Many people who are hobbyists and DIYers find themselves needing to fill some gaps or holes in their wood project. If you’re looking for a versatile filler that can be used for both interior and exterior projects, consider using a wood filler.
Wood is porous, so it absorbs moisture easily, which will cause the wood to rot quickly if not sealed with a water-resistant sealer. To use wood filler, you need to mix it first, then apply it to the wood with a putty knife, sand the surface and finally finish the wood. This article explains in detail how to properly use wood filler.
What Is Wood Filler?
Wood filler is used for repairing wood by filling the gaps between wood chunks or holes. It can be applied directly on the surface of your project, without sanding or first receiving pre-treatment.
In addition, the filler can be easily mixed, made out of different materials such as epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane, amongst other materials that are available at your local hardware store.
How To Use Wood Filler: Step-By-Step Guide
Wood filler is easy to use, but it requires some extra preparation steps before applying it to your project. You first have to mix the filler before applying it, and the application cannot be made in a rush. Also, if you don’t follow the instructions correctly, you may end up with a lumpy or uneven surface. Here’s how to use wood filler.
Prepare The Surface
Before applying the wood filler, you need to prepare the surface properly for it. Sanding is required because it will ensure you have a smooth and even surface on which you can apply the primer and wood filler later on. It takes time, but sanding will prevent your project from having unsightly marks once dried.
Mix The Wood Filler
Following the directions from the package, mix the wood filler. It is a two-stage process; if you are using an epoxy filler, you need to combine equal parts of resin and hardener. The mixing will produce heat, so keep mixing until it cools down and forms a smooth surface.
Apply The Filler
Using a putty knife or spatula, apply the filler equally on both sides of the project. Be gentle while applying it because too much pressure will cause lumps or uneven surfaces, making sanding difficult later on.
Sand The Wood Filler
For best results, sand the filler. Again, fine-grit sandpaper works best for this and if you’re using coarse-grit sandpaper, put it in a piece of cloth to prevent your fingers from getting scratched.
Wipe The Surface With A Tack Cloth
You can wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove dust particles and loose filler particles that may have fallen off while applying it.
Finish The Wood
Seal the surface with an appropriate finish to protect it from moisture. You can apply wax or polyurethane depending on the type of finish you’re using for the project.
Water-Based Vs. Petroleum-based Wood Fillers
If you are wondering what wood fillers are and which ones to choose for your next or current project, here is a guide that provides a comprehensive explanation of the differences and offers a few pro tips.
A water-based wood filler is meant to be less toxic to people and the environment than petroleum-based fillers. A water-based filler usually consists of an adhesive agent mixed with sand or crushed granules of glass fiber or walnut shells.
The soil retarding properties are much better with these types of fillers as well – they will not swell up in areas where they come into contact with the earth, helping create a strong bond between the two surfaces being joined together. Water-based fillers will also not stick to things other than the materials they are intended for.
Petroleum-based fillers are more likely to swell up and can be a problem when you’re trying to create a strong bond between two surfaces. In addition, petroleum products tend not to stick well or at all to surfaces that aren’t used for working with petroleum.
The unfiltered burns of petroleum will leave harmful chemicals (such as benzene) behind, which can cause skin irritation and breathing problems. If left in your area over time, this can cause health problems. For these reasons, many people choose water-based fillers over petroleum-based ones and environmental concerns.
FAQ
How Do You Apply Wood Filler?
There are many variations on just how to apply wood filler, but the most common methods involve either using a putty knife or some variation (e.g., a sponge roller). And while there are lots of different variations, one thing that most people would agree on is that you should always try and blend in the filler as much as you can within about 12-24 hours after application- while waiting for the glue to dry properly.