How do you flatten out "bumps" caused by water damage on MDF?

Bel2140365
by Bel2140365

How do you flatten out the "bumps" caused by water on mdf? I have an end table that I bought that has water damage and even sanding it does not remove the "bumps."

  4 answers
  • Personally I dont think you can. I have tried steaming mine then clamping it between two pieces of wood for a few days and it just bounced back to bumpy. I have also tried putting it through a thickness planer which did not work. I have had some success when I have used it on a shelf and i have been able to nail it flat all the way around. You might be better off just getting some new pieces.

  • Chris Gignac Chris Gignac on Oct 08, 2018

    Not possible, when MDF gets wet and expands there is no way to shrink it back again.

  • Bel2140365 Bel2140365 on Oct 08, 2018

    That's what I was afraid of. Thank you! I won't waste any more time on it.


  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 11, 2018

    Its not reversible, but depending on what kind of furniture it is —and where it has swoolen you might consider resurfacing it with a thin layer of wood veneer or maybe tile. Could you post a photo?