How To Fix Damaged Cabinetry With Wood Filler
6 Steps To Repair Cabinets with Wood Filler
Kitchen cabinets are an investment, and a great quality cabinet will hold up against daily wear and tear for years to come. Still, things happen in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, especially in homes with pets or children. Scratches and dings can be overwhelming when they happen to your beautiful cabinets, but there’s no need to worry! A deep scratch doesn’t have to mean replacing your entire door. Wood filler is a versatile, easy-to-use material that comes in many different colors, so you can use it to fill in scratches, holes, and other imperfections. Like any other DIY solution, you want to make sure you’re using it properly if you want your cabinets to look as good as new. Here are six simple steps to make fixing damaged kitchen cabinetry a breeze.
Mix the wood filler
Wood filler can be purchased at any hardware store and usually comes in small containers like a primer. To apply the filler, stir it in its container with a putty knife until it becomes smooth and similar to peanut butter.
*note: if your filler is water-based, it may not need to be stirred.
2. Spread the Wood Filler
Place a decent amount of wood filler on the tip of the putty knife and press it firmly into the crack or dent. After you’re confident the entire dent has been filled, scrape off the excess.
While scraping off the excess filler, be careful not to scrape the paint on the surrounding area, and make the patched area as smooth as possible. If you work quickly, you can use a petroleum-based filler. If you need more time, a water-based product will take considerably longer to dry but gives you more room for error.
3. Smooth the Filler
This step is optional and might not be necessary depending on the problem area. If you’re struggling to get the filled deep enough in the divet with a putty knife, you can use your finger to press it deeper into the crack. Make sure to wipe off the filler and clean your hands before it dries.
After you’ve done this step, you can go back in with the putty knife to get it as smooth as possible. If you aren’t happy with how flat or even it comes out, don’t worry. You’ll have to sand it down anyway.
4. Sand the Wood Filler Smooth
After your filler is completely dry and hard to the touch, you can start to sand by hand. Sand in the same direction as the wood grain to make the filler cohesive with the existing cabinet. If you are working on several areas or one large area, consider using an electric sander.
5. Wipe With a Tack Cloth
When you’re comfortable with how smooth your filler has become, wipe down the wood with a tack cloth. You can use light pressure for this, as you only need to remove sawdust and filler debris.
6. Finish the Wood
Once your cabinet is clean and dry, it’s time to stain or paint the wood. Staining it will help to blend the filler with the rest of the cabinet. Wood filler will absorb stain, but in a slightly different way than unfinished wood, meaning the filler, although a great improvement, may not be a perfect match.
Fixing scratches and dings on your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be intimidating and is an inexpensive alternative to replacing your entire door. With the right tools and some patience, you can hide significant dings and scratches. By following these easy steps, you can keep your kitchen looking its best at a low cost. For more cabinetry care and repair tips, return to our monthly blog, released each month on the 15th.
