I know I'grand non the only 1 who's caught herself thinking "they but don't make 'em like they used to"… But the sad fact is, this is just True. Cheap plastic has replaced metal, fibre board has replaced real wood, and when information technology comes to so many things this means that it tin really be cheaper to replace things than it would be to fix them. But the real problem here is what that means for our environment. Even though many things tin exist recycled nowadays, I call back information technology's of import to consider slowing this bicycle commencement by being able to repair the fiddling things and to save money by prolonging the lifespan of our consumer goods.

photos - particle baord 1

I simply recently ordered this bed frame/headboard online, and what I got when it arrived was a VERY cheaply made product. (I know, I should take just made 1 myself…) It didn't take long before my two immature and rambunctious boys did a number on i of the corners. This cheap material information technology'south fabricated of is called "Certified Environmentally Preferred Laminated Particle Panels", (whatever the heck "certified" environmentally preferred means… Sounds like a sparse 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 non congenital to last, it can be repaired fairly hands with just a trivial attempt and some gum.

Some Facts About Particleboard:

  • It is manufactured by mixing woods particles together with a resin and forming the mix into a sail. Although the "particles" used in the process are largely composed of recycled material, the resin contains formaldehyde and other nasty stuff. *Wear A PROPER DUST MASK IF YOU ARE Building WITH It!!*
  • There are different variations, ranging from chipboard or particleboard to medium density fibreboard (MDF or medite) and hardboard
  • It is a cheap culling to plywood, and it is not made to last; if it is exposed to moisture it can corking and deform beyond repair
  •  Luckily, if the veneer (The thin layer of wood) is chipped or cleaved off and you save the piece, information technology tin can be made to look as good every bit *nearly* new!

So Here is the Quick and Easy Repair Method:

Footstep 1:

Gather the tools y'all will need. If yous want to keep the job quick and like shooting fish in a barrel yous should avoid having to run around for what you need mid-repair!

I take here the piece to exist glued back on, some woods glue, ii clamps and a cake with painter's tape on one side. I use this for clamping the piece and keeping information technology flat and flush with the residual of the face; the record prevents information technology from becoming a new addition when the mucilage dries.

Also, non shown in the photo, I always keep a clammy rag handy when doing mucilage-ups.

NINJA TIP: You lot can get 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 employ painter's record considering information technology has a lilliputian stretch to information technology and is designed non to damage dissimilar surfaces when removed.

photos - particle baord 3

STEP 2

Put the piece in place to ensure it fits. Loose fibers or other debris can prevent things from fitting dorsum together properly, and a proficient fit is key to a good gum-upward.

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

photos - particle baord 4

Pace 3

Use glue to the part of both the pieces y'all want to glue together. The particleboard is quite absorbent, and then don't be shy hither! Brand sure the entire surface has mucilage on information technology, fit the pieces together and clamp them in identify.

I used a cake and 2 clamps here to ensure the surfaces would be flush, but as I mentioned in step 1 you can as well tape the slice in place.

While the mucilage is all the same moisture, cheque the position and make whatsoever adjustments to become the all-time fit possible, because in one case the glue dries that baby isn't going anywhere!

Make clean up any excess glue with a damp rag and leave it solitary. The glue bottle should have a recommended dry out time, and add together a little time to that if it is cold or humid where yous are.

photos - particle baord 5

STEP four

Remove your clamps (or tape) and check it out! ii pieces became one again ☺ You lot may have some visible "prove" of the repair, depending on the colour of the veneer and how it was broken off in the first identify. Don't be alarmed! This, like near things, can also be easily repaired

photos - particle baord - 6

STEP five

Touch it up.

This is non photoshop my friends!! I just colored the line with a matching felt pen, and wiped anything "outside the lines" off the surface with my handy damp rag. (I'm sure a little spit on your finger would as well work wonders).

photos - particle baord - finished

Ta-da! Good as *almost* new!

You can actually prepare a LOT of things with the right glue and the same steps.

Simplified, it would wait similar this:

ane.  Clean surfaces to exist glued and brand sure they fit back together well

2. Gum both surfaces together with the appropriate mucilage (there are a TON of innovative adhesive products readily available; check out your local hardware store. They are often in the pigment department… Simply read the labels, and if you still aren't certain which to use for your specific repair, only enquire… and if you STILL aren't sure, run across the ninja tip)

3. Join surfaces together and clamp (or wedge, or tape, or weigh down with something heavy… Only make certain to merely glue together the expanse you lot desire repaired, because gluing something yous meant to use as a clench to your piece is counter-productive 😉

4. Wipe off excess gum before information technology is dry

5. Permit the glue cure according to the label directions, unclamp and voila! Fixed!

NINJA TIP: At that place are near e'er phone numbers for a help-line from the manufacturers on the products; they will answer any question you may have and you can GUARANTEE they are experts on the use of that product (as opposed to some random advice from the paint department employee who may accept never fifty-fifty used it before…)

So there you take it, 1 easy way to repair particleboard furniture.

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

Your truly,

Woodshopgirl

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