How to Fix Kitchen Cabinet Door Handle Holes After Reversing Doors

Refinishing kitchen cabinets yourself is a cost-effective way to update your kitchen without spending the money on a private contractor. Cabinet doors that are worn or have dings can be sanded and painted but will still show the imperfections. Therefore, flipping doors around to use the interior side on the exterior will hide dings and display a fresh surface. Before painting and sanding, however, the holes from handles and knobs must be filled.

Drop cloth
Power drill or screwdriver
Orbital sander
Wood glue
Sawdust
Putty knife
120-grit sandpaper
Damp washcloth

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the cabinet doors from their frames and place them on a drop cloth. Remove the door hardware with a power drill or screwdriver and set them aside.
- 2
  Use an orbital sander equipped with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the doors. Pay special attention to areas where screws and nails were removed since the wood will be slightly elevated or even splintered and will need to be smoothed.
- 3
  Gather the sawdust from the sanded cabinets. Mix a small amount of wood glue in a bowl with the sawdust. Continue to add the sawdust until the wood glue forms a thick paste.
- 4
  Apply the paste to the holes on the doors with a putty knife. Press the paste into the holes to fill them completely. Angle the putty knife slightly to scrape away any excess glue surrounding the hole. Allow the paste to dry for several hours until it's hard to the touch.
- 5
  Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the paste until it is flush with the door’s surface.
- 6
  Wipe the doors clean with a damp washcloth and paint or prime as usual.

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Kitchens