Need help to fix cupboard doors

Darlene
by Darlene
I have melamine cupboard doors that I have used strips of mdf to give them a shaker look. These strips are glued and nailed and I need to replace them. How do I remove those strips without destroying the doors?
  6 answers
  • Suellen Hintz Suellen Hintz on May 31, 2016
    I don't know if you can remove the strips or not. Would depend on the type and quantity of glue used, the quality of the melamine itself, the number of nails used, and how much patience and finesse you have. Also, have a backup plan in case things don't work out...damaged melamine, glue that won't come off, etc. good luck.
  • Melody Melody on Jun 01, 2016
    Darline... if you can take the doors off the base and bring down to arm level so you can work without reaching over your head, take a claw hammer and a flat head screw driver and gently pull the board lose and remove the nails, then get a glue solvent from a hardware store and desole the glue it should not take for ever but it won't be a 15 minute job either, but this works I've done it.
    • See 2 previous
    • Darlene Darlene on Jun 01, 2016
      @Cathy C That's a really good idea. I think this might work. Thank you very much.
  • Wanda.ll Wanda.ll on Jun 01, 2016
    Just get new doors . That is my idea save money, time and headache.
  • Margaret E Margaret E on Jun 01, 2016
    If that melamine is actually a layer of plastic - like is what is on the cabinets in my rented apartment, taking the strips off will definitely damage the doors. It's going to take time and patience - good luck!
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 01, 2016
    It is not cupcake time in your kitchen anymore. Try the pry off with a thin blade, If it is not coming off clean and easy, you ill end up with damage that cannot be repaired on melamine. You will find yourself buying new doors or living with what you have given birth to. Get creative with paint color and live with what you got.
    • Darlene Darlene on Jun 01, 2016
      @Johnchip Paint color is not my problem actually. The problem is that the strips have started to deteriorate. They have swelled up in the area around the sink and the stove where steam has affected them. This is why I have to remove them and replace with a solid wood strips. Trying that thin blade may really help though. Thank you very much. Take care!
  • Jan4933186 Jan4933186 on Jun 01, 2016
    Glue is stronger than wood. And most assuredly is stronger than Mdf. Can you turn the doors so the inside is now outside? If so think anout doing that for a new look.
    • Darlene Darlene on Jun 01, 2016
      @Janviersixx You know I never thought of that. It is a very good alternative. Thank you so much!