Do you wanna learn how to fix desk with water damage? Read through, and we will guide you on this practical DIY project!
There is nothing more unfortunate than your favorite desk being submerged in water. What makes it more terrible is the thought of dealing with more extensive damage when it stays wet for a long time.
If ever the same situation happens to you or has happened already, you have to learn the art of fixing your desk on your own. However, the process of repairing will depend on the level of damage.
If you can still salvage your furniture, read through to know the comprehensive steps on fixing a water damaged desk. Let’s go and start another journey to a successful DIY endeavor!
Materials And Tools You Will Need
To repair your water damaged desk effectively, you have to use a set of tools and materials. Usually, the supplies and tools you will need will depend on the extent of the damage.
Regardless of the case, here are some of the materials and tools you have to prepare.
- Fans, iron boxes, or other heating appliances for drying the wet wood
- Power sander or sandpaper to smoothen out the wood
- Cleaning rag that is lint-free
- A brush for scrubbing
- Bleach for killing mold and mildew
- Detergent for cleaning
- To protect yourself, have gloves, safety goggles, and overalls ready
- A moisture meter for determining the moisture level
Steps To Fix Your Water Damaged Desk
Bringing your damaged precious desk is possible with only a few simple steps. Here is a detailed procedure that you must follow to do the job effectively.
Step #1. Let the wood dry thoroughly
Before you can start with the restoration, you have to let the wood dry completely first. Fixing wet wood is too hard, if not impossible.
You can either dry your desk under the sun for no more than three hours, or you can use heating appliances like an electric fan or iron box. You should do the drying process slowly and gradually as extreme temperatures can cause the wood to crack, thus creating another issue.
Step #2. Get rid of the mildew, mold, and any black spots
Fungi like mold and mildew thrive on wet surfaces like your water damaged desk. They are toxic to human health, so you have to get rid of them completely.
After drying your desk, you can start cleaning the mildew, mold, and black spots using a cloth soaked in bleach, detergent, and water solution. Make sure to wear the necessary protective gear like gloves and a face mask.
For a more detailed procedure, check out this article on how to remove mold from water damage.
Step #3. Smoothen out the wood
Once you have removed all the mold and black spots, your next step is to scrape off the varnish, old paint, or any other impurities using fine-grit sandpaper.
This step is an essential part of the restoration process, so you should do it properly. It will smoothen out the wood, removing flaws that may hinder the restoration.
Step #4. Cure the wood
Curing the wood is essential in order to ensure that it has the right amount of moisture content. The required moisture content is between 6 and 9% for woodwork which you can determine using a moisture meter.
If the reading is higher than recommended, you should cure the wood. It is to ensure that it will not deform or distort over time.
Step #5. Oil the wood
Oiling is done by soaking the wood in natural vegetable oils. It is done to avoid premature aging, protect the wood from cracking or breaking, and it also enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Before you apply the oil, ensure that the wood surface is squeaky clean. Use a dry, soft cloth to apply and wipe off the excess oil once fully absorbed.
Step #6. Moisturize the wood
Moisturizing is wood’s kind of beauty regimen. Moisturizer helps nourish the oiled wood and gives it a shiny look, making it look brand new.
Doing this step will prevent further damage to the wood, like cracks and dents. It also seals it off, so it becomes UV and water-resistant.
Step #7. Refinish the wood
This step is another significant activity that you should do. By applying a protective opaque or transparent varnish, paint, or other coatings, you add another protective layer against moisture.
It also helps keep the wood sanitized, protecting it from harmful organisms that may breed on it. Also, it makes it easier to clean and maintain.
Step #8. Shine up the wood using furniture polish
Now, it is time to give your desk a fresh scent and final glow for the final step. Applying a furniture polish is something you should do regularly to protect your precious furniture.
If, aside from your desk, your vanity also got damaged, here is a guide on how to fix water damaged vanity frame that you can read.
Conclusion
Now that the process of how to fix desk with water damage has come to light, you will now be able to give your unfortunate furniture a new life. Pat yourself in the back for another DIY project learned.