How do I fix my cabinets?

Pat
by Pat

My cabinets in my mobile home is peeling. It looks like they are covered in sticky paper. What can I do??

  9 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 02, 2019

    Sand them down until the are smooth then prime and paint. Add hardware to them.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jan 02, 2019

    Hi Pat, they likely are peeling, but you can gently sand them to get all the loose stuff of and clean them, make sure they are dry and paint them with chalk paint. You can seal them with the recommended sealer, and they will look like new. Pick a neutral color like like grey.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm1oY38ybsQ

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 02, 2019

    Can't tell what's going on. What needs fixing?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 03, 2019

    Hi there,

    Try sticking the loose stuff back with a waterproof adhesive and it might help if you had more ventilation or extraction fan.

  • John Wolf John Wolf on Jan 03, 2019

    Veneers are usually applied with heat. Try using your iron on a warm setting to see if that re-activates the glue. (I'd put a paper-towel over it when you do iron, just in case!) Good luck!


  • Susan Snyder Susan Snyder on Jan 03, 2019

    Since it looks like it’s just the edge in the corner that’s peeling up, try using a piece of 1/4” round moulding (similar to the kind along the back) to hold it down. It’ll only need a few small nails...or even some wood glue.

    You can have it cut to size at the hardware store and easily stain it to match with a stain pen.

  • Nursejnm Nursejnm on Jan 03, 2019

    This is contact paper. Do not iron. Use glue (E6000) to stick it back. I had the same problem and the repair has lasted four years and counting. Goo luck.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jan 03, 2019

    Your cabinets are not made of wood. It's pressboard and will crumble if you try to sand them. They have absorbed moisture and become swollen. The outer surface is a thin vinyl, and also does not take to sanding.

    The best thing is to remove the doors. If you can afford new doors replace them. If not, paint the interior of the cabinets and shelves and use them as the open shelving look.

    Been there, done that! Yes, it's frustrating.

    • Annie Annie on Jan 03, 2019

      you are so right! If sizes of doors are standard, replacment is the only way to go.

  • Heje Heje on Jan 08, 2019

    I agree with previous Hometalkers that the doors are fiberboard and covered with vinyl. Big book stores usually have doors in many sizes. A Rehab or second hand store may have some also. Another option is to get plywood 1/2 inch thick and cut doors the sizes you need and trim the edges with luan in 2/3 inch widths and frame the front edges to make a shaker style door. The edges can be trimmed with the iron on trim that is made of very thin wood. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.