A kitchen and bathroom cabinets remodel is a big undertaking. While replacement may seem like the answer, cabinet repair could be all you need.
Cabinets are an essential, functional feature in every home. Their style and finish enhance the room’s personality and appeal, but regular attention matters to keep them looking and working their best.
Whether you have stained or painted cupboard doors, scratches on cabinet doors are inevitable. Chips, dents, and dings may make your home look old and worn, which detracts from its appearance and, eventually, affects its structural integrity.
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to fix or repair these imperfections. With a little time commitment, effort, and items you likely already have at home, you can quickly achieve these fixes.
Understanding how to effectively address this issue and properly manage a cabinet scratch repair project will help you maintain the beauty and value of your cabinets. Today, we’ll look at cabinet scratch repair and the steps to take to achieve a clean, new appearance.
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Cabinet scratch repair
Keeping your cabinets clean and in good condition goes a long way in the overall appearance of your space. Here are three things to know about kitchen and bathroom cabinet repair:
Make sure it’s actually a scratch. It may sound silly, but it’s actually not uncommon for homeowners to mistake a mark or buildup for a damaged area on their cabinet doors.
Use a knobby rag and a gentle cleaner (safe for your type of finishes; wood vs. painted, etc.) to clean away any buildup and debris that may have imitated the look of a scratch.
Light scratches on your cabinets
When it comes to light scratch marks on your cabinets, the good news is that it won’t take much to get them to disappear. A lot of times, you can use your finger or a soft, damp cloth to rub them out.
If your cupboards have a dark stain, use furniture polish or walnut oil to mask it. A light scratch does not always require you to use an exact color match. Oftentimes, you’ll barely see them afterward.
Deep scratches on your cabinets
Deeper scratches on cabinets are a bit more complex to tackle and require more work. You will need a product that matches the tone of your cabinets and fills in the scratch. Some effective ways to address cabinet scratches include:
- Apply iodine to a cotton swab and gently dab at the scratch. This is only effective for dark, wood-toned cupboards.
- For some scratches, a common DIY remedy is to gently rub the meat of a walnut or pecan into the scratch. The nut’s natural oils help conceal the scratch, allowing it to blend into the neighboring wood.
- Using the same technique as above, swap iodine with a shoe polish that matches your wooden cabinets.
- Wood filler sticks and crayons are great options for filling in scratches. The excess should be removed with the flat edge of a credit card to ensure the filling is flush with the surface.
Intense scratches on your cabinets
If you have severe scratches or other types of damage, your only option might be to sand them down and repaint or re-stain them. This is obviously less expensive than installing new cabinets; however, you will need to consider the amount of time it will take and the cost of materials.
You may want to hire a professional to tackle this project, especially if your cabinets need replacement.
Kitchen and bathroom cabinet repair: Too far gone
At some point, you might realize that the damage to your cupboards is too extensive to repair and that a bathroom cabinets remodel is necessary. Recognizing when to replace your cabinets versus repairing them could save you time and money in the long run.
Here are four key signs that it may be time to replace your cabinets:
Structural damage is beyond repair
When wooden cabinets suffer structural damage, it’s time to replace your setup. Structural damage includes broken frames, warped wood, and bases that are no longer attached to the wall.
Outdated style or lacks functionality
Trends in cabinetry come and go, and what was en vogue 20 years ago might look outdated now. Whether the cabinets in your home no longer match your aesthetic for your house or their designs lack functionality, it might be time to consider replacing them.
Excessive wear and tear
Over the years, even the best quality wooden cabinets will show signs of wear and tear, including chipped paint, faded finishes, and worn-out hardware. While some of these problems can be addressed with repairs, extensive wear and tear signs could point towards replacement.
Preventing future cabinet scratches
Once your cabinets look refreshed, focus on keeping them that way. Use soft cloths for cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals, and apply furniture wax or polish a few times a year to preserve the finish.
Installing gentle-close hinges and handles can also reduce impact damage over time. Regular care helps extend the life of your cabinets, maintaining both their function and beauty for years to come.
Want a kitchen or bathroom cabinets remodel? Mountain States Kitchen & Bath is here to help.
Sometimes your kitchen or bathroom cabinet repair project isn’t working out or isn’t worth the investment; it may be time to replace your cabinets, and Mountain States Kitchen & Bath is here for you.
A kitchen or bathroom remodel is a significant undertaking; we’re here to do all the hard work. Our knowledgeable team puts your satisfaction first. Our skilled design consultants are ready to work with you to learn your vision and hear your input. We’re your go-to cabinet, countertop, and sink installation and replacement experts; we always provide our services with a smile.
Whether you’re in Utah or Salt Lake County, we’ll bring out the best of your kitchen and bathroom interiors. Contact our team to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
