How to Repair a Dog-Chewed Baseboard Casing
Erase all evidence of misplaced canine chomps
- Small putty knife
- Medium-bristled brush
- Damp rag
- Dowel
- Straight edge tool
- Medium-grit sandpaper
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Wood filler or epoxy
- Paint or stain
Your dog may be your best friend, but they can be a real threat to your baseboards. Baseboard trim is a common target for dogs to chew on, leaving you with a damaged, unsightly mess to repair. Fortunately, repairing dog-chewed baseboard casing is a fairly straightforward process, so evidence of Fido’s misbehavior can be fixed up in just a few hours.
Remove Damaged Material
Your first step is to remove damaged baseboard fibers and paint to create a clear surface for the repair. Use a medium-bristled brush to sweep away damaged material and medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Wipe the area down with a damp rag to remove dust and stray wood fibers and let the trim fully dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply Wood Filler or Epoxy
Photo: Spartan / Adobe StockUsing a putty knife, apply wood filler or wood epoxy to the damaged area to restore it to its original level of material. Press the filler or epoxy into the existing trim for good adhesion.
Mold Filler to Match Trim Shape
Before the filler or epoxy has dried, use a straight edge to level the material and a dowel to create and match any curvature in the trim detailing. Work the filler material until it is level with the rest of the trim and matches the trim shape throughout.
Let Filler Dry
It’s important to let the filler or epoxy fully dry before moving on to the next step. Finishing before the filler material is fully dry can interfere with its ability to stay adhered to the trim surface and may prevent it from fully hardening, making it more susceptible to further damage. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for curing and drying times.
Sand Repaired Surface
Once the filler is completely dry, lightly use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and prepare it for finishing. Take care not to oversand the repaired area, which can leave divots or uneven spots. When you’re done, use a damp rag to wipe away any dust and let the surface dry.
Paint or Stain
Photo: JodiJacobson/ istock/ Getty ImagesOnce the repair area is sanded and dry, paint or stain the trim to match the rest of the baseboard. If the existing paint or stain is faded or discolored, you may want to sand and repaint or stain the entire baseboard for a consistent finish.
Mistakes to Avoid
Repairing dog-chewed baseboards is a fairly simple DIY, but there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
Not allowing filler to fully dry. Filler that’s only partially set before sanding and painting won’t hold up as well as fully dried filler.
Using too much or too little filler. Make sure your filled and rebuilt repair area matches the surrounding trim.
Not removing all damaged material. Leaving shredded wood fibers or paint flakes in the damaged area can prevent the filler from adhering properly and affect the quality of your repair.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
In most cases, fixing dog-chewed baseboards is a simple DIY project you can complete in just a few hours. However, if the damage is extensive or larger sections of trim are missing, hire a pro to replace your baseboards for professional results. A local baseboard installer will measure your baseboard trim to ensure you have the correct new baseboard trim size and replace the damaged baseboards so you won’t even be able to tell there was damage in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood epoxy is used to fill larger areas of damaged wood and has stronger adhesion than wood filler. Epoxy dries to a hard, waterproof finish and can be harder to sand than filler. Wood filler stays flexible for longer than epoxy, and is used for smaller areas of damage. Both are available in paintable options, although it’s easier to stain filler than epoxy.
The extent and type of damage will determine whether it’s less expensive to repair or replace damaged baseboards. For large areas of damage, severe water damage to wood trim, or any water damage to medium-density fiberboard (MDF) trim, replacement is often the better option. Minor damage, like scratches or small impact damage, can be repaired at a lower cost than replacement.
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