Repairing Guides

how to repair exterior wood trim

by Lester Zemlak 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.

What is the best material for exterior trim?

  • specify vertical grain material (heartwood of durable species best)
  • specify exterior-exposure adhesive in joints
  • factory or field-apply oil-base prime coat on all surfaces.
  • use 2 coats of 100% acrylic latex paint for top coats (do not use stains)
  • maintain protective coating on regular basis
  • carefully detail architectural elements to minimize exposure

How to remove interior wood trim?

Removing interior wood trim — baseboard, chair rail, window and door casing — requires little more than a hammer and pry bar. But to avoid ripping out large sections of drywall facing along with the trim, use a sharp utility knife to score the seam between the molding and the wall.

How to remove a dry rot exterior wood trim piece?

Method 3 of 5: Making a Wood Patch Download Article

  1. Make a smooth and straight cut in the wood using a Japanese hand saw. ...
  2. Trim a piece of cedar to the size of the hole you’re filling. Use a saw to cut the patch to the correct size.
  3. Dampen the exposed wood with a wet rag. ...
  4. Apply polyurethane glue to the wood and place the patch. ...
  5. Drill 2 screws into each side of the patch to hold it in place. ...

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How to repair rotting exterior wood?

Repairing Damaged Wood on Your Home’s Exterior

  • Stabilize the Rot with an Epoxy Wood Hardener. Dry rot and other types of spongy damaged wood needs stabilizing before any repairs can happen. ...
  • 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.
  • Apply the Epoxy Wood Filler. ...
  • Shape the Wood Filler. ...

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How do you fix exterior trim on House?

Use exterior wood filler to fill and patch cracks in the trim itself as long as it is still structurally sound. First, rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper to ensure a good bond. Then apply wood filler with a putty knife. When it's hard and dry, sand it level with a medium- or fine-grit sandpaper.

How do you replace outside wood 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?

0:397:09How To Repair Water Damaged Baseboard and PREVENT ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBaseboards you have to be extremely careful the last thing you want to do is start pulling this offMoreBaseboards you have to be extremely careful the last thing you want to do is start pulling this off break the baseboard. Start tearing the drywall.

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 rotted wood without replacing it?

0:563:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI have to scrape off all the old paint. Because the epoxy needs to stick to the wood. Now before weMoreI have to scrape off all the old paint. Because the epoxy needs to stick to the wood. Now before we apply the epoxy i have to apply a bonding agent to the wood. So the epoxy will adhere to the wood.

How do you repair a rotted wood frame?

How to Repair a Rotted Wood Window FrameFix Your Rotted Window Frame With Epoxy. ... Inspect the Damage. ... Remove the Rotted Parts. ... Drilling Holes into the Frame. ... Apply Epoxy Wood Consolidant. ... Apply the Filler to the Frame. ... Prep and Paint the Frame. ... Always Go with Professionals for Window Replacement.

Can you patch rotted wood?

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.

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.

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.

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...•

How do you fill large holes in rotted wood?

If the hole is small, you can use a putty knife or a ball of epoxy to fill it. For larger holes, you can try mixing sawdust or wood shavings to create a paste. This paste can then be applied to the hole and smoothed out with a putty knife.

How do you stabilize rotting wood?

0:062:16Fixing a Wooden Window Frame using Elmer's Rotted Wood StabilizerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet that sit up for a good 24 hour period. And then I can come to a pre treated area over here ofMoreLet that sit up for a good 24 hour period. And then I can come to a pre treated area over here of damage. Then I'm going to use my two-part epoxy to fill I've got both a resin.

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

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.

Remove the Rotted Wood

Before you start, make sure the area is completely dry and then dig all the soft, loose, and rotted wood away. Coat the sound wood that remains with a liquid stabilizer, this will harden the wood and form a solid foundation for the repair putty.

Reinforce Deep Damage

If the damage is very deep, drive nails into the sound wood, every few inches or so to reinforce the patching putty. Use nails with a broad head like sinkers and drive them so the heads are a bit below the finish surface of the wood profile.

Build a Form

If the damage is very deep, build a form around the area to hold the epoxy shape until it sets. Use small pieces of thin plywood or a similar light, rigid material and tack them along the face of the wood profile on all exposed sides to form a cast.

Mix the Filler

Follow the directions on the container to mix enough epoxy to fill the damaged area. Use a small plastic tube like tupperware and a putty knife to mix the epoxy and apply it right away. If the patch is very deep it may take two or more applications to fill it out completely, let each application harden before applying the next.

Apply the Filler

Once the putty is mixed, work quickly to fill the patch before it can set, usually 5 to 10 minutes. If you have small crevices that are impossible to reach with a putty knife, squeeze the epoxy into them using a plastic bag with a small hole cut in one corner as a funnel.

Fill the Form

Fill the form to overflowing with epoxy to allow for sanding and shaping it to form the new wood surface. In order to restore the surface, the filler must protrude above the original level of the surrounding trim.

Shape the Filler

As soon as the epoxy has set you can begin honing it to the shape you need. Remove the plywood form and use a paint scraper to shave the excess down to a rough surface that's level with the surrounding wood. Work before the putty can harden completely, usually about 20 or 30 minutes.

Why is exterior wood trim so important?

This is important, because never having warranty issues months, years, or decades later. First like to say, exterior wood trim is typically the first thing to show when paint fails. As paint ages, hardens up, thereby cracking, peeling, chipping, or flaking off.

How to test if paint is still adhering?

Easiest way to test these areas, is taking edge of a scraper, tapping paint. If it sounds hollow, probably has air-pockets underneath. This paint must be removed, scraping away.

How to scrape old paint?

How to scrape older paint is getting edge of scraper underneath, lifting it up. Using long arm strokes, keeps from gouging wood. Just as a dental hygienist uses a tool to check flack on teeth, you're doing the same on a much larger scale, checking paint.

Why is my wood deteriorating?

Main reason for deterioration is moisture. Any areas that keep snow, ice, and water near, wood is bound to fail. So your best suggestion is not only replacing, but prime and paint these troubled areas, weatherproofing. These areas usually have very soft wood, falling out, holes, blackened areas from mold &/or mildew.

Can you repaint exterior wood trim?

Learning how to repaint exterior wood trim has never been any easier, following steps listed below. Painting over outside wood trim includes soffit, fascia, corner boards, & trim bordering windows and doors. Ideally, when painting trim, you'll want it to look brand new, not a repainted job. What makes a job look like a repaint is not smoothing out ...

Can I paint trim with trim color?

Painting all 3 visible sides of trim with trim color is much harder to do, and is not ordinarily practiced, as it adds to the cost. I bet if you looked outside right now, your trim is front-faced, instead of 3D. Repainting exterior wood trim is where you'll feel your best artist techniques coming to life.

Is it easier to paint trim?

There you have it. Painting trim has never been easier, although most time consuming. More attention to details comes to painting trim. If you are painting entire exterior yourself, ideally after spraying siding, repainting trim with a brush or roller is your best, most quickest method of application.

What is Vietri framing?

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.

Can you repair rotted trim?

Fortunately, rotted trim is generally easy to repair. (Rot-infested framing or mudsills pose a much bigger problem.) But before you can fix it, you have to find it. With screwdriver or awl in hand, scrutinize areas that are nearly horizontal and don't drain well, such as windowsills, drip caps, and water tables.

Why fill in the gaps?

The main purpose of wood trim is to add a polished, finished look to the room, and a large gap will detract from that goal by drawing the eye to that glaring imperfection. “Why put in all of that hard work and not take care of this final small detail?” posits Craig Russell, founder and CEO of an award-winning building company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How long does the caulking process take?

A six-foot section of an interior baseboard takes two minutes or less to caulk, and a six-foot section of exterior soffit takes five minutes or less. “It’s well worth the time invested to prevent headaches that will come months or years down the line if it’s not addressed properly,” Regan says.

Common mistakes when filling in wood trim gaps

While the process of using caulk to fill gaps in wood trim may seem simple and straightforward, there are some common missteps that could impact the end result:

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.

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