If you’ve ever completed repairs to your home, or on a few projects in the woodworking department, you may have experienced frustrating cracks and dents that seemed impossible to repair. If it’s a rotten deck, old trim on the outdoor, or a shabby furniture piece, these flaws can affect the appearance of your work. The good news? The solution is quite simple wood filler.
The thing is that Wood fillers don’t all work similarly. Picking the right one to apply for your project could make a huge difference. This guide will explain what to do, when and how to utilize woodfiller in the best way, especially for outdoor projects.
What exactly What exactly is Wood Filler?
A wood filler, which is similar to putty, is a great way to fill in cracks and smoothen out imperfections on wood surfaces. It is able to be sanded stained or painted once it’s dry, making it the most popular product to create a smooth finish prior to your final coat of varnish or paint.
Wood fillers come in two kinds of water-based ones, both are less difficult to clean and suitable for indoor use. Solvent-based wood fillers are stronger and are more resistant to weather. The right wood filler depends on the design.
When should wood filler be used?
If you notice a crack or gouge or a dent on a wood surface filler wood will help patch it up. Here are some instances where filler comes to the rescue:
Repairing damaged furniture
Cracks in window and door frames can be repaired
Repairing nail holes in trim molding
Repairing the gaps in outdoor decks and fences
If you’re planning to paint over or stain the area, you can create a more professional appearance by filling in any flaws.
Why outside wood filler is crucial 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. The heat and humidity may cause wood to expand or contract. If they’re not specifically designed for outdoor use, regular fillers can crack or even fall off over time.
These fillers have been developed to stand up to the elements. They can be flexed to move along with the wood. They also prevent the wood from becoming damaged in the course of changing seasons. Exterior fillers are also resistant to UV rays, and mildew.
How to Apply Deck Wood Filler correctly
Deck wood filler will help you fill larger gaps and cracks on your outdoor deck. The caulking comes in tubes, which can be sprayed using the standard caulking tool.
Here’s how to accomplish it efficiently and accurately:
Clean up any debris, dirt and filler that has been used up.
Prepare the Area Sand lightly around the hole or crack to ensure the filler can properly adhere.
Apply the Filler using the caulking gun or putty blade to apply the filler. Do not overfill the area so that it can shrink while it dries.
Dry it completely Make sure to follow the drying time (this will vary depending on the thickness and type used).
Sand smooth after drying, smooth it out with the surrounding area to make it appear seamless.
Prime and paint or stain Then finish your project with paint or stain that matches the rest of the surface.
Small Step, Big Results
The act of grabbing a tube wood filler might not be important initially. However, if you ask someone who missed this step only to regret it later it makes all the difference between a messy DIY task and a polished, professional finish.
When you’re trying to restore an old chair or patching up a backyard deck, utilizing the correct wood filler, specifically an the deck wood filler if needed, ensures your hard work will stand the test of time.
Before you grab the paintbrush, be sure to first smooth it out, then fill it with paint and seal it. Your wood-based projects (and the future you) will thank you.