If you’ve ever been involved in home repairs or worked on several wood projects around the house there’s a good chance you’ve run through those gruelling cracks, dents or tiny holes that appear impossible to fix. If it’s a rotten deck, old trim on the outdoor, or a beat-up furniture piece, these imperfections can ruin the final look of the work you’ve put into it. What’s good? It’s simple to fix: wood filler.
The thing is that Not all wood fillers are exactly the same. Choosing the right one to apply for your project can be a big difference. This guide will show you when, where and how to make use of woodfiller in the correct way, especially for outdoor projects.
What is Wood Filler?
The wood filler product is used to smooth flaws and cover holes on wood surfaces. It can be sanded, stained, or painted after it’s dry, making it the ideal product for creating a seamless surface prior to the final coat of varnish or paint.
Depending on the type, wood fillers are either water-based (easier to clean and suitable to use indoors) or solvent-based (stronger and more weatherproof). The best type to choose depends on what you are doing.
When Should You Use Wood Filler?
Wood filler is a fantastic way to fix any cracks, gouges, nail holes, or dents in wooden surfaces. Here are some of the many benefits of wood filler:
Repairing furniture that is damaged
Cracks in the door or window frames can be repaired
Repairing nail holes in trim or molding
Sealing outdoor decks and fencing
If you are planning to paint or stain over the surface, filling in those imperfections first will ensure a the most professional looking and smooth finish.
Why exterior wood filler is important for Outdoor Projects
Are you working on something outdoors like a fence, deck or sidings? Wood fillers for indoor use will not work outdoors. The humidity and temperature can cause the wood to expand or contract. Fillers not designed to be used outdoors may break with time or break off.
These fillers have been designed to stand up to the elements. The fillers are flexible enough to move with the wood. They also prevent the repair from deteriorating when the seasons change. Most exterior fillers also resist the growth of mildew and moisture as as UV rays. This is exactly what you want for your outdoor wood surfaces.
How to apply Deck Wood Filler Correctly
Deck wood filler is used to repair larger cracks or gaps in decks for outdoor use. It often comes in easy-to-use tubes that work with a caulking gun that is standard, making the application process quick and easy.
Here’s a simple step-by-step procedure to follow:
Cleanse the surface: Remove dirt debris, any old filler.
Making the Area Ready: The crack should be lightly sanded or the hole to allow the filler to stay in place.
Apply the Filler Utilize a putty blade or a caulking gun, to press the filler into damaged areas. Fill the area with enough to allow for shrinkage after it dries.
Make sure it is completely dry – Follow the drying time of the product (this could vary depending on the type or thickness).
Sand smooth: When the wood has dried, smooth it out with the surrounding area in order to give it a seamless look.
Paint or stain the primer: Finish your project off by using stains or paints that are in harmony with the rest of the project.
Small Step, Big Results
The process of picking up a tube wood filler might not be crucial initially. Ask anyone who has put off this step, only to regrettably realized later that it had made the difference between an amateur DIY project and a polished professional finish.
Whether you’re restoring an old chair or patching up a backyard deck, using the right wood filler, especially exterior wood filler or deck wood filler where needed, ensures your hard work stands the test of time.
Before you grab that paintbrush, remember: smooth it out, fill it, then finish it. You’ll be grateful for your wood projects, as well as your future self.
