How to Repair Wood Rot

A lot of times it is easier and less expensive to repair rotted wood than it is to replace it. Before repairing the wood, it is important to identify the cause of the damage in the first place. Wood rot is caused by water damage. Find and repair any leaks to prevent further damage from happening.

There are several products on the market designed to repair, strengthen and protect wood. A product called CPES is a popular product, especially among boat owners. It is an epoxy product that penetrates deep into the wood and bonds with it. CPES works very well but it is hard to find in stores. Minwax High Performance Wood Hardener is another product that works very well. Minwax penatrates deep into the wood and hardens it. Both CPES and Minwax protect the wood from future damage. There are other brands on the market that work similar to CPES and Minwax. These products harden and strengthen the wood, as well and protect them.

To use wood rot repair products, follow these instructions:

1) Let the wood dry.

2) Remove the outer layers of the damaged wood. (As much as possible.)

3) Apply the wood rot repair product with a paint brush, following the product instructions.

4) Allow product to dry. Follow the drying time on the label of the product used.

5) If the wood has holes in it, fill it with a wood filler. Use a putty knife to apply wood filler. Minwax High Performance Wood Filler is a good product.

6) Sand any rough parts of the wood smooth.

7) Paint or stain the wood. (Repaired wood may stain a different color than natural wood.)

When working with wood rot repair products, make sure to provide plenty of ventilation in the area. These products can have a strong odor and be dangerous if inhaled for too long. A mask can be worn to help protect you from fumes.

You may need to apply multiple coats of the wood rot repair product to get satisfactory results. Make sure to read the product label for drying times between coats.

When working with wood filler, work quickly. Wood filler dries quickly and becomes hard to work with.

Use either a disposable paint brush or clean the paint brush immediately with acetone. Wood rot repair products can quickly destroy a paint brush if it is not properly cleaned right after use.

Repairing your decayed, rotted wood can save you the expense and inconvenience of replacing the wood. This is a job that does not require a lot of skill, just a little patience.