Accidents and damage to wood or furniture are quite common. A lot of situations can damage some wood in our home without us noticing it. Once this happens, all is not lost, as you can make a simple repair yourself!!
To do so, you will need to have a wood filler that can be adapted to the damaged area. In turn, you will be able to recover the specific color over the hole that has been created.
So, you will have the necessary information to know how to use this accessory. In this way, you will be able to carry out various repairs or projects in your own home in an effortless way.
What is Wood Filler
Usually, holes are made in a piece of furniture or a wooden door. To avoid changing the entire object, a wood filler is used. Wood filler is specially designed to fill certain holes that occur accidentally. It is usually applied to smooth surfaces; otherwise, it is difficult to use.
On the other hand, it is possible to use this type of filler in small or large holes. Also, it is very efficient when a smooth surface is to be achieved on an uneven surface.
Besides, it is an excellent option for other accessories such as paint and certain finishes to achieve more excellent absorption. Additionally, another efficient use is in conjunction with nails.
It is common for some pins to stick out of wood. Even those that do not protrude can be seen from a distance. So, wood filler is used to hide the nails or nail heads, of a given project.
It is a great money-saving accessory for many users. As we have mentioned, you can avoid changing a piece of furniture or a broken door. So, you can repair yourself at any time.
Furthermore, the procedure is very simple and can be done by anyone. Therefore, it will not be necessary to hire a professional to solve the problem.
Also, you must use an opaque finish if you need to fill in a considerable area. In particular, a specific filler component is used in combination with a binding agent.
In this way, today’s well-known wood filler is manufactured. The result is a specific paste or filler that is used by DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In the same way, it is possible to have a wide range of colors when purchasing a wood filler. In this way, you will be able to find the most suitable one according to the project you are carrying out.
So, this includes a building or a part of your home that has been damaged. On the other hand, a lot of hobbyists choose to make their wood filler.
In such a case, you simply combine wood glue, along with sawdust leftover from other projects. In this way, a simple formula is achieved that offers a natural color.
You will be able to find a large number of options that are available on the market today. So, it is advisable to analyze the best aspects of this accessory to avoid buying the wrong one.
What is a Stainable Wood Filler
In particular, when we refer to stained wood filler, we are mentioning another version of this same product. So, it is also often used for specific effects such as knot holes, nail holes, small slots, or cracks of considerable size.
Besides, it can also be used on both exterior and interior kinds of wood. So, by using this option, you will be able to apply different layers of paint and stains on top of it.
So, it is possible to achieve a higher level of professionalism in the projects you wish to carry out. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in DIY or carpentry, this accessory is useful for all of them.
How to Use a Wood Filler
When you use wood filler, it means you want to fix some small damage, such as scratches or small cracks. It can also be used to cover large areas, although it is less recommended.
At least some additional considerations are required in such a case. Below is the procedure for using wood filler correctly. This is a quick and easy procedure that you can perform yourself at any time.
Pre-Preparation
This point is recommended to create your wood filler or also buy a high-quality one. Therefore, the work or project you do will be conditioned by the quality of this particular element.
As we have mentioned, if you prefer to apply a specific color, you should use a stainable wood filler. This way, the final work will be better adapted to the style and colors of the rest of the wood.
On the other hand, you can also create your wood filler by mixing wood glue with sawdust. However, you will only get a wood filler in the natural color of the sawdust. So, the best option will be to buy a stainable wood filler whenever you want to use it indoors.
Getting a Smooth Surface
The important thing here is to remove both the wood chips and the paint chips from the area you want to fix. The aim at this point is to achieve a smoother and more even surface.
While you don’t get a perfect job, remember that wood filler will achieve a higher level of quality and precision. At the same time, it is important to prevent paint chips from falling.
So, if this happens, you will have to remove these shavings, and then make the desired repair. Therefore, by performing these steps, the repair of the wood will be much easier and faster to do.
Use Sandpaper
At this point, we will be able to gain one more step in our wood repair. To do this, you will need to use some sandpaper for all tasks and rough edges. This also makes the work easier when applying the wood filler.
In particular, it is advisable to carry out the sanding movements downwards. After you have gone through the entire area of interest, you should check that no rough edges are left. Therefore, it is advisable to achieve a texture as smooth as possible.
Finishing the Pre-Preparation
To finish the first part of this work, you will need to remove any debris left in the area. So, this may include both sawdust, and other debris from different materials. You will get a better result while the number of elements remaining is less.
You can use a damp cloth to remove the debris from the area more efficiently. Of course, after using this element, you should let the area dry for as long as necessary. On the other hand, if you prefer, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
In each case, the results obtained may vary according to the efficiency of each accessory.
Filling in the Damage
In this step, you should use the wood filler and apply it to the hole that has been created. So, you can start by applying some wood filler at one end and move on to the other side.
You can also use a spatula to spread the filler better. It is important to consider using enough wood filler if you want to cover a hole. After a few minutes of using this putty, the filler will shrink in size.
Therefore, during the application, the filler should protrude from the wood and its edges. Therefore, after that, you can use a spatula or knife to remove the excess parts.
Using the Spatula
To achieve a smooth and even surface, it is recommended to use a spatula. In turn, a much softer and more pleasant texture is achieved. Therefore, you should also use a knife to optimize the results in this sense.
However, the level of detail should not concern you, as you will then have to use sandpaper. Once you have finished spreading the filler over the entire desired surface, you will need to wait for a certain amount of time.
In this case, you should wait until the wood filler is completely dry. Once enough time has passed, the texture of the filler becomes hard.
For small areas, the time needed could be only half an hour. On the other hand, if you have filled in deep and large areas, you may need up to 8 hours.
Finishing the Repair
One of the first steps in completing this repair process is to use sandpaper. At this point, you can choose either regular sandpaper or an orbital sander. The main thing here is to level the rest of the wood with the surface you have created with the filler.
Once you have achieved this, you must remove the remaining dust to apply a coat of paint. You can use your hand to verify that the entire area is properly leveled and symmetrical.
It could be that if the filler has settled too much, then there is some depression in the area. So, if this happens, you will simply have to add a little more wood filler.
Applying a Coat of Paint
In this case, you can apply the desired paint to the area. However, before that, it is advisable to apply a coat of primer for better results. In this way, the color of the entire area will be practically the same, and absorption will be better.
Finally, apply the desired paint or stain to the entire area. The color of the paint should match the color of the furniture or wood in general. In turn, for the best results, you should apply about three or four coats of paint.
This way, you will have finished repairing a piece of wood or furniture in your home. Therefore, you will be avoiding spending too much money to hire a professional to perform this procedure. In turn, accidents and damage to the wood will no longer be a major problem.
Types of Wood Filler
Latex
In this case, it is the most chosen component everywhere. It is also an easy option to clean, as it is water-based. At the same time, it is mostly used on porous surfaces or to fill cracks.
Polyurethane: When it comes to repairing the furniture, then this type of wood filling is the best suited. It provides not only an excellent seal, but also an adequate level of protection. Different environmental problems, such as humidity, will not affect this area of your furniture.
Epoxy
Some loading materials need this type of wood filling. In this case, it is necessary to use sandpaper to achieve optimized results. In particular, this option is often used for some types of flooring.
Benefits of Wood Filler
Here, the quality is important but also the speed of a job. That is why wood fillings provide one of the shortest drying times.
Wide Variety of Wood Fillings
By having different types of wood fillings, you can better adapt to each particular situation. In this way, a more professional and pleasant finish is achieved.
Ideal for Repairs
When a piece of furniture or a wooden surface is damaged, the best option is to use a wood filler. You can apply the amount that is necessary to fill all kinds of holes. This way, you will avoid changing the whole object for a new one.
Conclusion
At this point, you will have gained a better understanding of this particular accessory. So, from this point on, you will be able to make your repairs to your home. Whether it is furniture or wood in general, you will be able to make it as good as new yourself.
Also, it is important to ensure that the putty you purchase can be used indoors or outdoors. Of course, you should only consider those options that suit your needs.
Besides, you can avoid spending extra money, as you do not need to hire a professional. You can now carry out various projects and repairs yourself!!