You should check out this article for those who want to know how to save water damaged cabinet sides. We’ll provide you with quick and simplified steps to fix your damaged cabinet. Stay in touch with this worthwhile read to know the helpful tips we share with everyone to avoid making the same mistake again.

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What Are The Materials Needed?

Before you proceed to the procedure, make sure that you have the complete materials. Once you are all set, you’re good to go!

Steps To Save Water Damaged Cabinet Sides

Step #1. Use shellac-based primer on wood

If you don’t have any shellac-based primer, you can buy it from nearby hardware stores. This material is designed to repair damages and blemishes in any wooden furniture.

For this step, you’ll have to apply 1 or 2 coats of the wooden cabinet to the damaged areas to help out the surface of the cabinet’s door. The primer will help it even out the surface of the cabinet, but also try to paint it to stick it well.

Step #2. Apply plastic wood filler if necessary

With the use of your plastic wood filler, it’ll help seal the cabinet up and repair the water damage. This step is optional and if necessary.

Apply the filler straight from its tube to the affected areas and smoothen it using your putty knife. The amount of filler you’ll use depends on the situation you have in front of you.

Step #3. Get sanding on that cabinet door

Your water damaged cabinet will need some sanding so that the cabinet’s surface. Ensure that there are no swollen or bubbling areas. We highly advise that you use 120 grit sandpaper for your cabinet door.

Note: Be careful not to sand the surface too much. You’ll have to repeat the process if you sand it too much to make it look close to even. Ensure that it looks less damaged and smoothen out right after you sand it down.

Step #4. Repeat the previous steps if necessary

If your cabinet is severely affected by water damage, you’ll have to consider repeating the previous steps above 1 or 2 times until the repair work is adequate. You’ll want to reuse the primer, plastic wood filler, and the sanding process that damaged the cabinet door.

Step #5. Start painting the cabinet

Once the water damage is not that visible anymore and the surface is smooth and flat, it’s time to start painting it in the color you prefer. The shellac primer will help the paint to look nice.

If you have a larger cabinet door and use a paint roller during the process, finish it off by fixing any minor details using a small paintbrush. When you’re done painting, please leave it to dry.

Note: If you’re using oil-based wood paint, it’ll take several hours to dry.

Step #6. Sand the painted cabinet doors down

Use 220 grit sandpaper for this repair process. Your goal is to finish off the paint to make it look more flawless. Sanding helps create tiny holes in the cabinet surface to help the coats of paint be adequately set.

Note: Sand the painted wood, and we would recommend that you sand by hand to preserve the paint job.

Step #7. Apply a final coat of paint down

Apply the final coat of paint and then allow it to dry, then sand it down with your sandpaper. If there is no water damage or paint chip visible, your repair is almost done!

Step #8. Apply waterproof varnish or seal

For the final step, to avoid the same problem, we suggest that you apply a final topcoat or any clear coat to help it out to keep it away from water. Make sure that you find something suitable for your cabinet.

Protecting the cabinet from being damaged by water

Get them laminated

Laminate the cabinet, then laminate over it to protect from water damage. When you laminate a layer, it will smoothen it. Take note that laminated cabinets are not waterproof, but they smoothen the outer layer to stop the water droplets from penetrating the core of the wood.

Use waterproof varnish or a clear coat

Find some various clear coats for your cabinet that will keep them waterproof. Some waterproof coat or varnish depends on the type of paint and wood used.

Note: Ensure that you finish it that matches your cabinet.

Get better ventilation or dehumidification

It’ll help if you open your windows to help out the moisture of the cabinet, or use dehumidifier-like fans to help dry up the cabinets. However, opening the window will be enough.

Conclusion

We’re glad you have reached this point on how to save water damaged cabinet sides. Ensure that you follow the steps correctly and take note of some tips to not commit the same problem again. This does not even cover your house insurance, and you cannot complain to a lawyer about your furniture problem.

Easy 8-Step Guide On How To Save Water Damaged Cabinet Sides