One of the cons of using wood is its susceptibility to water damage. This possibility shouldn’t hinder you, so learn how to fix water damaged dark wood with this article.
Aside from teaching you how to fix wood that has been damaged by water. It will also teach you other tips. You no longer have to worry about water and its pesky way of ruining beautiful wooden fixtures and structural implements.
Can you restore water damaged wood?
Perhaps the first question on anyone’s mind once they notice water damage on wood is this: is there still hope? Can the wood still be repaired?
The honest and straightforward answer to this would be that it depends. Several factors can affect the wood’s durability and, thus, the possibility of fixing it.
Some things to consider would be the following:
- How was the wood damaged? Was it submerged in water?
- How long was the wood exposed to water?
- How much of the wood was in contact with water?
- Was the wood exposed to other contaminants?
Answering these inquiries can help you determine if you can still save the wood. The wood with the least amount of exposure and exposure time to water is the most likely to be repaired.
However, as the exposure worsens and the exposure time lengthens, the possibility of fixing the wood decreases.
How To Repair Water Damaged Dark Wood
Have you got a wooden fixture or structure that was in contact with water? These steps will help you repair water damaged dark wood with ease.
Step #1. Assess
The first step to fixing water-damaged dark wood is to determine the extent of the damage. The guide questions above can help you figure out how damaged the wood is.
If you cannot determine the amount of exposure and exposure time, you can also watch out for any swelling, stains, and other marks that signify water damage. Dark stains indicate that the water has breached the wood sealant.
This feature could mean that the damage is terrible. On the other hand, light stains suggest that the water damage is only on the surface.
Sometimes, wood that has been damaged should be replaced rather than repaired. Why? Wood can be weakened by water damage.
This poses a threat to one’s safety and health, so it is better to replace them entirely than to try and repair them. Additionally, sometimes it costs more to repair the wood than to replace it. If you’re worried about the cost, it’s a good idea to go over your insurance coverage or to consult with your lawyer to see if insurance will pay for the damages.
Step #2. Dry
After determining whether the wood can be fixed, the next thing you’ll want to do is to dry it. You can leave the damaged wood under direct sunlight for a day or two, or you can also use a blowdryer or a heat gun.
Keep in mind that this step should not be rushed. The wood can break or move from drying it too quickly.
It is vital to go slow and be patient with the wood. Make sure that the wood is dried thoroughly before proceeding to the next steps.
Step #3. Remove stains
Once the wood has been dried, the swelling should reduce significantly. The next thing to focus on is the stains.
You can remove the stains by rubbing a mixture of baking soda and water on the affected area. If this mixture is unsuccessful, you can also try using a mix of vinegar and olive oil, saltwater, or even toothpaste.
Step #4. Sand
After drying and removing the stains, the next step is to sand the wood. You can use sandpaper or a high-quality sand belt to accomplish this step. Make sure to sand carefully so as not to damage the wood.
Step #5. Seal
The last step to repairing water-damaged dark wood is to seal the wood. A marine-based polyurethane coating is recommended to avoid water damage in the future.
Marine-based polyurethane is a coating used on boats and is also recommended for furniture and other wooden fixtures. After accomplishing this step, you can pat yourself on the back! You have successfully restored water-damaged dark wood.
Other maintenance tips
Aside from applying a marine-based polyurethane sealant on the wood, there are other ways to prevent water damage in the future. Here are a few of the most effective ways to do so:
- Immediately wipe away water when someone spills it on a wooden surface.
- Remove wet or moist items from wooden surfaces immediately.
- Regularly check for leaks or broken pipes that can damage the wood.
- Make sure that an area is not too humid, as this can cause water damage too.
- Use cleaning solutions rather than a wet rag or mop when cleaning wooden surfaces.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of how to fix water damaged dark wood and other necessary maintenance tips, you no longer have to worry about your wooden items! Just remember the tips and repair steps listed above. Lastly, work proactively in combating water damage rather than reactively.