Headboard upcycle?

Hi Sharon, If the headboard is particle board and it has swollen from water damage, unfortunately there won't be too much that you can do to reduce the swell. If there are areas you can smooth out though you can do it in a similar way to smoothing veneer. Here are the directions on how to do it using wood filler, I hope this helps and you will be able to smooth it out a bit. https://www.recreateddesigns.com/2016/03/fixing-veneer-easy-way/

Sadly, I don't think you can do anything with the swollen particle board. You could try contact paper to cover it but you can't paint that.

Can you cut out the carved design piece and mount directly onto the wall? Then have the bed on a free standing frame.

I would use an orbitol sander and really take your time with fine grit sand paper over the whole piece. After that I would use an oil based paint and primer (such as Rustoleum) Its a lot thicker than water based paint and will give you a smoother finish.

Sharon

I found this info for you

https://www.hunker.com/12400773/how-to-repair-water-damaged-particleboard

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/repairing-particle-board-wood-filler-33911.html

If you sand it flat - then I bet a fabric cover would look terrific!

Once you see signs of particle board water damage, you will most likely have to replace it. Wet particle board provides a fertile ground for mold and mildew. Also, it can stain and warp easily. When wet, particle board can sag under weight, which is unsafe. It will not take well to sharp objects such as high-heeled shoes or furniture that is being moved around.

Wet particle board swells and expands with the moisture. It loses most of its strength as well. It is best to replace the affected parts before the damage gets worse. Particleboard furniture is also susceptible to damage, which can be avoided to a large extent by keeping moisture away. Careful handling of particle board furniture is also important, especially when it is being moved. If possible, disassemble and carry smaller parts of the furniture to minimize the risk of damage.

Once it has blown out it is hard to repair to a smooth finish. It may help to add a thin layer of foam or batting to smooth out the surface for the fabric.

First sand the damaged puffed area down a bit. Then use wood repair spackle or putty and cover the damaged area to build it back up, then sand it down, and repeat. I used a small electric sander. You can also put a coat of paint to match the wood color over the spackle which keeps it from breaking down too much, wait for it to dry and then sand and repeat ie;, sand, spackle, paint, sand.... until you get it looking like normal wood again. This works.. I have done it on cabinets. Then paint or do whatever you want for finished look.

If you want an easy way out, it might be worth a try to add a pretty moulding around the edges to cover the damage. Then paint the entire piece. Of course, I don't know if the design will allow it, but that would be my solution.

Are you able to take that off is there wood under neath

Hi Sharon,

Dry it out thoroughly and then add Foam or thick Wadding and then cover it with fabric. Once a fibre board item has expanded, it will never be the same again, sorry!

Thanks John, but what is Wadding?

I would either sand the raised part, or consider upholstering the headboard.

Thanks to all for the helpful hits about how to refurbish my headboard.

You could sand it