Drying the swollen wood table is the first step in how to fix water damaged swollen wood table. We’ll explain how wood furniture gets swollen and how to fix them below. Apart from that, we also included how you can protect your wood table and the cost of repairs.
How do wood tables get swollen?
Wood tables get swollen whenever they absorb too much water. This is caused by high levels of moisture in its environment—for example, condensed water from cold drinks or water-filled vases. Even though the water does not directly get in contact with the table, it can still condense and cause swelling.
While swelling is in itself a problem, it does not stop there. The wood may crack or loosen because of swelling. When the wood cracks or gets loose, it is a severe problem.
Steps In Repairing Water Damaged Swollen Wood Table
Step #1. Dry the table
Before you get into repairing your water-damaged table, you have to make sure it is dry first. Also, since you are bound to make a mess when you fix it, move it to your working area to dry it.
Step #2. Protect yourself
After drying the table, put on protective gear. This includes a dust mask, safety glasses, and rubber gloves.
Then, assess the damage to your table and examine if it has mold or mildew. Also, remember the parts of your table that are swollen.
Step #3. Sand the wood table
After assessing and protecting yourself, sand the wood table down to mend its texture. Pay more attention to the swollen areas when you sand the table. After sanding down the furniture, wipe away the sawdust.
Step #4. Clean the table
After sanding it, proceed to clean the table. Make a bleach and water solution and dip the scrub brush with it.
Thoroughly scrub the wood to clean it down. The bleach and water solution would also help with mold and mildew. After washing the table, get a microfiber towel to dry the wooden furniture.
Step #5. Fix the color and moisturize
After sanding and cleaning the table, coat it in furniture oil to correct the color of your table. If your furniture is dark, then apply several coats to match the wood’s former color.
After applying layers of furniture oil, let the table dry. Then, moisturize your wood to protect it from water damage.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the moisturizer on the wood table. Please wait until the wood has absorbed the moisturizer and let it dry.
Step #6. Polish
Make a DIY polish by mixing ¼-cup of white distilled vinegar and one cup of mineral oil. Get another clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe the DIY polish on the wood.
Polish the wood and follow its grain. Then, remove the extra polish using a buffing cloth.
Ways to protect wood table
Use an oil finish
Two of the most effective oil finishes for wood are linseed oil and tung oil. They can also be used to beautify your tables and protect them from water damage. You can blend linseed oil and tung oil with other ingredients to get rid of stickiness and fasten drying times.
Use sealants
For extra waterproofing protection, use sealants like lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish. You can either spray or brush the sealants on your sanded wood.
When applying sealants, do so in an evenly tempered environment. Also, do not shake the bonds as they may result in air bubbles, which will remain obvious even after they dry on the wood.
Among polyurethane choices, oil-based ones are the most durable. However, cleaning it up after would require additional effort compared to water-based polyurethane. As for varnishes, spar varnish works well on interior furniture, while the marine varnish is the way to go with outside furniture.
Lastly, lacquer protects the wood from water and scratches. However, it emits fumes, so make sure to ventilate the room when you’re applying lacquer.
Use stain sealants
Stain sealants are for adding color and resisting water on your wood. This hastens your progress on waterproofing and restoring your furniture.
There are three types of stain-sealant products you can use. These are water, oil, and alkyd-based stain sealants.
Alkyd-based ones are absorbed in the furniture and are better suited for indoor tables. Lastly, re-applying stain sealants after every one to two years is a must.
Costs of repairing water-damaged wood tables
The cost of repairing damaged wood tables depends on the damage. However, the average cost of refinishing would range from $330 to $908.
Some professionals charge hourly, and the average hourly rate ranges from $40 to $100 per hour. Most standard insurance policies cover water damage on your home if they’re accidental.
However, to be sure about your insurance coverage, contact your insurance company. To help you with your insurance claims, you can ask your lawyer.
Conclusion
Following the steps on how to fix water damaged swollen wood table is not hard. However, you should still protect your wood table instead of letting them be damaged by water. It’s better to follow our recommendations and protect them from water to avoid repair and restoration costs later!