Due to their affordability and versatility, particle boards can be a common choice for homeowners in making lightweight furniture or kitchen cabinets. However, it can be easily damaged or swollen when in contact with water.
Particle board is made from wood particles that are bonded together with resin. When in contact with water, the particles absorb the moisture, causing them to swell.
Like many other Homeowners, if you are also facing this problem, don’t worry you can repair this with the right tools and techniques. In this comprehensive guide, We will guide you step by step to repair water-damaged particle board cabinets perfectly.
Dry Out Damaged Area
If your particle board is still wet, dry it before going ahead. You can dry particle boards using a low-heat dryer to avoid any damage to the material. Natural air drying will take several hours to dry completely.
By using a dryer you can save time but be careful, not to dry the particle board at high heat because it can cause the particle board to warp.
Sand Damaged Area
Once the swollen area of the particle board is dried completely, sand the damaged area by using medium-fine grit sandpaper to avoid any damage to the MDF.
A 120-grit sandpaper can be a good choice to sand it safely. Sanding will help to fix the area of the particle board if it is damaged slightly.
Remove Damaged Area
If the damaged area can’t be fixed with sanding, you will need to remove the damaged area and replace it with a new one. Use a utility knife to cut away any swollen or damaged areas of the particle board. Remove all damaged material to create a clean surface for repair.
Fix Swollen or Warped Area
As the name shows particle boards are made of wood particles. That’s why, particle board can be swollen or warped easily when attacked by water. If you are not facing this, go to the next step.
To fix warped or swollen cabinets, place the swollen or warped particle board in a flat place and apply heavy weight or pressure on it for several hours.
Apply Wood Filler
Now it’s time to apply wood filler on the damaged area. By using a putty knife, apply wood filler to fill the holes or cracks on the particle board. Wood filler shrinks after some time so apply more amount of wood filler than needed.
Allow some time to dry the wood filler completely. It can take several hours to dry based on the product that you have used. Before going to the next step, ensure that it is completely dried or not.
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Sand It Again
Once the wood filler is dried completely, it’s time to sand it finally. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the filled areas. Sand in a gentle, circular motion to blend the filler. After sanding, use a damp cloth to clean the particle board and remove dust.
Restore Finish
Once the water-damaged particle board is fixed, now it is time to restore the finish of the cabinet. Apply a primer that suits the particle board cabinet to seal it. After drying the premier, paint or stain the cabinet to get perfect results.
Reasons For Water Damage:
Before prevention, it is important to know the reasons for water damage on particle board cabinets. Water damage can be caused by various reasons, including:
Water leaks: If there is a water leakage near the cabinets, it can be the reason for wrapping after being exposed to water.
Accidental spills: Sometimes, we accidentally spill liquid on cabinets, but the problem arises when we don’t dry it completely at the time, and the particle board absorbs moisture and swells up or deforms.
Improper Sealing: If the cabinets are not properly sealed, high humidity levels over time can cause the particle board to swell and warp.
Mold and Mildew Growth: If the particle board is wet for a long time, mold and mildew can grow there which not only damages the structure of cabinets but also can cause health issues.
Poor installation: While installing cabinets, you may damage the hidden water pipes that may seep and damage the particle board cabinets without your notice.
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Preventions:
To prevent water damage to particle board cabinets in the future, consider the following measures:
- Sealing: Apply a waterproof sealant to the particle board to create a barrier against the moisture.
- Avoiding Moisture: Keep particle board cabinets away from water areas such as a shower or kitchen sink.
- Dry spills instantly: If accidentally water or liquid spills on the cabinet, dry it instantly.
- Prompt Cleanup: Clean up spills and moisture promptly to prevent them from soaking into the particle board.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the cabinets for signs of water damage such as water pipe leakage.
Final Thought
Particle boards are not as highly resistant as hardwood. They can be easily damaged when in contact with water. You can prevent your particle board cabinets by following the prevention measures. In this way, you can save your money as well as time.
Moreover, if you have any cabinet-related queries, you can ask us by leaving a comment in the comment box below. We will do our best to reply to your query to help in this regard. GOOD LUCK!
FAQs
Can you fix water damaged particle board?
Yes, you can if you have a little bit of knowledge about using tools. First, dry the damaged area of the particle board and sand by using 100-grit fine sandpaper. By using a putty knife, apply wood filler to fill holes and cracks. Once the wood filler is dried, sand the area again and refinish the surface.
How to fix swollen particle board cabinets?
Dry out the damaged area of the particle board. Sand the swollen area by using 100-grit fine sandpaper. By using a putty knife, apply wood filler to smooth the surface. Once the wood filler is dried, sand the area again and refinish the surface of your particle board cabinet.
How to fix crumbling particle board?
To fix the crumbling particle board, apply a layer of wood glue or epoxy resin to stop crumbling. Let it dry for several hours, depending on the product you have used. If there are holes or cracks on the particle board, fill it with wood putty and refinish the surface.