a good substitute for genuine wood in your cabinet area, providing a natural wooden feel. Reconstituted wood veneers, in particular, can help to safeguard endangered wood species while also providing exceptional texture and colour.
Installing veneers, on the other hand, needs more skill than just laminating cabinets.
What You’ll Need to Repair Damaged Veneer
- Paint
- Sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Paint primer
- Measuring tape
- Disposable brush
- Contact cement
- Woodworker’s clamps
- Soft cloth or rag
- Wood veneer or laminate veneer pieces
- Veneer adhesive or wood glue
- Ruler or straight edges
How to Repair Peeling Veneer on Particle Board Cabinets?
There are two options depending on the extent of the peeling and damage.
1. It Should Be Glued Down
Using pliers, carefully and slowly remove the peeling laminate away from the particleboard. Peel back only as far as you feel resistance and have reached the veneer that is still securely attached.
Apply contact cement to both the particleboard and the underside of the veneer with a paintbrush. Keep pulling the veneer away from the particleboard because you don’t want the cement to touch until it’s dry.
Push the veneer against the particleboard once the contact cement has dry. Take your time smoothing out the veneer because you don’t want any bubbles or misalignments.
Lastly, clamp the veneer and particleboard with each other while it dries. If you don’t have a clamp, then laying something heavy on top would suffice.
2. Use Spray Adhesive to Repair Peeling Veneer on Particle Board Cabinets
Although holding the particle board down after cementing is necessary, it is not always practical. Using clamps on some elements, such as a cabinet door, can be difficult. In these circumstances, a spray adhesive is suitable for applying wood glue beneath the peeling section and subsequently assembling it. For neat application, use a j-roller.
3. Repairing Veneers With Water Damage
Whenever your cabinet veneer has water damage, you must take additional precautions before proceeding with the prior approaches.
Step #1: First, make sure the moist particle boards are completely dry. Use an air dryer to remove any remaining moisture. When they are dry, sand the surface using grain sandpaper. Sanding these areas can help remove unwanted damp patches and provide a smoother working surface.
Step #2: Wipe the dust from the surface and repeat the drying process. Then, before bonding or replacing the veneer, add a small layer of the waterproofing agent.
4. Veneer Replacement to Repair Peeling Veneer on Particle Board Cabinets
If the peeling part of the veneer is too large to be glued down, the entire front may need to be replaced.
Peel the veneer away from the particleboard with care. If there are any pieces that are still firmly linked to the particleboard, a heat gun will help loosen that bond.
High gloss white MDF bathroom vanity cabinet door with trim that has been water damaged. Concept of a moist bathroom.
Calculate and cut the amount of laminate required for your cabinet door. It’s fine to overmeasure because you can easily sand down the edges once it’s on the particleboard.
Contact cement should be applied to the particleboard and the reverse of the veneer. When it’s dry, carefully apply the veneer to the particleboard. Smooth out any swelling or bubbles with your hand or a roller, and make sure the entire surface is now coated.
While the cabinet door cures, clamp the veneer on the particleboard. If you don’t have enough clamps, or none at all, putting something heavy on top can suffice.
After everything is bonded together, sand the edges of the cabinets if necessary.
Maintaining the design of your particleboard cabinets makes a significant difference in the ambience of your home. Hopefully, you’ll find this to be a simple and uncomplicated approach to keep your cabinets looking brand new!
