What to put on wood after water damage?

Author: Karli Schimmel Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Apply a wood sealer or protective finish to the entire surface, not just the repaired area. This helps prevent future water damage and maintains the wood's integrity.

How to restore wood after water damage?

To treat wood damaged by moisture, start by drying the wood thoroughly using fans or a dehumidifier. Remove any rotted or severely damaged sections and treat the remaining wood with a fungicide to prevent mold growth. Sand the surface to remove any stains and apply a wood hardener if needed.

Will swollen wood go back to normal?

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.

How to fix swollen wood from water without sanding?

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.

Can you paint over water damaged wood?

When water soaks into the wood, it can cause wood to expand and swell as well as deteriorate to the point of falling apart. So, painting over the problem only won't fix it, it will just add to it. The paint won't be able to stick to the wet and damaged wood, which means it won't look very good when you paint over it.

Repair water damage on wood floor - Easy beginner do it yourself improvement

Is water damage on wood permanent?

Water damage to wood can be permanent if left untreated.

What is the best primer for water damaged wood?

As you've had a moisture problem, Avery recommends an oil primer as a base coat. “I'd suggest Benjamin Moore's Alkyd Enamel Underbody primer.

Can water damaged wood be saved?

Can wood recover from water damage? Wood can recover from water damage to some extent. Immediate action, like drying the wood thoroughly, addressing moisture sources, and applying appropriate treatments, can mitigate damage.

How do you reverse water stains on wood?

An easy way to remedy this is by using items like mayonnaise, olive oil, or petroleum jelly. Apply a dab of either substance with a soft cloth and rub it into the mark in a circular motion. If the stain is not removed completely, apply more product and leave it on for an hour or two before trying again.

How to fix water damage on top of dresser?

And proven to work.
  1. Let it Be! The first thing to try is to let your furniture dry naturally. ...
  2. Sand it. The next thing you want to do is sand the surface of the water damaged furniture. ...
  3. Oil it. When the surface is smooth and more importantly even, you are ready for the next step. ...
  4. Iron it. ...
  5. Get Help.

How to flatten swollen 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.

How to fix hardwood water damage?

Step-by-Step Restoration Guide
  1. Step 1: Remove excess water. Using a wet vacuum, remove as much water as possible from the surface. ...
  2. Step 2: Dry the area. ...
  3. Step 3: Sanding the Floor. ...
  4. Step 4: Filling Gaps and Cracks. ...
  5. Step 5: Staining the Floor. ...
  6. Step 6: Applying Finish. ...
  7. Step 7: Polishing.

How do you fix a door that swells when it rains?

Solutions to Address the Swelling of Doors
  1. Air Drying. For minor swelling, you can use any of the following to fix the door: ...
  2. Sanding. You can also use some sandpaper or sander to get the door sanded and absorb the moisture from the door. ...
  3. Sealing/Painting/Polishing. ...
  4. Replacing the Door.

What does water damage look like on wood?

Staining. The most apparent impact of water damage is when wood goes through color changes. The edges of the panel might become a darker shade, or several panels in one particular area might become darker. The cause of this is mold infestation.

How to fix water damage on baseboards?

Use Sandpaper for Minor Water Damage

If the water damage is minor, you can use sandpaper or a chisel to remove the affected portion, such as peeling paint or brown stains. Then, paint over the baseboard and apply a waterproof seal on top.

Do you need to replace water damaged wood?

Water-damaged wood can compromise the structural integrity of your property and cause health issues for occupants. Wood replacement contractors can identify the source of the water damage, repair any leaks or moisture issues, and replace the damaged wood with high-quality, water-resistant wood.

How do you reverse water damage on wood?

Treat water-based stains by applying mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, lemon juice, toothpaste, mineral spirits, dish soap, or oxalic acid to the wood and wiping it off. Strip the previous finish using solvent or sandpaper. Then, paint or stain the wood and seal the furniture in varnish to restore your piece.

Does WD-40 remove water stains on wood?

WD-40 has been advertised as a method for removing water stains from wood, but unfortunately, it doesn't work most of the time. WD-40 is a lubricant for things like squeaky doors and rusty hinges, so it's made with petroleum oil.

Does vaseline remove water stains from wood?

Vaseline can be a great quick fix if you are trying to remove a light water stain from wood. It's a good solution for wood table tops because they are a high touch surface!

How long does it take for wood to rot from water damage?

As mentioned above, the answer to this question can vary from one type of wood rot problem to another. Since the timing actually depends on the type of problems that exist, the timing can range from about 7 to 10 days to one month and more.

How to restore damaged wood?

One common home remedy is to mix canola oil (or olive oil) with vinegar. Use 3 parts oil to one part vinegar and apply some of the mixture to a soft cloth and rub the furniture. This will make your wood pieces as good as the day you first bought them. The combination of oil and vinegar can also repair scuffs with ease.

How to fix water damaged plywood?

Step-by-Step Guide to Repair Water Damaged Plywood
  1. Step 1: Remove Damaged Sections. Start by identifying and removing any severely damaged sections of plywood. ...
  2. Step 2: Dry the Area Thoroughly. ...
  3. Step 3: Treat Mold or Mildew. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Wood Hardener. ...
  5. Step 5: Patch the Area. ...
  6. Step 6: Sand and Finish.

Can you put kilz on wet wood?

The wood surface must be completely dry before application. Intermix multiple containers to ensure colour uniformity. Stir product occasionally through- out application.

Is Kilz good for water damage?

KILZ RESTORATION® Primer is a water-based primer, sealer, and stain blocker that blocks tough stains from heavy water stain damage and seals against unwanted odor. Use it on drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, and brick. And topcoat with either water-based or oil-based paint.

How to cover stains on wood?

Apply stain-blocking primer to the wooden surface to help seal it and prevent bleed-through. Use either oil-based or water-based primer, whichever matches the existing stain.

Previous article
What does a bad paint job look like?
Next article
Is it OK to run AC without Freon?