How to Fix the Peeling Cover on Cabinets

Laminate- or Formica-coated kitchen cabinets are easy to clean, damage-resistant and many times are less expensive than their hardwood counterparts. With use, abuse and the moisture and steam common to kitchens, coated cabinets may begin to peel and lift at the corners or along the edges, causing damage that can seriously detract from the look of your kitchen. Instead of replacing the cabinets, repair the damage and restore them to acceptable condition.

Contact cement
Small brush
Masking tape
Razorblade

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your cabinets to determine the cause of the peeling covers. If you see soft, moist or swollen substrate, the damage may be too great to patch. You may wish to replace these parts of your cabinets while performing repairs to salvage the rest. If the subsurface is in good condition, you should be able to repair the damage.
- 2
  Spread contact cement over the top of the subsurface and the bottom of the laminate cover, using the small brush.
- 3
  Use masking tape to wrap the peeling section of laminate and hold it in place as the contact cement dries. Start your tape in the middle of the cabinet door or panel surface. Work the tape toward the damaged area and apply tension to hold it fast. Keep the tension and stick the peeling area down with tape. Wind tape around the back of the panel and around again.
- 4
  Allow the contact cement to dry for the time specified by the manufacturer, then remove the tape slowly and carefully. Use the razorblade to scrape away any excess glue or remaining pieces of tape from the surface.

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