Wet door frame - how to dry out?

[Seb101]

I replaced my front door about 2 months ago and had to sand the frame back in one small area around where the new lock went. As it was a small area and on the edge rather than the weather-facing side, I put off immediately painting it, and it went on to the ever growing list of jobs to do.

Anyway, no excuses, it was stupid and I never got round to doing it. Sure enough, I went to lock the door today and it wouldn't close because the frame has expanded in that area. I've had to shim the lock plate to be able to lock the door. The weather is atrocious at the moment, so I don't know how I'm going to fix this...

Can you guys give me some help on...

1. How to stop the problem getting worse? Should I put weatherseal over the already wet wood to stop it getting worse? My worry is this will work both ways and not let the existing wood dry out.

2. How long does it take for the wood to properly dry out? (i.e. how many consecutive dry days do I need!)

3. Once it's dry I will sand and repaint, but is there any treatment I should put on it before the weatherseal paint?

thanks

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

To reduce the drying time, a hair-dryer usually does the trick, then you can start to treat it for painting.