How To Use Wood Filler Correctly
As with many things these days, there is a wrong and a right way to use wood filler for your woodworking projects and below are a few helpful tips to guide you through the process.
16/05/2024
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Wood filler is a valuable tool for any DIY enthusiast, woodworker or carpenter. It allows you to fill holes small cracks and gaps that what otherwise spoil the finish of a completed project. It also allows you to make repairs to pieces being restored or repaired without damaging the original piece. The only problem that can occur with wood filler is if it is not used correctly and we have included some of our top tips to keep in mind when using wood filler as well as a video that provides helpful tips on using wood filler for a professional finish. But before we get into any details, let us first look at what wood filler is and what it can be used for.
WHAT IS WOOD FILLER?
Wood filler is a ready-mixed product that can be purchased at hardware stores or timber merchants and applied to any type of wood to repair hairline cracks or gaps, or fill imperfections or holes so that you can achieve a professional-looking finish for all your wood projects or repairs.
ADVICE ON USING WOOD FILLER
Amy is one of my favourite DIY tips TikTokker. She offers valuable and practical advice and tips on anything DIY in woodworking and you will find invaluable information to use in your own workshop.
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TIPS FOR USING WOOD FILLER
For a flawless finish on your wood projects, restorations or repairs, we offer some helpful tips that will make your life easier.
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Thin too thick wood filler
Over time and when left exposed to air the wood filler will start to thicken and eventually harden. Before it starts to harden, add a small amount of warm water and stir to thin the wood filler for use. Always ensure the product package is closed when not in use to prevent hardening.
Use a palette or putty knife to apply
As mentioned in the video above, use a palette knife or putty knife to apply the wood filler correctly and ensure that it completely fills any holes.
Allow wood filler to dry in shade
To ensure that the product cures and hardens as it should, do not place it in sunlight or a heat source as this will force the product to cure too quickly and could result in shrinkage or cracking.
A dab of glue keeps wood filler 'vas'
One thing I learned during my DIY days was to apply a small dab of glue to the top of screws before filling the hole with wood filler. Even if there was shrinkage, the wood filler remained in the hole and I could apply more filler to the gaps.
Choose the correct colour
When purchasing wood filler for a project remember that the colour of the wood filler should match the finished colour of the project. In other words, if you are going to be staining the wood a particular colour, select a wood filler with a tint that matches that colour. The reason for this is that the wood filler does not take wood stain and any areas filled will be visible.