French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
Wood filler differs from wood putty in that the filler usually consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, while putty is usually a plastic such as epoxy, fiberglass or polyurethane. Moreover, unlike filler , putty doesn’t harden. Wood filler isn’t weatherproof and won’t last outdoors.
Sand the filled area either by hand or using an orbital sander . After sanding the area, make sure it is completely smooth and filled to the surface of the wood . If not, apply more putty , let dry, and sand again.
Epoxy wood filler for large holes is easy to use because it is pliant and easy to handle. You mix it like a dough and mold it like clay even after it dries. When it hardens, you can carve it just like any wood . Two-part epoxy is best for repairing door jambs, moldings, window sills, wood trim, and baseboard.
To rub out scratches on the surface of a wood table, make a paste with mineral oil and pumice (in powder form, which you can grab from a hardware store). Take some steel wool (ideally, extra-fine-grade so you don’t damage your furniture ) and rub the paste on the scratched area.
Where a clear finish is chipped but the underlying color is intact, fill the ding with a few drops of clear nail polish. After the polish dries, sand flush with 600-grit sandpaper. To restore the sheen on satin finishes , rub with 0000 steel wool and paste wax; for gloss finishes , use auto polishing compound and a rag.
First fill the gap with a small amount of wood glue, then rub sawdust into the gap. The key here is to make sure the sawdust is from the wood project you are currently working on so the color matches. After the sawdust is rubbed in, use fine grade sandpaper to finish off the repair.
Bid goodbye to blemishes on wooden surfaces indoors and out with our top picks among the best wood fillers on the market. BEST FOR BIG JOBS: FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler . BEST FOR SMALL JOBS: Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler . BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler .
In fact, if you’re filling a softwood (like pine), the filler may become stronger and harder than the wood itself, making it quite difficult to sand. Be conservative when you apply the filler to the joint or crack with the putty knife; you can always apply more if it shrinks slightly as it dries.
Apply in thin coats, not over anything repair deeper than 1/4″ or wider than 1/2″ Use as the final fill coat over Bondo Body Filler as needed.
STEP 1: Sand and clean the wood surface in need of repair. STEP 2: Apply the wood filler using a putty knife. STEP 3: Allow the wood filler to dry completely. STEP 4: Sand the filled area so that its height is flush with the surrounding wood . STEP 5: Complete the project by applying your choice of finish.
Accepts stain or paint just like real wood . Dries hard. Is not suitable for holes larger than about 3/8-inch.
Fill the hole with any liquid glue that can be used on wood (like Elmer’s). Jam in several wood toothpicks until they’re very snug and entirely fill the hole . Allow to dry completely, then snap off toothpick ends so they’re flush with surface. Drive your screw through the repaired hole !