How to Repair Water Damage to the Bottom of a Wood Door With Water Sealant

Written By
Kate McFarlin
Kate McFarlin
Published: Oct 28, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Remove any dirt from the bottom the door with a chisel. Ground-in dirt will create a problem if you seal it into the wood. Scrape any dirt or debris off the door until the surface is clean.

Step 2

Sand the area with a medium-grit sandpaper. This will give the sealant a better surface on which to grip, and help smooth out any damage caused by the water.

Step 3

Apply one coat of wood sealant to the wood with a paintbrush. Brush on a thin, even coat of sealant. Let it dry according to manufacturer's directions, typically two to four hours.

Step 4

Sand the area lightly and apply a second coat of sealant. This will form a strong, protective layer over the wood.

Advertisement

Step 5

Paint the door with exterior latex paint. If your wood door was previously painted, or if the sanding changed the color of the wood too much, paint over the entire door. Use a high quality paint that will help repel additional water.

Kate McFarlin

Kate McFarlin is a licensed insurance agent with extensive experience in covering topics related to marketing, small business, personal finance and home improvement. She began her career as a Web designer and also specializes in…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.