Wood that has been severely scratched, rotted window frames, and chipped furnishings are all typical issues that may take time and money to repair. They may also be dealt with swiftly and inexpensively by homeowners who understand how to employ wood filler. If you haven’t had the chance to work with this yet, believe me, you’re going to love it. Wood filler is simple to use and can be used on a wide range of home furnishings to repair surface flaws.
Although it may seem like wood filler is difficult to use, with practice you can achieve excellent results. Wood filler is essential for fixing surface problems, like scratches and dents. If the wood is severely damaged, then wood filler will not suffice as a repair.
Is wood filler stain-resistant?
There are several different types of wood fillers, and the best one to use depends largely on the task.
- Stainable wood fillers, as the name implies, are receptive to staining so that you may subsequently stain over it to ensure the restored area blends in with the rest of the item.
- Water-based wood fillers can typically be stained. But unlike other goods in the same category, they are designed specifically for indoor use.
- Solvent-based wood fillers are primarily intended for outdoor use and deliver excellent results on external siding and trim.
How to repair wood quickly using wood filler
1. Start by sanding and cleaning the affected area.
To begin, fix up the surface. Pull out any pieces of wood or paint that are coming loose. Then, using fine sandpaper, smooth away any rough edges around the damaged area. After you’re done sanding, use a shop vac or tack cloth to remove any leftover dust and debris. If you use a wet cloth, wait for the area to dry completely before proceeding.
2. To avoid discoloration, use a preconditioner on the affected area.
Wood filler isn’t the same as the wood being filled, and the surface of the wood in touch with it is vulnerable to absorbing any stain or color applied to it. To seal the damaged area and surrounding surface, apply a wood stain preconditioner to protect the exposed surfaces of the wood. Give the conditioner time to dry before continuing.
3. Use a putty knife to spread the wood filler.
Start by pushing the wood filler into the depression at the damaged area’s edge. Add more filler than necessary to account for the shrinkage that occurs as it dries. Once you have applied the filler, use a clean part of the putty knife to smooth it over.
4. Let the wood filler sit until it is completely dry.
Depending on the wood filler you choose, be sure to check how much time is needed for it to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It can take from fifteen minutes to several hours for the wood filler to dry, depending on how deep the filled area is.
5. Sand the filled area to ensure that it is level with the surrounding wood.
When dry, use a light touch to smooth the surface. When you run your hand over both the intact and presently filled locations of the item you’re repairing, there should be no perceptible difference.
6. Apply the finish of your choice to finish the project.
The goal is usually to make the repair unnoticeable. If and when you’re working with a white baseboard, simply paint over the filled-in area to seamlessly fix it.
Stained wood can be more difficult to work with. To get the best match, you should put a dab of wood filler onto a piece of spare wood. Allow the stain to dry.
If you need to repair minor flaws in your woodwork, check out our online store for a wood filler.
