How to Repair Wood Grain Rise by Steam

Wood grain increase is a method woodworkers use to fix small dents, dings, gouges, scratches and rough spots. It’s an easy process that entails using a typical iron to swell timber grain by exposing it to heat and water. Individual wood fibers react to heat and steam when molecular cell walls become soaked with water. When cells swell upthey will remain enlarged even after they dry out. After the process is done, sand the wood flush.

Place a drop of water into a dent in almost any piece of wood. Allow the water remain in the dent until it sinks in and add another drop. Continue adding drops until the dent is soaked and will not absorb any more water. It is going to likely not take over four drops.

Dampen the corner of a folded piece of cotton fabric. Set the damp corner directly on the dent. Apply the tip of a hot iron into the fabric over the dent; utilize a moderate amount of pressure. See as vapor rises from the fabric.

Remove the iron once the fabric dries from the steam stops growing. Check the dent.

Place drops of water into the dent until its soaked, and repeat Step 2. Check the dent. If the grain isn’t adequately raised, repeat the water, damp fabric and warm iron software until the grain is raised flush or over the surface of the wood.

Sand the raised grain flush with 100-grit sandpaper attached to a hand block. You might also utilize a rotary or oscillating instrument fitted with a sanding accessory to sand the grain flush. Be certain that you sand parallel with the grain only.

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