Thinking of how to fix water-damaged swollen wood furniture? How long does water damage restoration take? It can be a pain to fix, but with these five easy steps, you can save your swollen wood furniture and restore it to its former glory!
The most important thing to do is allow the furniture to dry completely. You can do this by leaving it out in the sun or in a well-ventilated area with electric fans blowing on it.
Another way to dry the wood is by ironing it or removing the water air bubbles with a needle or printer. Once the wood has dried, you can assess the extent of the damage and move on to sanding it, applying furniture oil, and flattening the wood. Don't want to do this yourself, get a free quote for wooden furniture restoration.
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How to Fix Water Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture in 5 Simple Steps
1. Allow the water-damaged furniture to dry
The simplest method to treat water-damaged swollen furniture is to dry it. Because the issue is water, it only makes sense to get rid of it from the picture.
The most popular way to dry wood is to leave it exposed to the sun. So, just set it out in the sun and wait for the water in the wood to evaporate. Wiping dampened wooden furnishings with a clean microfiber cloth can also help reduce moisture from swollen wooden furniture.
When using this technique, however, you must rotate the wood after a while. This is due to prolonged sunshine exposure drying out the wood too quickly, causing it to shrink, fracture, and warp.
Electric fans may also be used to help eliminate dampness from wood furniture. For at least 24 hours, place the furnishings in a well-ventilated room with electric fans running.
After all the water has been drained, a dehumidifier may be placed in the center of the room to reduce humidity.
2. Use an iron for the swollen wood
If the wood is still wet, you may use an iron to remove water bubbles from the surface.
To do this, set your iron to its lowest heat setting and place a clean cloth over the area with water bubbles. Iron over the towel for about 15 minutes or until you see the water being absorbed by the soft cloth.
Remember to keep the iron moving to prevent scorching the wood.
Afterward, allow the furniture to air dry for a few hours before proceeding to the next step.
You may have to repeat this process a few times until all water bubbles are gone and the wood is completely dry.
If you don't have an iron, you can also use a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting. Hold it about six inches away from the surface of the wood and move it around constantly to prevent overheating in one spot.
Do this until all water bubbles are removed and the wood is dry.
Hairdryers work just as well as irons when it comes to getting rid of water bubbles on wet wood furniture.
Both tools work by heating the water and causing it to evaporate.
The key is to use the lowest heat setting possible to prevent damage to the wood.
3. Use a needle or printer for the water damaged wood furniture
If you see water bubbles on the surface of the wood, you can also use a needle or printer to remove them.
Just poke the needle or paper through the bubble to let the air out and allow the water to escape.
Poking holes in water bubbles will help release trapped air and water from swollen wood furniture.
Do this until all bubbles are gone and the wood is dry.
This method is similar to using an iron but doesn't require any heat.
It's a quick and easy way to get rid of water bubbles without causing any damage to the wood. Once all water bubbles are removed, allow the furniture to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
4. Sanding and finishing the wood furniture
Once the furniture is dry, you can proceed to sand and finish the swollen furniture. Make sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a dust mask before starting.
If the wood is still swollen, use coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the swollen area.
Be careful not to sand too much or you'll end up with an uneven surface.
Afterward, switch to finer-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the furniture.
This will help smooth out any rough spots and prepare the wood for finishing.
Once you're done sanding, apply a stain or sealant of your choice to the sanded wood.
Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
5. Flatten the wood
Once the furniture is dry and finished, you can use a wood flattening tool to remove any remaining water damage. Make sure to wear protective gear such as safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a dust mask.
This will help restore the wood to its original shape and prevent further damage.
Flattening the wood is an important step in how to fix water-damaged swollen wood furniture. Use a wood flattening tool to remove any remaining water damage. This will help restore the wood to its original shape and prevent further damage.
When you take care of your repaired furniture, it will take care of you. It is important to protect the wood grain from future water stains so that you do not need to deal with a swollen wood table again. This is why we talk about protecting your wood furniture below.
It is important to use the right wood furniture cleaner (white distilled vinegar works great) and a scrub brush only when necessary so that the entire surface would be protected. If you do not want to do this yourself, reach out to certified professionals at Restoration Done.
How to Protect Wooden Furniture From Water Damage
1. Using oil finishes
One way to protect your wood furniture from water damage is by using oil finishes. There are different types of oils you can use such as linseed oil, mineral oil, tung oil, or any oil based finish. Sometimes it can just be called furniture oil.
Oil finishes create a barrier between the wood and water, preventing the wood from swelling or warping.
You can apply an oil finish to your furniture with a brush or cloth. Make sure to not have oil residue remaining.
Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
You may need to reapply the finish every few months to keep the protection intact.
2. Sealing the wood
Another way to protect your wood furniture from water damage is by sealing it with an exterior coating.
Sealants create a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping into the wood.
You can apply a sealant to your furniture with a brush or sprayer.
Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
3. Using stain-sealant products
You can also use stain-sealant products to protect your wood furniture from water damage.
Stain-sealants are designed to penetrate the wood and seal it from within.
This provides long-lasting protection against water damage.
Apply the stain-sealant to your furniture with a brush or soft cloth.
Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
4. Use a Wood Moisturizer
Using a wood moisturizer on a wood surface especially on indoor tables, can help prolong their life. Just a few drops can help keep wood from drying out, cracking, or warping.
When using a wood moisturizer make sure to apply it to a clean cloth and not directly on the wood. Wipe it in the direction of the grain and avoid getting any on unfinished wood or varnish as this can cause spots.
Let the wood surface dry for at least 30 minutes before using coasters or placing anything on top of it. Reapply every few months or as needed.
How to Use Wooden Furniture and Protect From Water Damage
To prevent wood furniture from water damage with daily usage, there are a few things you can do:
- Use coasters when placing drinks on wood surfaces.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Place mats or rugs under plants to catch drips.
- Use a humidifier in dry climates.
- Keep the humidity in your home at a comfortable level (between 30 and 50 percent).
- Protect wood furniture from direct sunlight.
- Dust regularly
- Clean with a damp microfiber cloth as needed (white distilled vinegar is a safe cleaning solution)
By following these simple tips, you can help protect your wood furniture from water damage and keep it looking its best for years to come.
How to Clean Wooden Furniture Without Damaging It
To clean wood furniture without damaging it, use a clean microfiber cloth. If the furniture is particularly dirty, you can dampen the cloth with water, white distilled vinegar, or a wood furniture cleaner. Gently scrub the surface of the furniture with the cloth until it's clean. You may need to use a scrub brush for deep-set stains. Rinse the area with clean water and dry completely. Repeat as necessary.
When cleaning wooden furniture, it's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface. Be sure to test any cleaners in an inconspicuous area before using them on the entire piece of furniture.
How to Stop a Crack in Wood From Spreading
If you notice a crack in wood furniture, it's important to take action immediately to stop the crack from spreading.
The best way to do this is to fill the crack with wood glue. Apply the wood glue to the crack with a brush or toothpick, then wipe away any excess glue. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the furniture. If the crack is still visible after the glue has dried, you can use wood dust or wood filler to fill it in.
It's also important that you take steps to prevent future cracks from happening. This includes avoiding drastic temperature changes and keeping your wood furniture out of direct sunlight.
Conclusion: How to Fix Water Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture
By following these five easy steps, you can fix water-damaged swollen wood furniture quickly and easily. Need water restoration services, contact a professional restoration company in Spokane Washington.
Five Steps on How to Fix Water Damaged Swollen Wood Furniture:
1. Allow the water-damaged furniture to dry
2. Use an iron for the swollen wood
3. Use a needle or printer for the water-damaged wood furniture
4. Sanding and finishing the wood furniture
5. Flatten the wood
Allowing the furniture to dry, using an iron or hairdryer, using a needle or printer, sanding, finishing, and flattening the wood are all important steps in restoring your furniture back to its original condition. By taking the time to fix water-damaged furniture, you can prolong its life and keep it looking great for years to come.
We hope this article was helpful. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a restoration company. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We'll be happy to answer them as best we can. Thanks for reading!
If you have experienced a fire and aren't sure where to start, check out this free resource we created called "Repair Fire Damage: How Long Does Fire Restoration Take?"
