How to Restore Rotted Timber
Find out how with Handyman
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| When old timber becomes worn or rots away, reach for the epoxy wood filler. Epoxy is made up of two components that harden when mixed together. With a consistency like dough, it can be moulded by hand but will hold its shape as it hardens. It bonds well to timber and holds up against weather. When dry, the filler can be sanded, primed and painted. And it also takes stain in a similar way to softwoods such as pine. Before staining, create fake grain lines by cutting into it with a utility knife. The timber-like illusion helps to disguise the patched-up work. |
STEP 1
Remove the rot
Probe with a narrow chisel or
screwdriver to find damaged areas
(rotten spots are noticeably softer).
Rot often occurs under paint, so
don’t assume it is sound because the
surface looks good. Gouge or scrape
away large chunks with a chisel.
STEP 2
Soak the timber
Apply timber preservative.
Repeat until the timber won’t absorb
any more (usually three to four
applications). Wipe away excess.
TIP Drill holes into the area to
improve penetration. Filling holes is
easier with a nozzled squeeze bottle.
STEP 3
Apply the epoxy filler
Rebuild missing areas with epoxy
filler. For deep holes, drive screws
partly into the timber to anchor the
epoxy. Smooth filler with a putty
knife before it hardens, dipping the
knife in epoxy solvent or lacquer
thinner first to stop the filler sticking
Rebuilding wood
Protect timber from rain for
a week or so before applying epoxy.
Rough up the timber with coarse
sandpaper or a wire brush – epoxy
sticks best to bare, rough timber.
Paint exterior repairs within three
days as UV rays degrade the epoxy.
Soak severely damaged timber
with liquid epoxy. Use a brush and
squeeze bottle to push it deep into
the area. Apply several times while
the previous coat is still tacky.
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