Water-Damaged Wood Furniture Repair Tips
December 18, 2022Water damage can be very stressful as it can dramatically alter the state of your furniture and home. If ignored, your belongings and home could be irreparably damaged. Furthermore, it may result in mold growth, severely affecting your property’s air quality and creating a health risk for the residents.
Things damaged through water generally cannot be repaired in a short time. This is because, as time goes on, they naturally weaken, grow more fragile, and are more prone to harm by weather and bacteria. However, there is still an opportunity for a quick and safe repair of water damage to wood.
Restoring Wood Furniture from Water Damage
Learning how to repair the damage caused by water to wooden furniture makes it possible to keep your valuable possessions safe and, in some instances, avoid paying for replacements. Quick response and standard items can make your furniture last for many years. Keep reading if you need tips for protecting your furniture when it’s been damaged due to water.
1. Dry Your Furniture
The swelling of water-damaged furniture can often be reduced simply by letting it air dry out. Dry the wet furniture as soon as possible. Exposure to the sun is the preferred method of drying wood. But, after utilizing this procedure, you’ll need to flip the wood over. Exposure to sunlight for long periods can cause the wood to shrinkage, split and warp.
Another way to dry wood is to use electric fans and place the furniture in an area with good airflow for at most 24 hours.
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2. Use an Iron or Hair Dryer
To dry damp wood, use an iron. Placing a clean towel on the affected area and ironing it using the lowest setting should do the trick. For best results, iron the towel for about 15 minutes or until the absorbent material begins to dry. Keep the iron moving to avoid burning.
A substitute for iron is a hair dryer set to the lowest temperature setting. Make sure to keep it at a safe distance (about 6-inches) from the surface of the wood and move it around to ensure it is fantastic at any time. Continue this process until there aren’t any more water bubbles and the wood is dry.
3. Remove Water Bubbles
Water bubbles on the wood’s surface can be removed with a printer or needle. You can release the water from the bubble using a needle or paper.
The process of making holes in the bubbles of water can help release the water and air that have been trapped in the furniture that is swollen. Continue this process until the wood has become dry and there are no more bubbles. It’s a simple method for removing water bubbles without damaging the wood.
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4. Sand and Finish
Sand and finish the furniture after it’s dried. Wear protective gear to prevent injury, which includes goggles, gloves, and a mask. You can eliminate the swelling using coarse sandpaper if the wood is still swollen. Sanding too often can create the wood to have an uneven finish.
Then, sand the entire furniture piece using the finer grit of sandpaper. In doing so, any rough spots in the wood are removed, and the wood will be prepared for finishing. Once you’ve finished sanding, you can seal or paint the wood.
5. Flatten the Wood
After the wood has dried and finished, you can utilize a wood flattening device to remove any remaining water damage. This will aid in restoring the wood to its original shape and help protect it from possible wear and tear. Be sure to wear safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, and an eye mask to avoid injury.