Expert: Jamie Yocono - 11/12/2008

Question
The bottom edge of my melamine cupboard door is peeling.  I want to glue it down before it breaks off or is unrepairable.

Answer
Hi Henrietta,

Yes, you can glue that corner back on, but you'll need to find the proper glue. Also, you may need a clamp to hold the piece in place while it dries, depending on what type of glue you use.

I'm just guessing here, but I think the core of your door is probably MDF (medium density fiberboard) which will look like particle board.  MDF actually is a decent core material, but it will act like a sponge if you try to use regular glue, sucking up all the moisture of the glue and leaving you with a poor bond between the melamine and core.

So you need to use a glue that is formulated for adhering dissimilar materials - in your case, plastic and wood. They actually make a melamine glue - I've used it and its pretty great.  Here are a couple of links:

http://www.mcfeelys.com/product.aspx?itemNo=MELAMINE-GLUE&s_kwcid=melamine%20glu...

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20012

You may even find it at your local hardware store, as it's made by Titebond, so if they have a good selection of wood glues, it should be there. It's somewhat common. If you use this, you would spread it on, and clamp it in place until it's dry.  

Another suggestion would be to use a little contact cement. It just depends on how bad the peeling edge is. If its just a little 2 inch piece, I would probably try to use contact cement.  You have to apply the contact cement on both surfaces, let it dry, and then assemble back together. It bonds instantly, so you have to get it right the first time when you reassemble, or it will forever be stuck in that position.

In a pinch, I have used rubber cement, the kind you might have in your home office. It doesn't work as well as contact cement, but it works. Again, coat the wood and the melamine and let it dry completely. Then reassemble.

You won't need a clamp with contact cement or rubber glue, as they bond instantly.

It's all about finding the right glue for your door. These three suggestions should do the trick for you.  Good luck, write back if you need more help.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com