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How to Repair Water Damaged Wood Furniture

June 4, 2020 by Kingsley LLC

water damaged wood furnitureWater is an enemy of wood furniture. As wood is naturally porous, it does not take long for it to absorb moisture. A spill that you forgot to clean up, flooding in your home, and a variety of other incidents can result in liquid soaking into your wood furniture. When wood absorbs moisture, it can start to swell and discolor. The wood loses its strength and may warp or become distorted.

For this reason, it is important to address water damage quickly to help minimize the repairs needed. Learn how to repair water damaged wood furniture and why you should contact water damage experts to take care of more substantial structural repairs in your home.

Dry Immediately to Contain Damage

After suffering water damage, it is important to dry the wood as soon as possible. If it is not already, bring the furniture into a warm room that has good air circulation. Turn on fans to help speed up the drying process. If it is warm and sunny outdoors, putting the wood furniture in direct sunlight may also help dry it quickly. You want to avoid bringing wet furniture outdoors when it is too cold as it will remain damp and mold will start to grow. Once dry, bring the furniture indoors. Exposure to too much sun can sometimes cause the wood to crack.

Clean Mold and Mildew

mold on water damaged woodNo matter how quickly you attempt to dry your wood furniture, mold and mildew can start to grow. In fact, it takes just 24 to 48 hours for fungus to begin growing. Mold only requires food, water and oxygen to grow. This can occur with a simple water leak, condensation, high humidity and other conditions that create moisture. To remove mold and mildew from wood furniture, clean the wood well with a bleach solution. Once the fungus has been removed, you may need to apply a new layer of finish to help restore the look of the furniture and to protect the wood from further damage.

Treat Water Spots

Wood can become easily stained when water penetrates through the polish or wax surface and into the wood. There are a number of methods that may be effective in removing the stain, especially if you catch it early on. First, try rubbing the spot with petroleum jelly, mayonnaise or furniture polish to lift the stain. If that does not work, put a dab of toothpaste on a wet cloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears. For more stubborn stains, create a mixture of equal parts toothpaste and baking soda. Scrub the abrasive mixture onto the stain. If all of these less invasive options fail, use a mild solvent like paint thinner or mineral spirits to try and remove the stain.

Use Sandpaper or Putty Knife

using sandpaper to repair water damaged wood furnitureDepending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to remove the top layers of wood so that it can be properly refinished. Sand the wood with an electric sander and 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wear a dust mask and open windows for proper air circulation. Always sand wood in the direction of the grain, starting with the most damaged areas. For deeper set stains, use a chemical stripping agent. This involves dipping a paintbrush into a chemical stripping agent and painting it onto the wood. Once the chemical agent begins to oxidize, use a putty knife or other scraping tool and scrape the surface of the furniture. Follow up with another round of sanding.

Wax or Varnish

Once your wood furniture has been sanded and all surface stains removed, it is time to add a protective coating. Most people will apply either a wax or a varnish to their furniture depending on the look and protection they are trying to achieve. Wax has the power to both coat and penetrate wood but it is usually not as efficient as varnish. Wood varnish provides a highly-durable hard finish that penetrates the wood. If you choose wax, apply a thin layer with a clean cloth. Buff the furniture until you create a rich patina. If you are going with varnish, paint on a clear varnish coat to create a barrier that is both waterproof and insect-repellent. Apply a second coat after the first has fully dried.

Call Water Damage Experts for Structural Fixes

If your home has suffered extensive damage, you may be dealing with much more than water-logged furniture. Your walls, floors, ceilings and other structural elements of your home may have also been affected. When it comes to structural repairs, you need to call in the water damage restoration experts. Reach out to the water damage experts at Kingsley, LLC, to learn more about how to repair water damaged wood furniture or to acquire a free estimate for water damage restoration.

Filed Under: Water Damage Restoration

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Kingsley LLC

825 Meeting St. Ste 202 West Columbia, SC 29169 24/7 Hotline: 803-590-0370
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Google Rating
5.0
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
5.0
Based on 63 reviews
Samantha davis
Samantha davis
17:10 02 Dec 19
Kingsley really helped us in our time of need. Our house flooded from our upstairs bathroom, water was everywhere. They came the same day I called and immediately started removing carpet and setting up machines. They charged nothing upfront and worked payment out with our insurance company. That alone is worth a 5 star review. We very pleased with the time and care they took with us and our home.
Cheri Held
Cheri Held
03:02 08 Nov 19
Hey!I had a water link behind my stove...I Called Kingsley. They came right away and got started. I had to leave, and when I came back 5 hours later they were done! They tore everything out that was went and needed to be gone, and they cleaned!!! They are nice guys, and did a great job! Thanks guys!!!
Ashley Lucas
Ashley Lucas
02:58 06 Nov 19
Amazing service!! Mr. Kingsley jumped right into action for my water mitigation services. He was very knowledgeable and took his time to explain the process. Great overall experience. I must say his excellent service and professionalism put my mind at ease knowing my home was in great hands.
Bha Kurnaz
Bha Kurnaz
12:57 01 Oct 19
Mike is the best person I met during my water leak problem. Long to short: if you are lucky to hire Mike (if his schedule is free), you will have amazing service. He works with you and your insurance. Most of well known firms try to charge double of Mike's estimate and try to take advantage of YOUR insurance.I am so happy that Mike handled my problem. Thanks and God bless you!
Kimberly Mills
Kimberly Mills
14:11 23 Sep 19
Mike Kingsley and company are the BEST hands down! Mike was responsive and prompt in addressing my issues and concerns. Kingsley was able to remove all the mold and demo everything from under the house where the mold was and then dry everything to prevent any further damage from the water. Kingsley and his team were very professional and considered of all that I had going on. Mike spoke with the insurance company and followed up with all they needed as well as what I needed. I would definitely give them the highest recommendation possible.
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