Repairing Guides

how to repair damaged exterior wood trim

by Broderick Reichert Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive Trim

  1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. ...
  2. Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Scrape away badly weathered finish. A carbide paint scraper removes the old finish much faster than sandpaper.
  3. Roughen the finish and fill small holes. Rub the wood with an abrasive pad to create a slightly roughened surface for the new finish. ...
  4. Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. ...
  5. Apply the fresh finish. Restore the shine with a fresh coat of polyurethane. Wipe on poly gives you a faster, smoother finish with less mess than brush-on poly.

Part of a video titled HOW TO REPAIR EXTERIOR ROTTED WOOD TRIM - YouTube
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We're gonna be using bondo all-purpose putty it's good for all kinds of services wood drywallMoreWe're gonna be using bondo all-purpose putty it's good for all kinds of services wood drywall concrete masonry surfaces dries. Like a rock.

How to restain damaged wood?

Remove Dark Water Stains With a Bleach Solution

  • Create a solution of 50-percent cool water and 50-percent bleach.
  • Lightly apply the solution to the wood stains with a dense sponge. Do not drench the wood.
  • Allow the bleached wood to fully dry. This may take as long as a day or two, depending on the weather.
  • Assess the results. ...

How to refinish wood trim in home?

Refinishing Wood Trim the Right Way

  1. Removing the Trim. Begin by removing the pieces of wood to be refinished from the wall. ...
  2. Preparing the Wood. The first instinct may be to sand the wood, but that is not always a good idea. ...
  3. Refinishing the Wood Trim. The paint is off, the trim is clean and it is now time to add either a protective coating or paint. ...

How to distress wood trim?

Rough Up the Wood

  • The first step is to mechanically age the wood, using tools and objects to give its texture more wear and tear. ...
  • Start with blunt tools. ...
  • Other techniques include dragging a metal chain across the wood surface or scratching the wood with the threads of a long, metal screw, which will leave grooves.

How to repair Nicks and deep scratches in wood trim?

How to Repair Nicks and Deep Scratches in Wood Trim

  1. Clean the area with a damp rag. Remove all the surface dirt and debris but don't saturate with a lot of water.
  2. Fill the nicks and scratches with wood filler putty. Apply the putty evenly with the putty knife. ...
  3. Sand the repaired area with 220 grit sandpaper once the putty has dried. ...
  4. Stain or paint the area to match the original color.

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How do you replace rotted exterior trim?

0:529:16Repair Trim Rot (Skirt Board and Corner Board) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI then switch over to an oscillating multi-tool with the wood blade in it to make the cut throughMoreI then switch over to an oscillating multi-tool with the wood blade in it to make the cut through that line I start by just carefully edging the line with the blade.

How do you repair water damaged wood trim?

Scrape the surface the damaged wood with a metal putty knife or similar scraper. Remove all loose pieces of damaged wood as well as all loose or peeling paint. Fill small holes in sound wood with a paintable wood filler, applied with a putty knife, instructs Danny Lipford. Let the filler dry as directed.

How do you fix rotted wood without replacing it?

Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won't rot.

How do you fill exterior rotted wood?

0:072:53How to Repair Wood Rot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEpoxy it's really full-bodied. And it comes in two parts a Part A and A Part B and of course thereMoreEpoxy it's really full-bodied. And it comes in two parts a Part A and A Part B and of course there are different colors. And they make them different colors on purpose.

How do you fix weather damaged wood?

How to Patch Damaged or Rotten WoodDig out any rotten wood.Mix up two-part automotive filler.Fill the void with the filler.As the filler starts to cure, shape it to conform to the molding.After the filler hardens, sand it smooth with the surface.

What happens if you paint over rotted wood?

The hardener absorbs into the rotted wood to provide a firm base for the paint. If rotten wood is painted without this preparation, the wood will continue to rot and the paint will peel off.

What is the best wood filler for exterior wood?

10 Best Exterior Wood FillersKwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick (Best for Small Fixes) ... PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste. ... DAP Plastic Wood Filler. ... FamoWood Latex Wood Filler. ... Donald Durhams Rockhard Water Putty. ... Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. ... Crawford's Natural Blend Painters Putty. ... Elmer's Probond Wood Filler.More items...•

Can I use wood filler on rotted wood?

Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

Can you seal rotted wood?

When you come across rotted wood in your old house projects, instead of replacing the damaged wood, you also can repair it with specialty epoxy penetrants (also called consolidants) and fillers to make repairs. Not only is this faster, but the fixed wood is stronger than the original.

Can water-damaged wood be repaired?

To fix watermarks or stains on wood, you should have applied marine-grade polyurethane to the wooden furniture in the first place. But, you can still remove watermarks through some other alternative methods.

Can you sand water-damaged wood?

Although the goal is to remove the raised grain from the damaged area, it's important to sand the entire surface to maintain consistency. The grain is raised very slightly in the water-damaged area, so a little sanding with 400 grit paper is necessary (Photo 3). This step should take about one minute.

How do you fix water rings on wood?

Remove water rings with mayonnaise. Using a paper towel, dab mayonnaise onto the stain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight with the paper towel on top. Wipe away the mayo with a clean cloth and finish by polishing. Voila!

Can you fix swollen particle board?

Remove the Laminate and Sand Sand down the swelled particleboard, using a pad sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Apply contact cement to the flattened particleboard and the back of the laminate and let it set for five to 10 minutes. Press the laminate into place and clamp it down with C-clamps. Leave it clamped overnight.

Relevant Articles About Exterior Wood Trim

Wood trim around outside doors and windows can start to wear, warp and rot over time. This can not only look poor, however, but also trim in disrepair can permit water to obtain underneath and create more damage. While the components will take their toll, you can make fixings to and even change wood trim without the need for costly specialist help.

RELEVANT VIDEOS ABOUT REPAIR ROTTED EXTERIOR WOOD TRIM

Exterior Wood Trim Repair Exterior Wood Trim Repair Near Me Exterior Wood Window Trim Repair How Do You Repair Rotted Exterior Wood Trim? How To Repair Exterior Trim How To Repair Rotted Exterior Wood Trim Repair Rotted Exterior Wood Trim

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Rot happens, even to the best of houses. All it takes is wood, water, and warmth, and before you know it solid lumber turns to mush. Exterior trim is the most vulnerable to attack by rot fungi, and it doesn't have to be very old; the trim shown here was installed only 10 years ago.

Remove the Cap

After slicing through the old caulk around the plinth (to avoid damaging the adjacent trim), Vietri pries off the cap molding and levers the plinth free. Its water-blackened backside shows how extensively moisture penetrated this assembly.

Install Flashing

Vietri protects the framing with overlapping strips of sheet-lead flashing. (Copper or waterproofing membrane also work.) Then he protects all the exposed edges of the old trim with a coat of oil-based primer.

Apply Adhesive to Trim Edges

When the primer dries, Vietri squeezes a bead of polyurethane construction adhesive over the edges of the old wood trim. He immediately beds the new plinth's mitered side pieces into the goop, which is both strong and waterproof.

Install New Cap

A PVC-solvent-based cement bonds the mitered pieces of the new plinth to each other and makes the joints waterproof. Vietri also fastens the pieces together with stainless steel trim-head screws. Dabs of acrylic glazing putty hide the screw heads.

Prep for Paint

A light sanding with 220-grit paper readies the plinth for a coat of acrylic-based primer and two coats of acrylic paint. The paint blends the repair with the rest of the trim, but it isn't needed to protect the PVC from the sun.

How long does wood filler dry?

If your wood filler is water-based, use a wet finger to smooth the wood filler. Allow the filler to dry for 24 hours. For a smaller area of damage (such as dents and cracks in your trim molding), buy wood putty. To patch larger areas, use an epoxy filler.

What can damage trim molding?

Bowl. Water. Sandpaper. Paint. Because trim molding is often made from softer woods, you can easily damage it. You might damage it by moving furniture or vacuuming. Or a pet could chew or scratch trim molding.

Introduction

Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won't rot.

Smooth out the repair

Also, unlike WoodEpox, polyester tends to sag when you're doing vertical repairs. One trick is to build a form and line it with plastic sheeting. Press the form against the filler and attach it with screws. Then pull it off after the filler hardens.

How to repair a damaged wood section?

Prepare damaged wood sections by removing any damaged wood. Use a chisel or coarse sandpaper to slightly bevel the perimeter of the area. Be sure the area is thoroughly dry. Apply unthickened epoxy to the damaged section, allowing a few minutes for it to soak in. Reapply epoxy as it’s absorbed.

What to use to repair wood trim?

If air bubbles are trapped on the surface of the repair, use latex caulk or epoxy putty to touch it up before painting. Using this technique will allow you to do professional-quality repairs to damaged wood trim, making it look as good as new.

How thick should a mold be?

It should end up around 1/16″ to 1/8″ (1.5mm–3 mm) thick. Allow it to cure. Remove your mold by working wood or plastic wedges under the perimeter until it releases, or by pulling up on the mold release tape you’ve left extended beyond the mold.

Can you use microlight trim molds over and over?

Conversely, because Microlight is very low-density filler, it is more prone to exotherm if used in deep cavities. You can use these trim molds over and over to efficiently reproduce missing sections of trim as long as you properly maintain them by replacing the mold release tape between each use.

Why do I need to replace missing sections in wood molding?

Sections of wood may be missing due to rot or wood splitting and pieces falling away.

Can you carve basswood with 410 microlight?

When thickened with 410 Microlight to a putty consistency and allowed to cure, epoxy carves as easily as basswood. Rotted wood molding may have originally been milled on a wood shaper with special cutters.

Can you cast epoxy with chisels?

12—The cast epoxy can be carved with chisels or sanded to match the trim and prepare the surface for paint. —Apply a quality latex or fast-drying oil-based primer and finish as you would any wood surface. —This column base is an example of the kind of woodwork that can be reproduced with a light-duty epoxy mold.

How to fill rotted wood?

One of the best ways to fill rotted wood involves using a wood hardener a thin liquid preparation used for stabilizing dry rot damaged wood as long as the wood is dry. Wet wood doesn’t absorb the penetrating compound.

What is an epoxy compound?

An is a thin epoxy compound that is specifically designed to penetrate rot and become a hard foundation for the epoxy wood putty.

How to mix epoxy wood filler?

Mix the Epoxy Wood Filler. The epoxy needs to be mixed on a board according to the manufacturer’s instructions— usually one part resin to one part hardener. Epoxy works by heat reaction, so you will not need to mix much of it. If you mix too much, the epoxy can build up heat and harden before you can use it.

How long does it take for a turkey baster to dry?

The epoxy compound will remain a workable viscous liquid for about 1 hour. Allow to dry and harden overnight before continuing with the patching.

Can you use epoxy to repair wood?

The can be applied in layers for vertical repairs. For horizontal repairs most epoxy wood fillers can be applied at any thickness and are non-shrinking. Using a putty knife, apply the epoxy filler to the damaged area of the wood. Work quickly, once the epoxy begins to harden you will not be able to spread it.

Can you refinish wood that has water damage?

Damaged wood must be repaired before refinishing it. Not only will your paint job look bad when applied over the damage, but if the wood has water-damage or severe rot, the paint will not adhere properly.

Can you replace a window sill?

If it is a window sill or molding that has been leaking, it is sometimes easier to replace the entire window frame than to repair the sill or molding, especially if the damage is extensive. Evaluate how extensive the damage actually is. And determine if the wood is dry or wet.

How to fix scratches on wood?

Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. Then wipe the woodwork with a clean rag to remove the excess stain. Let the stain dry overnight. Completely refinishing the area may be the only way to make flawless repairs to badly damaged doors, windows and moldings.

How to lighten a stain?

You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain. Wipe the bleached wood with a sponge and clear water. Then neutralize the oxalic acid by applying a solution of 3 tablespoons of borax to 1 gallon of water with a sponge. Finally, rinse the bleached wood with water again and let it dry overnight.

How to get rid of a sand stain on a carpet?

Mix the oxalic acid in a plastic container. Add 1 oz. of oxalic acid powder (about 2 tablespoons) to 1 cup of hot water and stir it until the powder dissolves. Then brush the solution onto the stain with a disposable sponge brush and let it work for 20 minutes. You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain.

How to get rid of excess polyurethane on wood?

Fold a cotton rag to create a pad. Then dip an edge of the pad into a container of wipe-on polyurethane and press it against the side to wring out the excess. Wipe the polyurethane onto the wood in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain as you would if you were using a brush.

How do I renew a stained wood baseboard?

The first step in renewing your woodwork and stained baseboards is cleaning it to remove grease and grime and create a contaminant-free surface for the new finish. Wash the woodwork with a TSP substitute.

How do I clean paint off wood trim?

Scrub with a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Then rinse with a spo nge and clear water and wipe off the wood with a dry rag. If there’s paint slopped onto the edges of your trim or spattered on the surface, now’s the time to clean it off.

Is it better to wipe on polyurethane or brush on polyurethane?

The final step in your trim renewal project is to apply a fresh coat of finish. Wipe-on polyurethane is a good choice because it’s fast and easy to apply. You simply wipe it on with a soft rag and let it dry.

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