Updated at: 13-07-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Water-damaged wood furniture side panels can be repaired, saving you from throwing out your chairs and tables altogether. To fix a piece of furniture, all that needs to be done is to dry it out, remove any damage, fill the holes with wood filler, and then seal it.

Instead of purchasing new items, repairing water damage can save you money over time. If you want to discover how to fix water-damaged furniture, keep reading!

How To Repair Water Damaged Side Panels Of Furniture

Step #1. Dry the wood panels

Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors. Ideally, the furniture should be moved to a location where it will not be exposed to rain or floodwater again. If the damage was caused by leaks, the first step should be to remedy the leaks.

You should verify your insurance coverage to see whether you can get reimbursement if you experience flooding or leaks. Consult your insurance policy or your lawyer for guidance.

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Drying the wood thoroughly is the most critical step in the side panel repair process. There are increased odds of salvaging your furnishings if you dry the panel out quickly. Removing the wood panel will expedite the cleaning procedure because it will be isolated from the rest of the furniture.

Remove huge amounts of moisture by wiping the panel down with a damp cloth. This can be accomplished with the use of heavy-duty cloths like towels, rags, and even blankets.

When it comes to drying off your wood panel, you have a few options. The first step is to let the wood to dry out overnight on its own. You may need to speed up the drying process if the water damage is considerable, otherwise the warps, bubbles and swelling will intensify.

The quickest way to get rid of all the moisture is to utilize hair dryers, powerful electric fans, and dehumidifiers An iron can also be used to repair tiny areas of water damage, but on a lower setting.

Step #2. Get rid of bubbles and other damages

Swelling, bubbling, and warping are the most frequent symptoms of water damage on wood panels. Fortunately, they’re easy to correct.

In the case of swelling and warping, you can try screwing boards on the panel while it is still slightly wet. You can prevent the wood from warping excessively by utilizing the boards as a bracing.

Carpenter’s glue or wood glue can be used to stop wood from splitting. Hold the wood together with a clamp after you’ve applied wood glue to the spaces in between all of the layers. Before moving on to the following stage, let the glue cure completely.

To remove bubbles, use a medium-grit sandpaper and a fine-grit sandpaper. You should wear safety goggles and gloves while sanding. Deep crevices are often the result of large bubbles.

You should use a sharp knife to remove all of the water damage in the case of large bubbles. Removing all of the water-damaged parts will prevent further damage and prevent mold from forming. Remove all the fine, powdery particles and dust that have accumulated after sanding and scraping the wood.

Step #3. Add wood fillers

Only bubbles caused by water damage need to be dealt with in this manner. It’s okay to skip this step if your panel just swelled or split.

Wood fillers can now be added to the cleaned wood. According to the label’s instructions, mix the wood fillers. Using a putty knife, fill up all of the smallest cracks and holes with wood filler.

Scrape off the excess filler afterward. Fillers harden so much that sanding them off becomes impossible, therefore it’s better to apply them sparingly.

Please keep in mind that while wood fillers and putty can be used to fill in holes and cracks, they don’t actually strengthen the wood.

Wood fillers are best used to repair minor holes and cracks caused by bubbles in the wood. The wood may be physically unsafe, so if the damage is substantial and widespread, you should consider replacing it.

Step #4. Finishing up

The filler can be sanded with fine-grit sandpaper after it has dried fully. The wood filler should be sanded until it resembles the surrounding surface.

Protect the panel from further water damage by coating it with wood sealants. Wood stains can be used to restore the wood’s original luster and provide an additional layer of protection. Once the sealants have cured, you can reinstall the panel that was removed at the beginning of the restoration process.

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10 Tips for Taking Care of Wood Furniture

1. Don’t Mistreat Furniture

Always use coasters when placing glasses or mugs on wood tables to avoid rings and heat damage, and use a trivet or potholder when placing hot food directly on them. Protect your dining room table from food and drink accidents with beautiful placemats or a tablecloth.

2. Avoid Environmental Damage

Your excellent wood can be damaged by sunlight, heat, and other environmental variables. You don’t want to put pricey furniture in front of windows, ventilation or fireplaces that aren’t covered.

3. Dust Often

No one really likes to dust, but the chore is one of the best ways to take care of your furniture. Wood can be scratched by airborne particles that form a filmy layer on the surface. Dusting on a regular basis prevents the accumulation of dust. In order to avoid damage, always choose soft cloth such as cotton T-shirts or microfiber. Using a lambswool duster to clean delicate carvings or hard-to-reach areas is a terrific idea.

4. Keep Your Wood Clean

Dusting is a duty that no one enjoys, but it is one of the greatest methods to keep your furniture in good condition. It is possible for airborne particles to develop a filmy layer on the surface of wood that scrapes it. This accumulation can be prevented with regular dusting. Protect yourself from damage by only using cotton T-shirts, cloth diapers and other soft materials like microfiber. When it comes to cleaning delicate carvings or hard-to-reach areas, lambswool dusters are the best.

5. Protect Your Wood

For a fresh and shiny finish, most commercial polishes and sprays contain either petroleum distillates or silicone oil, which provides some protection for your wood. If you use too much product, a dull, sticky film will form when it mixes with dirt and grime. Using these products with a wax protectant will result in an even more gooey mess, so always buff well after using them to help avoid this buildup.

6. Treat Wear and Tear

Wooden furniture can be damaged even with the finest of care. Old English Scratch Cover is a good choice for minor dings and dings. Wood’s natural beauty is restored with this liquid polish, which hides abrasions.

A more radical solution may be necessary if the damage is too significant to be repaired with polishes or touch-up sticks and you aren’t ready to give up your prized possession. Reviving old furniture with a coat of paint can extend its usefulness for many more years. Re-staining requires sanding, which may be tedious and time-consuming. Painting, on the other hand, eliminates the need for this step.

7. Re-Oil Dry Wood

You may need to re-oil furniture that has been stored for a long period of time if it becomes too dry. Murphy’s Oil Soap or another appropriate cleaner should be used to clean the surface before using #0000 steel wool to prepare it for polishing. Apply a generous amount of furniture oil and allow it to penetrate the wood for around 15 minutes before moving on to the next step. Allow your furniture to sit for at least 24 hours before applying a protective layer.

8. Re-Wax as Needed

In some cases, wax is used as a protective covering for furniture. Re-waxing the surface may be necessary as the pieces age to ensure that they remain protected. Always use fine #0000 steel wool to prime the surface before wiping it clean with a delicate towel. First, lightly buff the surface with a Scotch Brite pad while applying the wax in a downward direction. Wait no longer than 20 minutes after applying the wax. Using a clean Scotch Brite pad, remove the excess wax, and buff the surface with a soft cloth until it feels smooth to the touch.

9. Keep Wood Smelling Fresh

Older items, especially if they’ve been stored, might develop an unpleasant stench. It’s possible to freshen the surface with baking soda, and lay a pan of charcoal within the drawers to remove odors. A warm, dry day can even be used to get rid of a malodorous odour and restore your furniture to its former glory.

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10. Remove Tough Stains

Despite your best efforts, sometimes the inevitable happens and your beautiful wood furniture gets stained. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it will be to remove, no matter what type of stain it is.

  • Despite your best efforts, sometimes the inevitable happens and your beautiful wood furniture gets stained. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it will be to remove, no matter what type of stain it is.
  • Apply mayonnaise to erase crayon smudges. Wait a few minutes before using a damp cloth to clean and a dry towel to buff.

Proper wood furniture care isn’t difficult or time-consuming, and the payoff is a home filled with beautiful wood furniture that looks and feels just as good now as it will in the future — and for many years to come!

Conclusion

You can save the structure of your cabinet, shelf, or chair if you know how to repair a water-damaged wood side panel. The procedure is straightforward and should take no more than two days to complete. All water damage may be repaired in four easy steps, giving your furniture a like-new appearance.