Remove all swollen wood, bulging paint, and water stains with sandpaper or a putty knife. Clean the surface with a brush and apply wood filler. Wait for it to cure. Sand the new surface until it's even and apply furniture oil to finish.
Use an Iron. For water-damaged swollen wood furniture, an iron is the most straightforward method and can be more effective than most would think...
Cover the swollen furniture with a wet rag and set your iron to a low-temperature setting. Hold the iron down on the rag for a few seconds. Be careful not to hold the iron in the same place for too long as this could further damage the wood.
Olive Oil and Vinegar: Using equal parts olive oil and vinegar, wipe the mixture in the same direction as the wood grain using a soft cloth until the ring is gone. Irons: If the water damage is still damp, lay a cloth on top and put the iron on a very low setting with no steam.
Yes, a swollen door will go back to normal. The swelling is caused by humidity and temperature changes, which cause the wood to expand and contract.
Swelling increases until the fiber saturation point has been reached. Water added beyond this point remains as free water in the lumen and does not cause further swelling. This process is reversible and accounts for the dimensional changes that occur when wood comes into contact with moisture (Stamm 1964).
Depending on the size of the item, wood furniture may be difficult to restore. Saturated wood left in water for days should likely be discarded. However, if your items have been water-damaged for less than 24 hours, they can be saved.
Using oil finishes
Oil finishes create a barrier between the wood and water, preventing the wood from swelling or warping. You can apply an oil finish to your furniture with a brush or cloth. Make sure to not have oil residue remaining. Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.
Water often swells wood. If you dry it out too quickly, it will shrink, crack, and warp.
Depending on the level of damage, wooden furniture damaged by water can frequently be repaired. If the wood is swollen, warped, or discolored, it is likely that the damage is superficial and can be sanded down and refinished. Worse damages, such as cracked or split wood, will require more extensive repairs.
Shrinking and swelling occur as the wood changes moisture content in response to daily as well as seasonal changes in the relative humidity of the atmosphere, i.e., when the air is humid, wood adsorbs moisture and swells; when the air is dry, wood loses moisture and shrinks.
To restore water-damaged wood furniture, first dry the piece thoroughly. Light water stains can be removed with a mixture of baking soda and water, while deeper damage may require sanding and refinishing. For severely warped wood, replacement or professional repair may be needed.
The most common technique for fixing curved or cupped warped wood is to use a benchtop thickness planer. This can be used to even out the edges, returning them to their flushed state. If a planer is unavailable, you can also use an orbital sander to sand down the high points until they are level with the low points.
Use Wood Filler
Remove all swollen wood, bulging paint, and water stains with sandpaper or a putty knife. Clean the surface with a brush and apply wood filler. Wait for it to cure. Sand the new surface until it's even and apply furniture oil to finish.
In a humid environment, using a dehumidifier can help pull moisture out of the wood, reducing swelling more effectively.
Swelling Problems Some pressure treated plywood is susceptible to swelling during the treatment process and when exposed to moisture. This can cause warping, delamination, and other structural issues, particularly in environments with high humidity or frequent rainfall.
Water-damaged wood often needs to be replaced, especially if the damage is extensive or if the wood has weakened structurally. Restoration may be possible for minor damage, but it's critical to assess the extent of the damage and consult a professional for the best course of action.
Water stains and discoloration are common after water damage. This occurs when water seeps into the wood, causing it to change color. If left untreated, these stains can become permanent and may require professional refinishing or replacement.
During water damage restoration, mitigation is the first step and involves stopping the flow of water, removing the water and drying the property. The next step, remediation, involves cleaning, drying, deodorizing and sanitizing salvageable materials, as well as removing items that can't be repaired.
Signs of Water Damage on Wood Furniture:
Discoloration: Water stains often manifest as cloudy or white marks on the surface of the wood. Warping and Swelling: Wood absorbs water, causing it to swell and warp. This is noticeable through uneven surfaces or misaligned joints.