Trouble deciding whether to toss out or restore flood-damaged furnishings? You can reduce costs and delay buying new wood furniture by learning how to fix water damage. Get ready to revive old furniture with these easy, do-it-yourself tips.
Furniture can only be damaged by water getting inside. If a flood doesn’t occur, you’re good to go and not obligated to buy replacement wood pieces. However, you must have options.
There’s nothing more ugly than investing in a new piece of furniture only to have it ruined by the floods or water leaks of the past year. Sometimes, however, you can rescue a piece of furniture and breathe new life into an old one.
What’s the most critical thing to remember if your furniture gets wet?
Take quick action. If you want a chance to save your furniture, the key is to remove excess water as quickly as possible. If you want to save your furniture, the key is to remove excess water as quickly as possible. The longer the water sits, the greater the damage to your furniture.
If you receive notification from your flood insurance company that water got into your home, the first step is to ensure there isn’t any standing water. If there is standing water, find out what damage was caused and do what you can to prevent it from happening again.
The Effects of Moisture on Wooden Objects
When exposed to water or excessive moisture without sufficient protection, wood is an organic substance that is very prone to mould and decay. High moisture content can cause wood to swell and shift. Wood finishes can also create watermarks or stains on wood furniture. As an example,
– Watermarks that are dark in colour indicate that water has already damaged the wood’s surface.
– There are still traces of the stain on the surface, as seen by the faint marks.
Wood with Water Stains
In most cases, water damage is repairable, and removing water stains from the wood is possible. Both the wood’s condition and the concentration of the stain play a role here. When restoring water-damaged wood furniture, keep the following procedures in mind:
Drying Is Important
Allow your affected furniture to sit in direct sunlight for 24 hours to remove moisture (minimum). Using a hairdryer or blow torch to dry the surface may merely remove moisture from the surface, potentially causing more damage. Your furniture should be allowed to settle gently and thoroughly. The wood can bend, split, crack, or move if it dries too quickly or unevenly. Take your time to set it as organically and fully as possible to achieve a decent finish.
Tips: Instead of placing furniture in direct sunlight, use a dehumidifier with an air mover to eliminate moisture from the air.
Remove the Finish from the Wood
Remove any finishing from the wood with a paint and varnish stripper. Stripping is the most straightforward method for removing persistent stains without sanding down layers of wood. Apply the stripper to the affected areas with a clean paintbrush and wait for the chemical agent to oxidise (it will begin to bubble).
Remove the stripper and the loosened finish from the furniture with a scraping tool, such as a putty knife. Sand the affected area with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper after completely disassembling the furniture to remove any extra finishing. Then, using a clean paintbrush, wipe away any remaining wood dust.
Sand the Wood
A belt sander will provide the fastest and cleanest sanding, particularly on the tops of your furniture’s large flat surfaces. A small finishing sander is great for achieving an ultra-smooth finish. With these two tools, you can restore your old wood furniture to excellent condition.
Tips: A rough (150-grain) sandpaper is a great place to start, progressing to a fine grit and an almost-polished smoothness.
Fix the Loose Joints with Glue
Sand between the joints with rolled-up or folded 150-grit sandpaper to remove any old glue. Using a clean paintbrush, remove wood dust and sanded glue. Spread wood glue within the joint and reattach the piece, clamping or bracing it for 12 to 18 hours. Use epoxy wood glue for difficult-to-glue areas, such as the corners of a dresser or decorative components that require the reattachment of intricate or delicate, raised wood.
Paint or stain the furniture
Apply waterproof stain with a clean paintbrush (be sure the colour matches the rest of the furniture item), sweep it in broad, equal strokes, and then wipe away any excess stain with a clean shop rag. Use latex or enamel paint to paint the furniture. Two coats of stain or paint are required. Apply the second coat after the first has dried completely.
Protect Your Furniture with Varnish
To protect your furniture without using stains or paint, you can opt for a varnish that is both water- and insect-resistant and is clear in colour. After the furniture has dried, use a clean paintbrush to apply two coats of varnish, allowing two coats to dry completely between each coat.
Tips: If the first coat is dry to the touch but still tacky, it is ready for the second. Applying the second coat before the first sets will trap moisture between the layers, which could take months or even years to dry.
Seek Professional Help From Reztor Restoration
Suppose such a project is within your ability level. In that case, you can make this DIY fix and use these recommendations and tips to restore your water-damaged furniture tastefully. Still, the task may be too complicated for you in certain circumstances. If water damage to your wooden furniture is beyond your abilities, get professional assistance from Reztor Restoration to fix your valuable asset.
Reztor provides professional water damage repair and restoration services. Professionals in this profession have received extensive training in the proper restoration techniques for repairing and identifying various types of damage. Hiring a professional water damage cleanup firm combines knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and the necessary materials.
Wooden Furniture Damaged by Water
This blog will teach you how to repair water-damaged wood furniture using simple DIY procedures and expert advice. Knowing how to repair water-damaged wood furniture will save you from throwing it out and wasting time and money attempting to replace it.
Uncertainty or mouldy furniture can result from needing to know whether or how to restore flood-damaged furniture. To repair water-damaged furniture or woodwork in your home, remove water from the affected piece and clean off all mould and mildew. If you are still deciding whether to complete these tasks, calling a professional from Reztor Restoration is your most reliable option for restoring your furniture and other items.
