How to Fix the Laminate on Cabinet Doors That Is Coming Unglued?

Manufacturers use laminate to cover particleboard for many types of cabinets and cabinet doors, putting a fresh, rigid layer of plastic or wood veneer over the surface. They apply it with adhesive. If you have an old cabinet whose door laminate is starting to come off, you can glue it back down with wood glue, but in most such cases, the loose laminate is old and may be frayed and worn. In those cases, your best option is to take it off and replace it with new laminate.

Screwdriver
Metal putty knife
Vibrating pad sander
Tape measure
Square
New self-stick laminate
Utility knife
Laminate roller

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all the cabinet hardware with a screwdriver, including the hinges. Lay out the doors in your work area.
- 2
  Remove the old laminate by pushing a putty knife under the loose areas and gradually prying and working it off. Keep the laminate sheets whole as much as possible; this will make them easier to take off.
- 3
  Sand each exposed door with a vibrating sander, getting it flat and clean. Wipe up the dust.
- 4
  Measure the first door of the cabinet along the length and width. Mark the dimensions on a piece of laminate, using a square and a pencil. Make the marked area about an inch bigger all around than the actual door.
- 5
  Cut out the laminate along the lines with a utility knife. Peel off the wax paper backing. Press the laminate onto the cabinet door, letting it overhang by an inch all around.
- 6
  Run a roller over the laminate to set it firmly.
- 7
  Cut off the overhanging portions of the laminate with a utility knife, running it along the edges of the door.
- 8
  Repeat for each door. Reassemble the cabinet.

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