For many homeowners wood furniture pieces are some of their most prized possessions. Whether it is an antique family heirloom or a brand new table that you picked up during your latest shopping spree this type of furniture can be surprisingly susceptible to water damage even when it’s stored in areas like the basement or garage that aren’t exposed to flooding events regularly.
The good news is that you can save damaged swollen wood furniture if you act fast so let’s take a look at many steps you can take to fix water damaged swollen wood furniture. In this article we know how to fix water damaged swollen wood furniture and many related for your furniture and many things about your home furniture.
Why Does Wood Furniture Bubble Up?
Wood furniture bubbles up when it is exposed to moisture. Wood expands when it gets wet and contracts when it dries out. The reason the wood swells is because the moisture that was in the wood has been removed and replaced with air pockets causing bubbles in the surface of your furniture. In order to repair this problem, you will need a few household items sandpaper varnish, paint thinner or alcohol, a clean rag and some mineral spirits.
Begin by sanding down any areas where the varnish has bubbled up so that your surface is smooth again. If there are uneven spots on your surface from sanding, use a clean rag dipped in mineral spirits to even them out.
Allow Your Furniture To Dry Out
When your wood furniture has been soaked by water or flooded, you will need to let the excess moisture dry out. It is important not to wipe off the area or sand it down as this can lead to further damage.
Leave the area untouched and allow it to dry naturally. Once it has dried out, sand down any rough edges with a fine grit sandpaper. Then finish with a light wax polish for protection and shine.
The Best Way To Fix Water-Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture
The best way to fix water damaged wood furniture is with a dehumidifier. Make sure the dehumidifier has a low setting, so it will not damage the wood. You can also use an electric fan in your house and point it at the area you are trying to dry out. If you have access, you can place the piece of wood furniture in a drying kiln for up to three days.
Method 1: The Use Of An Iron
How To Fix Water Damaged, Swollen Wood Furniture.
- Fill a basin with cold water and add one cup of salt.
- Submerge the wood in the cold salt water for 30 minutes.
- Remove the wood from the salt water and allow it to air dry.
- Once dry, apply a coat of varnish or lacquer on top of the wood.
- If you do not have any varnish/lacquer, paint will also work.
- Allow the paint/varnish/lacquer to dry before using your wood furniture again.
- Repeat steps 1-6 if necessary until all moisture is gone from your wood furniture.
Method 2: Printing Or Using A Needle
If you have a piece of wood furniture that has been in contact with water and is now swollen and distorted, you may be able to salvage the item. Start by removing any loose pieces or nails.
Dampen the surface of the wood with a wet cloth and let it dry for several hours.
Next, sand away the paint or finish on the affected area as well as any other areas that are still painted or finished. Once this is complete, use a needle or screwdriver to make tiny holes in the surface of the wood at points on opposite sides of the defect.
Fill these holes with glue, then insert toothpicks into each hole until they meet in the center then use clamps if necessary to hold them together while they dry.
Method 3: Furniture Oiling And Sanding
Water damage is a common problem for wood furniture. When the wood swells, it can be difficult to repair. There are a few methods for fixing this issue, but it’s best if you can avoid the problem in the first place by storing your furniture in dry areas and away from direct sunlight. You may have some luck with these solutions:
- Dry out any wet spots with towels or hair dryer.
- Apply varnish over any cracks or spaces in order to seal them up and protect against future water damage.
- Apply a small amount of linseed oil over the surface of the wood, which should help even out any unevenness on the finish and provide some protection against future swelling due to water exposure.
How Do You Dry Out Wet Wood Furniture?
The first step in trying to salvage wood furniture that has been wet is to try and dry it out. A wet piece of wood is more susceptible to mold growth, so you will want to make sure the moisture content of the wood drops below 15%. This can be done by using a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting, or by placing it near a vent or space heater.
Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours when the humidity is high, so even if your wood furniture is still wet but feels dry on the surface you should use a fungicidal spray.
How Do You Flatten Water-Damaged Wood?
Water damage can cause your wooden furniture to swell and expand, which will make it impossible for drawers or doors to close properly. To restore the original shape of your wood, place a large pot in the middle of the table and fill it with warm water.
Let your table soak in this warm bath for about three hours and then wipe off any excess moisture.
If your table is severely water-damaged, you might need to repeat this process a few times before it’s completely dry again.
How Do You Fix Swollen Water-Damaged Wood?
Water damages wood furniture in many ways. If you notice your wood becoming warped or swollen, it is likely because of excess moisture exposure. This can happen from a number of sources, such as humidity from the air, high temperatures and even over washing. To help restore the shape and quality of your wood, follow these steps:
- Remove any hardware that is in need of repair or replacement.
- Try using a damp cloth to soak up any standing liquid on the surface of the wood.
- Sand any rough spots with medium-grit sandpaper until they are smooth again.
- Apply a thin layer of polyurethane sealer over the entire surface using a clean rag or sponge applicator.
What Causes Wood To Swell?
Wood will swell when it is exposed to liquids like water or alcohol. Wood swells because the liquid displaces the air in the pores and leaves a vacuum behind.
If you put your finger on the surface of a wet piece of wood you’ll see that it doesn’t touch your skin, but instead hovers just above it.
This is because there’s not enough room for the liquid and air together inside of the pores.
Stopping A Crack In Wood From Spreading
Wood is a natural material that can get damaged from time to time. That’s where wood repair comes in handy! Wood absorbs liquids, so if you spill something on your table or chair, it’s important to clean the area as quickly as possible.
If your table or chair has some type of crack in it, don’t worry! It’s easy enough to repair the damage with a little bit of care and materials. Here are some steps for fixing wood furniture:
Step 1. Clean the area around the crack by using a wet cloth and dry cloth.
Step 2. Mix glue and sawdust together with warm water until you have a thick paste.
Step 3. Use a putty knife to spread the paste over the crack in the wood using an up and down motion.
Cleaning Wooden Furniture Without Damaging It
This is the simplest and safest way to clean hardwood surfaces. Use a dry rag and wipe down the surface until it’s completely free of dirt, dust, or grime. You can also use a damp rag with a little bit of dish soap mixed in if you want.
The next step is to put on some rubber gloves and use a bit of mineral oil on your hands. Rub the oil into all of the wooden surfaces and let it soak in for about five minutes before wiping it off with another rag.
Water Damage And Wooden Furniture
After a flood, or even just a few days of a heavy rain, wood furniture can be left with water damage. Water can cause wooden furniture to swell and warp in shape. But don’t worry; it’s not too late! There are some things you can do if this has happened to your wooden furniture.
First, identify the type of wood that your piece is made from: oak, cherry, mahogany, maple. Each type of wood has different properties and requires different types of treatment. If you’re uncertain which type you have then consult an expert at your local hardware store or lumber.
Conclusion
Wood furniture is susceptible to water damage, but there are a few ways you can go about fixing it. First, you need to get the excess moisture out of the wood. Use a hair dryer set on medium heat and point it at the wet areas for 20-30 minutes.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner that’s equipped with a brush attachment and suck up all the extra moisture. Once all of the excess moisture has been removed, it’s time for repairs!
You can use epoxy glue that comes in a tube or putty knife to repair any minor cracks or scratches.
If your damage is more extensive than this, you’ll want to contact an expert in order to get advice on how best to proceed with your project.
