Most people have heard of wood rot only after failure, such as in the above cautionary tale of a homeowner using Bondo to fix her sagging bathroom door. Clean the area completely so that no old filler, wax or oil from old butters can affect adhesion. Today, we’re going to do an in-depth review of the best wood hardeners and repair products out there.
Key Wood Rot Repair Products
Minwax Wood Hardener
Minwax Wood HardenerQuick Overview — A popular option among DIYers, Minwax Wood Hardener is a penetrating and reinforcing compound for weak timber. It is a great solution for repairs where significant rot has not occurred.
Applications: Good for small areas, apply to decayed wood after cleaning away loose material. When sanded and dried, they serve as a good foundation for fillers.
PC-Petrifier
Summary: Restore a rotting wooden item by applying this method that strengthens curved wood. One of the best parts about this product is that it works on wood, whether wet or dry, and can be used anywhere.
Use: You can use it PC-Petrifier fills the open surface with wood, then you can fill in gaps to make repairs smooth with matching epoxy or wood filler.
Bondo Wood Filler
Summary Pros Bondo 20082 Body Filler – One of the most widely recognized and strongest; requires a little experience to get the mix right but once you do, one it dries it is almost like cement. This can be sanded and painted after use so it is great for areas that are visible.
Use: Mix this filler when you are about to use it and it dries fast so you get the work done swiftly.
LiquidWood
Summary:A two-part liquid repair epoxy systen for restoring wood to structural integrity while resisting water ingress.
Use: LiquidWood is only part of the solution for a great fix that replicates the original wood, as you can use it with other fillers so your work can last.
KwikWood
Summary: Quick setting epoxy putty that works great for speedy fixes. Epoxie, it hardens with in minutes and can be formed to fit the repair area.
Where to apply: Ideal for those small touch-ups, like patching screw holes or shallow cracks
Choosing The Right Wood RepairApplications For Rotting Wood
EVALUATE THE DAMAGE: Determine whether it is surface rot or structural. With small damage, hardeners and fillers alone can often make an adequate repair although severe rot could necessitate major surgery.
Wood Species: not all wood species respond to rot treatment the same way due to their regulative sap system. Your chosen product should always work with the type of wood you are repairing.
Source of Moisture: Before you apply any treatment, make sure that there is no moisture source for rot to occur next time.
Conclusion
Which Wood Rot Repair Product Is Right for Your Project? For an initial hardening you will probably want to go with Minwax or PC-Petrifier, and for filling in some serious decay Bondo & LiquidWood are both great choices. Ensure good moisture diagnosis before entering into major restorations.
