How To Repair Chips In Particle Board

Quick Fixes: How to Repair Particle Board

I know I'1000 non the only one who'south caught herself thinking "they just don't make 'em similar they used to"… But the sorry fact is, this is simply True. Cheap plastic has replaced metallic, fibre board has replaced existent wood, and when it comes to so many things this means that it tin really be cheaper to replace things than it would be to fix them. Just the real trouble hither is what that ways for our environs. Fifty-fifty though many things can be recycled nowadays, I call back it'south important to consider slowing this cycle beginning past beingness able to repair the little things and to save coin past prolonging the lifespan of our consumer goods.

I just recently ordered this bed frame/headboard online, and what I got when it arrived was a VERY cheaply made product. (I know, I should accept just made i myself…) It didn't take long before my two young and rambunctious boys did a number on one of the corners. This inexpensive material it's made of is called "Certified Environmentally Preferred Laminated Particle Panels", (whatever the heck "certified" environmentally preferred means… Sounds like a thin veil of greenwashing to me) Nonetheless it is still particleboard, which is what a LOT of furniture is made from nowadays. (Ikea anyone?) Although it'southward definitely not congenital to last, it tin can be repaired fairly easily with only a little try and some gum.

Some Facts Nigh Particleboard:

It is manufactured by mixing wood particles together with a resin and forming the mix into a canvass. Although the "particles" used in the process are largely equanimous of recycled material, the resin contains formaldehyde and other nasty stuff. *Vesture A PROPER DUST MASK IF YOU ARE BUILDING WITH Information technology!!*
There are unlike variations, ranging from chipboard or particleboard to medium density fibreboard (MDF or medite) and hardboard
Information technology is a inexpensive alternative to plywood, and it is not made to last; if it is exposed to moisture it can swell and deform beyond repair
Luckily, if the veneer (The thin layer of wood) is chipped or broken off and you save the piece, it tin be made to expect as skillful equally *almost* new!

So Here is the Quick and Easy Repair Method:

Stride one:

Gather the tools y'all will demand. If you desire to keep the job quick and easy yous should avoid having to run around for what yous need mid-repair!

I have here the piece to be glued dorsum on, some wood glue, 2 clamps and a cake with painter'due south record on ane side. I use this for clamping the slice and keeping it flat and flush with the residual of the face; the tape prevents it from becoming a new addition when the glue dries.

Also, not shown in the photo, I always keep a clammy rag handy when doing glue-ups.

NINJA TIP: You lot tin go away without using clamps to secure the pieces if they fit together nicely…

Unproblematic tape is often used by carpenters to hold things together until the glue sets. I like to utilize painter's tape considering it has a little stretch to it and is designed not to damage different surfaces when removed.

STEP ii

Put the piece in identify to ensure it fits. Loose fibers or other debris can prevent things from plumbing equipment back together properly, and a good fit is key to a good glue-upward.

Remove anything in the mode of a tight fit, and make sure the pieces to be glued together are nice and clean.

Footstep three

Apply glue to the role of both the pieces y'all want to gum together. The particleboard is quite absorptive, then don't be shy hither! Brand sure the unabridged surface has glue on information technology, fit the pieces together and clamp them in identify.

I used a block and ii clamps here to ensure the surfaces would be affluent, simply as I mentioned in step i you can also tape the piece in place.

While the glue is still wet, check the position and make any adjustments to become the best fit possible, because once the glue dries that baby isn't going anywhere!

Clean upwards whatever excess mucilage with a damp rag and exit information technology alone. The glue bottle should have a recommended dry time, and add a little time to that if information technology is cold or boiling where you are.

Stride 4

Remove your clamps (or tape) and check it out! 2 pieces became one again ☺ You may have some visible "prove" of the repair, depending on the colour of the veneer and how information technology was broken off in the get-go place. Don't be alarmed! This, similar most things, can also exist easily repaired

Pace 5

Affect it up.

This is not photoshop my friends!! I but colored the line with a matching felt pen, and wiped anything "outside the lines" off the surface with my handy clammy rag. (I'm sure a little spit on your finger would likewise work wonders).

Ta-da! Skillful equally almost new!

You lot can actually fix a LOT of things with the right mucilage and the aforementioned steps.

Simplified, information technology would look like this:

1. Clean surfaces to be glued and make certain they fit back together well

ii. Glue both surfaces together with the appropriate glue (in that location are a TON of innovative adhesive products readily available; check out your local hardware store. They are often in the paint section… Merely read the labels, and if yous still aren't certain which to utilise for your specific repair, only ask… and if you Still aren't sure, see the ninja tip)

3. Join surfaces together and clench (or wedge, or record, or weigh down with something heavy… Simply brand sure to just glue together the area yous want repaired, because gluing something you meant to utilise as a clench to your slice is counter-productive 😉

4. Wipe off excess glue earlier it is dry

5. Let the glue cure co-ordinate to the characterization directions, unclamp and voila! Fixed!

NINJA TIP: There are almost always telephone numbers for a assist-line from the manufacturers on the products; they volition answer whatever question yous may have and you tin GUARANTEE they are experts on the apply of that production (as opposed to some random advice from the paint section employee who may have never even used it earlier…)

And then there y'all have it, i easy way to repair particleboard furniture.

Stay tuned for the coming post which will evidence you how to repair ugly dents in all kids of forest and wood-like (ie: particleboard!!) surfaces.

Your truly,

Woodshopgirl

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Carpenter, Teacher, Business Woman, Artist, Married woman and Female parent of 2... Not neccessarly in that order