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Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 5:44 pm
by phonolamplighter
We were faced with the decision to repair or replace the lower portion of a severely water damaged leg for a Modernola. The damage to the wood was pretty bad, but the thought of replacing the original leg seemed like amputation!
modernola foot damage.JPG
We sought the input from a local merchant, Woodcrafters, and opted for the repair with these products:
Hot Stuff Special T, thick instant CA glue,
RotFix, penetrating wood sealer(by System 3),
SculpWood, epoxy putty(by System 3)

After all parts to be saved were cleaned of loose debris, the Special T, CA glue was used to patch the remaining pieces back together
modernola,gluing parts.JPG
Next step was to strengthen what was left of the wood with the RotFix, brushed on, this solution penetrates and hardens and even waterproofs the wood fibers, preventing further damage.
modernola, rot fix applied to foot.JPG
Things were looking pretty encouraging by now. The next part of the process was to mix the SculpWood epoxy and roughly fill the gaps in the leg and foot.
modernola rough fill with sculpwood.JPG
When the SculpWood was cured (4-8 hours, we waited overnight), some sanding and shaping prior to staining.
modernola, after sanding.JPG
An initial base coat of spray paint(color was 'mahogany'), it seems too light, we'll see...
modernola,initial coat of mahogany paint.JPG

Again we used the SculpWood to mold and create the accent replacements for the base of the leg/foot.
Now to replicate the grain and stain the parts to match. All we used was a permanent black fine tip marker for grain lines and a mahogany stain pen. This is how it looks at this stage
modernola,stain,grain with markers.JPG
This is how the leg and foot looks now after staining and gluing on the accents. Can you spot the original? The repair?
modernola foot repair,original vs replaced.JPG
Hope you found this project helpful.
All the best,

Re: Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 7:18 pm
by Gatyam
Well done. I've used the mold making supplies available from Van Dykes to make several damaged or missing pieces with good success. The tricky part is getting the color of the new piece to match the rest of the cabinet. I use the colored lacquers available from Mohawk and other suppliers.

Again, well done!

Re: Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 3:24 am
by AZ*
Very impressive. It turned out well. Thanks for sharing! :idea:

Re: Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 10:30 am
by Bruce
Very nice restoration.

Thank you for sharing both your success and the techniques you used.

Bruce

Re: Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 5:00 pm
by Phono-Phan
Fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Repair or Replace? Salvaging a rotted leg on a Modernola

Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 7:33 pm
by Phonofreak
Beautiful restoration. Fantastic job. The tips and techniques were easy to follow and understand. From our discussions on the phone, this Modernola will be the flagship of your collection.
Bravo Zulu
Harvey Kravitz