Wet Particle Board. Tips From Professionals
Pressboard and particle board are made up of thin pieces of wood that are pressed together to create large sections. They are often used for furniture. While they are durable and affordable, these pieces are also prone to water damage. If your particleboard gets wet, be sure to try some of our tips.
Wet particleboard:
When particleboard gets wet, it will quickly swell. But if the damage is not extensive, you can still save it. The first step is to assess the damage. If it is not comprehensive, let it dry. You can use several methods for this. When thoroughly dried, sand any swollen areas. Fill holes with wood filler, and sand it to smoothen the area.
In this blog post, I will further explain in more detail how to deal with wet particleboard. Also, what to do with a damaged particle board table, and in-depth how to get the water out of particleboard.
Contents
Wet Particle Board
I have seen a lot of water damage particle board and pressboard, and many people make the mistake of throwing it out when they could save it. Here are some of my tips for saving wet particleboards:
- Do not wait: Work quickly to dry off the particle board so you can remove the water before it has a chance to soak deep inside the particleboard.
- Dry completely: Allow the wood to dry completely before working on it.
- Sand: Try to sand it before removing any damaged areas to reduce the amount of work you have to do.
- Sealant: Use a sealant to protect the wood once you have completed repairs.
- Store inside: Don’t store your particle board or pressboard outside or in any area where it could get wet or be exposed to moisture.
- Check for mold: If your particleboard or pressboard is wet, be sure to check for signs of mold and mildew growth. Remove it completely before trying to make repairs.
Can You Repair Particle Board?
You can repair particle board, but a specific method must be used for it to be fixed properly. Particleboard is not as sturdy or durable as other types of wood, and it will swell and even fall apart if it gets wet. Knowing how to repair the particle board is essential and will determine how successful the repairs are.
In the next paragraph, the method will be explained in detail.
How Do You Fix Swollen Particle Board?
If you find that your particleboard is swollen, there’s a good chance it has been damaged by water. It can be fixed, but it will take some patience and the following steps.
● Step 1: Assess The Damage
Look for signs of water damage and make sure the particle board is not wet. If the particle board is swollen, it may still be wet. You will not want to do anything if the particle board is still wet.
● Step 2: Dry the particleboard
If the damage is not extensive, the next step is to let the particleboard dry. You can leave it in a well-ventilated dry area or use a fan and/or dehumidifier to speed up the process.
● Step 3: Sand It
If the particle board is only slightly swollen, you may be able to sand it down to fix it. If there is a lot of swelling, you might need to cut out the damaged area.
● Step 4: Apply Wood Filler
If you did have to remove some of the swollen portions of the particleboard, you would want to add wood filler to level it out. Apply the wood filler to the particle board and allow it to dry thoroughly.
● Step 5: Sand It Again
You will need to go over the particle board again to smooth it all down and work on the part that was filled in with the wood filler. Once the surface is smooth, you can paint, stain, or leave it how it is.
How Do You Fix A Water-Damaged Particle Board Table?
If you have a table made out of particle board, it is always possible to get wet. Before you throw it away, there are some things you can do to save it. Follow these steps to fix the particleboard table properly.
● Step 1: Dry The Area
Before you can tell how bad the damage is, you will want to dry it. The best way to do so is to let it dry naturally. You can set it outside in the sun as long as it won’t rain or be exposed to extreme weather. You can also speed up the process by using a hairdryer to dry the wet area or adding towels to the wet area and then removing them when they have soaked up all the moisture.
● Step 2: Remove The Damaged Areas
You will need to inspect the table and then cut out any damaged portions. This is any part that seems to be swollen or rotten. You can use a knife to cut out these areas.
● Step 3: Fill In The Missing Areas
Use a good quality wood filler to fill in the holes or any spots you had to remove. You will want to fill up the empty areas until the wood glue reaches the top of the table and creates a smooth and level surface. Allow it to dry for several hours.
● Step 4: Sand It
Once the wood glue is dry, you will want to sand down the entire area. You can do this with a buffer or sandpaper. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as you may remove too much of the wood filler and have to restart the process.
● Step 5: Stain Or Paint
If you plan to paint or stain the table, you will want to do so once you have finished sanding it. This will finish the table. You can also apply a sealant to help protect the table from future water damage.
Will Particle Board Mold If It Gets Wet?
Particleboard is the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. If it gets wet or even damp, mold can start to grow quickly. It can be hard to see mold growth because it can start between the particles. You may even smell the mold or mildew before you see it on the particleboard. Mold and mildew can be removed.
How You Get Water Out Of Particle Board
If you notice that your particleboard is holding water, you can do a few things to get the water out of it. The method you choose should be based on the amount of water that has soaked into it and how long it has been wet. Here are some methods to help you remove the water from the particleboard.
● Get Water Out Of Particle Board: Hair Dryer
If you have a hairdryer, you may be able to force some of the water out by using it to direct heat to the wet area of the board. This will help to absorb some of the wetness and help dry the particleboard much faster.
● Get Water Out Of Particle Board: Towels
If there is water pooled or puddled on the particleboard, you will need to remove it as soon as possible. The faster you remove the water, the less it will soak into the particleboard. You can use towels or rags to soak up the water. You can leave the towels in place for a few minutes and then remove them and switch them out for dry towels if needed.
● Get Water Out Of Particle Board: Fans
You can point a fan at the particle board to help dry it out. The fan will help the air circulate around the particleboard and pull some of the water out of the boards. This can be effective if a large area of the particleboard has been damaged.
● Get Water Out Of Particle Board: Open The Windows
If the particle board is inside, you might want to open up the windows in the room to allow some air to circulate. This will make it easier for the table to dry out and could remove moisture from the room that could soak back into the windows. It can also reduce the chance of mold growth.
● Get Water Out Of Particle Board: Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier can help remove the water and moisture from the particle board more quickly. You can use a residential dehumidifier, but I always recommend renting commercial dehumidifiers. They can remove a lot more water per hour than a residential dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier pulls in the moisture from the air and dries it out to release dry air back into the room. For even more effective removal, use a dehumidifier together with a fan.
How Do You Fix A Water-Damaged Pressboard?
Pressboard and particle board are very much alike, and both of them can easily be damaged if they get wet. It’s best to avoid bringing liquids around it or storing it outside where it can get wet. If your pressboard does show signs of water damage, follow these steps to fix it:
● Step 1: Dry It
Allow the pressboard to dry thoroughly before you start to work on it. You can dry it with a hairdryer or fan or allow it to air dry for several hours or days, depending on how much water has soaked into it.
● Step 2: Buff Or Remove Swollen Areas
If you notice that the pressboard is swollen, you will need to remove it or buff it. You want the pressboard to be smooth and level. If you need to remove it, you can use a knife to cut out the damaged areas. If you are going to sand it, you can use sandpaper.
● Step 3: Fill In The Holes
If you did need to remove any areas of the pressboard, you would need to fill them in to make them level. You can use a wood filler to do this. Allow it to dry thoroughly and buff it again to ensure it’s all flat and even with the rest of the pressboard surface.
● Step 4: Finish
If you plan to use the pressboard for something and need to paint and stain it, do it now. You can also apply a sealant to help protect the pressboard from spills and weather.
