You may have come across small cracks, dents or holes in your wood that are hard to fix. These imperfections can wreck your hard work, whether you’re dealing with an old deck, worn-out exterior trim or a piece of furniture. The good news? The solution is simple: wood filler.
It’s important to note that not all wood-fillers are equally. The best filler for the project is essential. This guide will help you understand what to do and when to use wood filler (especially for outdoor projects).
What is Wood Filler?
Wood filler is a similar to putty product used to patch holes, fill cracks and smooth out any imperfections on wooden surfaces. Once it has dried it can be painted or stained, which makes it an excellent product for creating a smooth surface before applying your final coat.
The kind of wood filler you are using, it can either be solvent-based or water-based. Water-based is better for indoors, and it is less messy to wash. Solvent-based fillers are more durable and weather-resistant. The right wood filler depends on the design.
When should you use wood Filler?
If you find a hole, crack or gouge or a dent on a wood surface filler for wood can be used to patch it up. Here are some of the many applications for wood filler:
Repairing furniture damaged
Repairing holes in doors or window frames
Repairing nail holes in trim or molding
The sealing of gaps in fences and decks outside
Filling in any imperfections prior to staining or painting can result in a more smooth, professional appearance.
Why the importance of exterior wood filler for outdoor projects
Working on outdoor wood projects like decks, fences, or siding? Here’s where things get important: indoor wood fillers won’t cut it outside. Wood can expand and contract due to temperature changes or humidity, as well as rain and sun. Regular fillers may crack or break in time if they’re not designed for outdoor use.
These fillers have been developed to withstand the weather. They are flexible enough to be able to move with the wood, which prevents the surface from deteriorating with the changing seasons. The majority of exterior fillers are also resistant to mold and moisture as well in the form of UV rays. This is exactly the kind of material you’ll need for outdoor wood surfaces.
The Correct Way to apply Deck Wood Filler
For cracks and gaps that are larger in outdoor decks, deck wood filler is your best all-rounder. The caulking is usually available in tubes and can be applied with the caulking tool of your choice.
Here’s a short guide to getting it right.
Remove any dirt, debris and old filler.
Making the Area Ready: Sand lightly around the crack or the hole to allow the filler to stick.
Apply the Filler using either a caulking gun, or putty blade to apply the filler. The damaged area should be filled slightly over to allow shrinkage.
Allow it to dry completely: Follow the product’s drying time (this can vary based on the type and thickness used).
Sand Smooth After drying, sand the area flush with the surrounding wood to create a seamless look.
Prime, Paint or Stain Finish your project by painting or staining the surface to be a perfect match.
Small Step, Big Results
A tube or a wood filler at first might appear to be no significant thing. However, if you ask someone who been a bit lazy and regretted it later. It’s the difference between an amateur DIY task and one with a polished professional finish.
Whether you’re restoring an old chair or patching up the deck in your backyard, using the right wood filler, particularly the deck wood filler when needed makes sure that your hard work is able to stand the test time.
Before you grab the paintbrush, make sure to smooth it out, fill it and finish it. You’ll be grateful for your woodwork and for the next self.