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+--- Thread: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? (/showthread.php?tid=296828)
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How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - special - 07-04-2025
Blisters? I'm not sure that's the right word, but it's a small raised bump on the surface.
This is our kitchen table; bought during the great COVID supply chain shortage. It was overpriced and low quality.
Our kid came home from school and left a wet umbrella on the table. By the time Mom got home two hours later, the damage was done. It looks like the veneer, or maybe the particle board underneath, absorbed water and swelled.
What can I do?
I'm tempted to try a hot iron. I’ve heard you can fix wood dents with steam, but in this case, the damage is from moisture expanding the material. I’m not sure if heat can reverse that, maybe it’ll dry it out and make the bumps less noticeable?
Aside from just living with it, does anyone have any suggestions?
![[Image: T5RpI0v.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/T5RpI0v.jpeg)
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - PeterB - 07-04-2025
Poke holes carefully with a needle, clamp with steel plate is what I would do.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - Michael - 07-04-2025
I'd let it sit for a couple of days and see if the moisture will evaporate out. If not, I'd then use a hair dryer on it. If that doesn't work I'd try an iron.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - special - 07-04-2025
(07-04-2025, 10:14 AM)Michael Wrote: I'd let it sit for a couple of days and see if the moisture will evaporate out. If not, I'd then use a hair dryer on it. If that doesn't work I'd try an iron.
I forgot to mention, it's been like this for a few years now. it happened not long after we bought the table
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - RAMd®d - 07-04-2025
I forgot to mention, it's been like this for a few years now. it happened not long after we bought the table .
Yeah, that makes a difference.
So the veneer is likely warped and separated from the host material, no moisture to consider.
You might try making a small mask to insulate the rest of the table, and use a steamer or steam iron to heat and then compress the bubble.
Or put a small bit of wet paper towel on the veneers and let it soak a bit, then treat it with a 'dry' iron, and put a flat piece of something on it, with a paper towel in between.
The idea would be to get the veneer wet enough to be reshaped, then held flat while it's dried out.
This assumes it is a bubble and not a bulge, which would indicate the host material has deformed as well.
I'd expect there'd still be a visible artifact, but it might be less obvious/annoying.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - special - 07-04-2025
I don't think it is a bubble, it does not seem to give when I push with my thumb. I think it is a bulge.
I think I'll just live with it. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss any obvious quick fix.
I am afraid that all the suggestions would results in additional damage. At least this way the color is the same, if you don't know where to look, you don't really notice it.
Thanks, I think I'll cross this one off and move on to the next item on my Inconsequential ToDo List.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - atilla - 07-05-2025
If it is a darker finish, a bubled veneer can be dealt with by lightly slitting it, injecting a bit of adhesive, then clamping down on it. A touch up maybe be needed after the clamp is removed.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - special - 07-05-2025
(07-05-2025, 02:20 AM)atilla Wrote: If it is a darker finish, a bubled veneer can be dealt with by lightly slitting it, injecting a bit of adhesive, then clamping down on it. A touch up maybe be needed after the clamp is removed.
I don't think there is an air bubble under it. I think the entire wood (particle board?) has expanded.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - RAMd®d - 07-05-2025
I don't think it is a bubble, it does not seem to give when I push with my thumb. I think it is a bulge.
I don't think there is an air bubble under it. I think the entire wood (particle board?) has expanded.
I'm sure you're correct.
The host material is corrupted.
RE: How to fix some furniture "blisters"? - atilla - 07-05-2025
If the host material is corrupted the rise would be more gentle, more gradual, not a bubble
Veneer itself, especially with a layer finish can be quite stiff.
You really won't know what you got until you open it, hence slitting is recommended.