Above is the water damaged area
How can I repair this seat board on my bay window?
by
Trish
+9
I believe this is water damage from a plant that used to sit there. The wood is very thin, I could peal it up with my fingers. I also have some scratches from a bad dog that likes to look out the window.
A Little further back, you can see some of the scratches as well..
Wood will change dimensions (shrink in width) with changes in humidity or letting water sit on it. You could always cover the entire bench with more wood. The gaps can be made larger and new wood can be inserted to fill the gap. Sand and re-stain as needed. A large cushion can also hide the damage. The dog may thank you for giving it a comfortable spot to sit.
You really need to replace or cover. Don't use potted plants on wood without a waterproof pad.
The best thing is to replace it. Covering it could raise the height to much, depending on what you use.
Looks like wood veneer. Sand down the high spots and glue/nail down new wood over it. You can use 1/4 inch plywood to cover it. Maple would be a close match. Carefully remove the front molding without breaking it. Then glue down the new wood. Replace the molding you removed. Seal with three coats of water based polyurethane. Use plant trays under pots. You can get clear plastics one for pennies. Old plates would also work.
try ironing first. Using a steam iron to soften the raised area. Go to dry iron to get rid of moisture. Be sure you have your iron set on silk and use a piece of scrap cotton fabric under the iron. This next step keep the iron moving. Once you have pressed (pushing down firmly) the raised wood, and it feels dry, layer books and cast iron skillets on top for 24 hours. Then if that didn’t work go back to answer no. one.
I forgot the part where you glue it back to the unilateral. Elmer’s glue (not school glue) use a thin thing like a flat toothpick to push the glue in trying to cover a goodly portion of the inside area of the veneer. Wiggle it around to smooth it in there. You don’t have to have massive amounts of glue. It’s better to have a nice even cover so it will dry quicker. The glue itself is not strong. It’s the bond between the fibers that keeps thing together. Now you pile some heavy stuff to hold it down. 24 hours is always a good amount of time to let something set. Except children. They do not do well sitting on glued repairs. They wiggle too much. And need to eat and pee. Go back to cast iron. Have fun. You can stop the repair process anytime before the glue and go to a different suggestion. Once you put the glue in you’re committed.
Came across this post and this is exactly what I'm facing- wondering if you ended up replacing or repairing? mine is serious deep scratches from dogs - and I just want to replace and cover with a pad or something - dogs are gonna do what dogs are gonna do!