Can You Un-Warp Plywood?

[James Farrow]

I have a sheet of Birch plywood. It's 24" x 48" x 1/2".

It's warped to the point where it won't lie flat anymore.

Can I un-warp it?

I was thinking that maybe if I drenched it in water, laid it flat,
and put something heavy on top, and left if for a few weeks or
months..... Yes? No?

Opinions? Suggestions?

Thanks,

James

P.S. It's for a painting so it won't be nailed to the wall, just framed.

[Bob Childress]

I have a sheet of Birch plywood. It's 24" x 48" x 1/2".

It's warped to the point where it won't lie flat anymore.

Can I un-warp it?

I was thinking that maybe if I drenched it in water, laid it flat,
and put something heavy on top, and left if for a few weeks or
months..... Yes? No?

Opinions? Suggestions?

Thanks,

James

P.S. It's for a painting so it won't be nailed to the wall, just framed.

I've had the same problem and will interested in the replies. I usually end up "unwarping" it during glue up with my Bessey K-bodies.

[Jim Becker]

Doubtful you can flatten it prior to clamping into a project...but there, you run the risk of the extra stress bringing something else out of whack if the warp is more than minimal. It's kinda like a spring...

[Per Swenson]

This won't work for everybody or every situation.....but...

I can generally unwarp anything. (except a mind)

Spray bottle of water set to mist.

Spray on inside of curled side. Not a lot.

Place in the sun damp side down.

Stay there and watch it.

1/2 way to warping the other way...bring it inside to cool.

Use as soon as possible.

Per

[James Farrow]

Thanks for the replies.

I definately have to try and un-warp it before. Would probably put to much pressure on the frame and warp that too if I don't.

One thing, I had another piece that was only slightly warped so I left it and did my artwork (pyrography). Then I stained it with Minwax Wood Stain. Now I am doing the painting part. But I noticed that the slight warp is gone. Could it be the oil in the wood stain has moistened the wood grain and released the tension? And since the oil never really dries out completely it seems to be staying (about a month or so now) un-warped.

James