How to Fix Wet Particle Board

Made of compounded wood particle, particle board serves as a lightweight alternative to wood when building a variety of furniture items. Manufacturers use particle board to construct cabinetry, shelving, tables, desks and bed frames. Unfinished particle board, however, easily absorbs water, which can cause the wood to swell, warp or disintegrate. Repair and seal water damaged particle board promptly before the problem worsens.

Hair dryer or heater
Chisel
Wood rasp
80- to 120-grit sandpaper
Shop vacuum
Epoxy wood filler
Putty knife
Solvent-based primer and paint or solvent-based wood sealer
Paintbrush or roller

Instructions

- 1
  Dry the wet particle board with a hair dryer or by placing a space heater near the damp area.
- 2
  Remove any soft material by scraping or digging it out with a chisel. Remove any frays by knocking them down with a wood rasp.
- 3
  Sand the damaged area with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper, using a sanding block or an electric sander. Sand down any swells so the board is flat again.
- 4
  Vacuum up all residual bits of particle board and sanding dust.
- 5
  Force epoxy wood filler into the areas where material was removed, using a putty knife. Hold the putty knife at a sharp angle and pull the blade back and forth over the patch until it is smooth and even with the surrounding surface. Leave the wood filler to dry for the time indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions then sand down any bumpiness. Vacuum any sanding dust.
- 6
  Prime and paint or apply wood sealer to the particle board. Use only solvent-based primer or wood sealer. Paint or sealer will seal the particle board, blocking its pores and preventing future water absorption and damage.

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