How do you repair cabinet doors and drawers that are peeling?

Sus2187597
by Sus2187597
  9 answers
  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 30, 2017

    Those are thermafoil cabinets.... vinyl over MDF. You can reglue the vinyl on if not too damaged, or you can peel the vinyl off and paint the MDF.

    repair... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOosUwaVINw&t=9s

    remove... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w4Uxewfmb8

    paint mdf.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htrEiKrD7AY

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Dec 30, 2017

    Is it just the flat outside edge of the shelf that’s damaged? I ask this because you can buy replacements edging- I’ve replaced that you apply with an warm iron.


    https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=melamine+edge+banding+white&sprefix=Melamine+edg%2Caps%2C130&crid=1ZYPNKNSZDKZX&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amelamine+edge+banding+white

  • Sus2187597 Sus2187597 on Dec 30, 2017

    Yes just the top flat part. Thank you for the info

  • Pau5674629 Pau5674629 on Dec 31, 2017

    Make new ones by cutting plyboard using same measurement and replace


  • Gale Allen Jenness Gale Allen Jenness on Jan 01, 2018

    Once the vinyl has peeled off, if it’s still connected or you have the piece that came off you can try replying it into place. But if you want my honest advice, if it’s your home and you have the money? I would replace your cabinets or woodworking with better materials other then that cheap vinyl that will keep peeling and flaking over time. It will also shrink if the sun or heat hits any area. You can paint it, but the vinyl will still peel or shrink and give you grief! Best thing you can honestly do is replace it! I have some on my trim around my windows and doors I’m taking off and replacing with real wood myself. It cost more but it will look great for years to come if it’s taken care of and not abused by kids or drunks! LOL


  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 01, 2018

    Hi Susan, first thing I'm going to tell you is don't glue the foil back in place unless you have a plan on replacing these cabinets in the near future. My son and daughter-in-law had this same problem with the foil coming off on the drawers and some of the cabinet doors. The previous owner had tried to glue a piece of the drawer back in place and it was the most difficult piece to fix. We ended up taking the thermal foil off of the cabinets and painting them. We did a complete kitchen overhaul and it turned out quite nice but I'm not going to tell you it was easy. You couldn't see how damaged the cabinet fronts were just by looking at the kitchen but believe me when I say I stripped some of the entire cabinet doors with one pull.

  • 62q10370829 62q10370829 on Jan 01, 2018

    I would take that plastic stuff off as soon as you can. 4 yrs ago we was renting a house & the two big pot drawers started peeling & I cut my hand real bad on the stuff. You can repaint the doors & drawers. Just ask at store for what type of paint to use on them. Take a picture of drawer & take with you. Good luck.

  • JoAnn Farmer Talley JoAnn Farmer Talley on Jan 04, 2018

    We needed new cabinets but due to finances we had to settle for new drawer and door fronts...we got a cabinet maker to come and measure and make them...charged us $10 apiece for the cabinet doors and a bit more for the drawers...they even came and hung them, included in the price...couldn't be happier and no stress on my part...I painted them my self...just a suggestion!!

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 11, 2022

    Hi Susan, you can use a sander to smooth the edges and pierces that are peeling, from there, just prime and repaint, hope this helps you out,

    https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-repair-and-paint-plastic-coated-melamine-cabinets/