How Do You Remove the Glue From a Glued Cabinet Door?

When part of a cabinet door becomes damaged, you typically need to take the entire door apart to replace the damaged wood. Most cabinet doors are built by piecing wood panels together using locking joints strengthened with wood glue. Although the glue can be dissolved using adhesive solvents, getting the solvent to make contact with the glue can be a time-consuming process. Most adhesive solvents can damage the finish on the wood, so you might need to strip and refinish the doors once you've finished repairing them.

Heat gun
Plastic putty knife
Adhesive solvent
Scrub brush
Steel wool

Instructions

- 1
  Aim a heat gun at the glue you wish to remove. Blast the area with heat while keeping the heat gun in motion -- don't let the gun linger on any one spot. Scrape excess glue with a plastic putty knife.
- 2
  Pry the cabinet door apart as best you can. The heat will loosen the glue but might not completely dissolve it. If you can create even a very small space in the wood joints, you will have an easier time getting solvent on the glue.
- 3
  Pour a small amount of adhesive solvent on the joints. Denatured alcohol, mineral spirits and acetone generally work on wood adhesives. Allow the solvent to soak into the glue for about 10 minutes or as directed by the manufacturer.
- 4
  Pull the cabinet door apart slowly. The solvent might not have gotten into some of the tight areas in the joint, so don't be surprised if the door doesn't come right apart just yet. Don't force the door apart -- you could damage the joints.
- 5
  Apply more solvent and allow it to soak. Repeat this process until you can pull the door apart. Scrub at the dissolved glue with a scrub brush or steel wool until it is gone. Add more solvent as necessary to break up stubborn glue.

Turning a Dresser Into a Bathroom Sink & Vanity

The Best Bath Seats for the Handicapped

Other Furniture