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How to Fix Swelling From Water Damage on a Coffee Table

Water damage can completely ruin a wooden coffee table. When water sits on the wood for a long period of time, the wood will absorb the water. This will cause the wood to swell. Instead of throwing the table away and purchasing a new one, try fixing the one you have. Using a few products that most people have in their home, you can fix the swelling and the table can look like new again.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective eye wear
  • Mask
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • 1/2 cup bleach
  • 1 gallon water
  • Bucket
  • Furniture oil
  • Clean, dry rag
  • Wood polish
  • Clean, dry cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair of protective glasses and a mask. This will prevent the wood dust from sanding from getting into your eyes or being inhaled into your lungs.

    • 2

      Begin by sanding the damaged and swollen area with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand the area until the damaged part looks smooth and even.

    • 3

      Sand the entire table until the whole table is even. Several sanding disks will be needed to completely sand down the table

    • 4

      If the table is not perfectly even, mix bleach with water into a bucket. Scrub the entire table with the bleach and water, focusing on the damaged area.

    • 5

      Let the table dry. Sand the surface once more to get a smooth, even finish.

    • 6

      Apply furniture oil to the coffee table. Rub the oil into the table with a rag, adding coats of oil until the desired depth of color has been reached.

    • 7

      Allow the oil to dry.

    • 8

      Apply furniture polish to a clean cloth and buff the table. Do this the following day.