Outdoor plastic cabinets are a great way to store tools, supplies, and other items while protecting them from the elements. However, over time the sides of these cabinets can warp or pull away from the frame, leaving gaps that allow rain, dirt and pests inside. Fortunately, pulling the sides back in is an easy DIY project for most standard plastic sheds and cabinets.
What You’ll Need
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Gloves & eye protection
- C-clamps or large spring clamps
- Clean rags
- Optional: Plastic welding kit
Preparing the Plastic
Start by heating the sides of the cabinet using a heat gun or hair dryer on the highest setting. Focus on the areas that have pulled away and warped. Be extremely careful not to overheat the plastic as this can cause melting, bubbling and holes.
Wear protective gloves and eye wear when heat gunning. Move the heat gun continuously to warm the plastic evenly. Take breaks to check the softening and test flexibility.
The plastic needs to be hot enough to become pliable, but not so hot it starts to melt and warp further. Heating both the cabinet frame and pulled edges helps them meld together again.
If there are any large gaps or tears, you may need to bridge them with a plastic welding rod once the sides are clamped. Cut plastic welding rods are designed to melt into the base plastic for DIY repairs.
Clamping the Sides Inward
Once the plastic is malleable, carefully bend and push the sides back flush against the cabinet frame. Move efficiently before the plastic cools and hardens.
Use C-clamps or large spring clamps to hold the sides in place. Space clamps every 4-6 inches along the problem seams for even pressure. Caution – overtightening clamps can fracture the plastic.
Position clamps along the upper and lower edges where sides meet the frame. This helps squares the cabinet up properly again. Check for alignment and even gaps before allowing plastic to fully cool.
Welding Rod Reinforcement
For major gaps or tears, you can bridge them with specialized plastic rod designed for welding and repairs.
Make sure the edges are smooth. Heat the base plastic with the heat gun, then press the rod into the gap, reheating as needed to fuse them. Don’t overheat as too much heat can discolor or distort the materials.
Use a plastic welding tool to “stitch” any long seams where the cabinet sides meet the frame. This helps strengthen and waterproof the bonds. Follow the product instructions for proper melting points.
Let Cool Completely
Keep the clamps tightened until the plastic has fully cooled back to room temperature. This allows the sheets to reform their shape properly and bond with the frame. Rushing can cause warping.
Avoid forcibly bending and flexing the plastic until completely cooled. Remove clamps and ensure sides have good adhesion before stressing the bonds. Caution – weakened plastic may need to be reinforced with welding rods.
Securing and Weatherproofing
For extra hold, use plastic bonding solvents or adhesives along the interior seams. This helps protect contents from moisture. Always follow directions for ventilation.
Drill small pilot holes and add some exterior screws if the sides won’t stay aligned on their own. Use stainless steel or coated screws to avoid corrosion. Over-drilling risks cracking the plastic.
Fill any minor gaps with silicone caulk to improve weather sealing. Look for caulk designed for plastics. Prepare the area so caulk adheres properly.
Maintaining Your Shed or Cabinet
To prevent future warping and pulling, make sure to:
- Keep doors and lids closed to avoid wind damage
- Install in a level, stable location away from direct sun
- Avoid over-stacking heavy objects right against the thin walls
- Ensure any skids or pallets underneath are sound and level
- Check for damage after major storms
- Re-clamp problematic areas at first signs of loosening
With proper care and reinforcement, you can get years more life out of old plastic outdoor cabinets. Be patient when reheating and clamping for repairs. A little DIY plastic welding goes a long way!
FAQs About Repairing Outdoor Plastic Cabinets
How do I stop my plastic shed from warping?
To prevent warping, make sure to install the shed on a completely flat and level foundation. Avoid direct sun exposure which can heat one side excessively. Don’t overstack heavy items right against the thin plastic walls. Inspect regularly for any loosening or gaps forming.
What is the best glue for plastic cabinets?
For small cracks and gaps, use silicone or urethane caulk made for plastics. For bonding larger areas, solvent cements like PVC/ABS cement work well. Epoxy adhesives also bond plastic strongly. Always check labels to ensure compatibility with your specific plastic.
Can you weld different types of plastic together?
It depends. Some plastic welding rods are designed for joining different types, such as ABS to PVC. But for structural repairs, matching the rod to your base plastic is best. Test compatibility in an inconspicuous spot first before welding anything highly visible.
How do I re-square a warped plastic cabinet?
Use a heat gun to warm and soften the sides. Have helpers push or pull to re-align the cabinet frame while you clamp to hold in place. Let cool completely before removing clamps. You may need to make relief cuts or use welding rods to close large gaps.
Should I remove the doors when repairing a plastic shed?
If the doors and hinges are still aligned properly, you can often do repairs without fully removing them. Just unlatch them and move out of your way. But if the whole frame is severely warped, removing doors makes it easier to restore square angles as you re-clamp the walls.
Can I reinforce plastic cabinets with wood or metal?
Yes, adding wooden studs or metal strips along the interior framing helps strengthen plastic cabinets and sheds. Use corrosion resistant materials secured into the plastic with appropriate adhesives, solvents or fasteners. Never screw directly into plastic.
What’s the best way to cut and reshape warped plastic?
Use a circular saw with fine-tooth blade specially designed for plastics. Keep the sheet supported and go slow to avoid cracking. You can also use snips, utility knives, or a Dremel for minor reshaping. Sand edges smooth after cutting. Wear protective gear.
How do I fill a hole in my plastic cabinet?
Use a polyethylene or ABS plastic patch epoxied over the hole for structural integrity. Apply silicone caulk around the patch edges to smooth and seal. For minor holes, fill with caulk alone, allowing it to cure completely before stressing the area.
Can I change the color of my faded plastic shed?
Yes, you can use Krylon Fusion spray paint to refresh plastic outdoor sheds and cabinets. Scuff sand first to help paint adhere. Multiple thin coats work better than one thick coat. Adhesion promoter can also help paint bond strongly and permanently.
Conclusion
Fixing warped and pulled sides on outdoor plastic cabinets is usually a straightforward DIY job. With some simple tools, materials, and techniques, you can pull the sides back into alignment and reinforce them for lasting repairs. Just be sure to work carefully when heat gunning plastic, and take things slow and steady as you clamp and weld the softened sides back into shape. Your rejuvenated plastic cabinet will look much nicer and hold up better against sun, rain, and wind.