Thanks, This really helps. Do you mean to paint on a layer of PVA wood glue ? Unfortunately it is the back edges of the 4 sides, the back panel is OK. I think it may have been under a window on a rainy day. Such a pity. Are they still available? Many thanks !!!

not sure how much you can zoom in on these but if not, you will get the idea. Many thanks !

I have added your photos to the original post, and have also moved the discussion to DD!

Hi There,

Not sure if you have resolved the issue yet, the senseal sounds like a good product, though might be expensive and not available in small quantity. Another method is to lightly sand any really crumbly areas, then get some clear polyurethane varnish, oil or water based, thin it down with turps or water by about 10/15 % and simply brush it on, it should soak into the chipboard enough to stabilise it. A 250 ml can should suffice, then simply give the back and edges 2 coats.

Yes, when I contacted the supplier they were not interested in supplying such a small quantity. Apparently it is sold mostly to boat builders/restorers. Soooo disappointed; so I am back to square one. I will certainly try the p/u varnish thinned down and see how that goes though. Now - any ideas how to camouflage the little edge damage on the top side as seen in the pic? I just want something that can blend it into the rest of the top, maybe a thin layer of teak coloured filler or is that too much to hope for? Many thanks for your very helpful suggestion.

I repaired our bathroom doors which seem to made of particleboard, the bottoms had got wet from the showers & were quite swollen. I got a very small 'stanley' knife with the break off blades, new, so it's sharp. I held my finger on the blade & carefully sliced off the swollen parts, work slowly, then painted it with Bondcrete - paint all the flaky parts with the bondcrete (it dries very hard). Let it dry completely, overnight, next day carefully sand with a med to fine sandpaper until smooth, don't rush. I would then either stain the damaged part with matching stain or paint with a varnish stain to match, finish with a clear coat if necessary. Give the whole back a coat of clear varnish - I would use oil based not water based varnish. I would also suggest you paint the interior with clear varnish - especially the back panel - 2 coats. For the small damaged parts on the top apply stain & varnish with a very small paint brush, like an artists brush.

Hi Patricia, well I have almost sealing the flaky parts with bondcrete. It has taken a long time, as I have given it a day or so between coats. It has worked a treat. Not like new but the fibres are now sealed and I can use it without finding crumbly bits on the floor. I will rub over the outside with stain and 0000 steel wool and if you don't look too close, it should look lovely. Senseal would have produced a better job as recommended by John Henson, but it wasn't available to me in such small quantity. However I want to say a very sincere "Thank you" to all Houzzers who made excellent suggestions.