If you’ve ever attempted home repairs or worked on some wood projects around your home, chances are you’ve run through those gruelling cracks, dents, or tiny holes that appear impossible to fix. These imperfections can ruin your hard work, whether it’s an old deck, worn-out exterior trim or a piece of furniture. But the good news? There’s a simple solution to this problem: wood filler.
The thing is that Wood fillers don’t all work exactly the same. Choosing the right one for your project can have a significant impact. This guide will help you understand what, when and where to use the right woodfiller especially for outdoor projects.
What exactly is Wood Filler precisely?
A wood filler, like putty, and is a great way to hide cracks and smooth imperfections on wood surfaces. It can be sanded painted, or stained once it’s dry, making it the go-to product for creating a seamless surface prior to the final coat of paint or varnish.
According to the kind of wood filler you are using it can be solvent-based or water-based. Solvent-based wood fillers are better indoors and easier to wash. Solvent-based is stronger and weather resistant. The best type to choose depends on the purpose for which you’re using it.
When is the best time to use wood filler?
Wood filler can be a wonderful option to fix any gouges or cracks as well as nail holes or dents that are present on wood surfaces. Here are some instances where filler comes to the rescue:
Repairing furniture that is damaged
Repairing the cracks in doors or windows
Reparing nail holes in moldings or trim
Covering fences and decks for outdoor use
If you’re planning to paint or stain the surface, filling up those imperfections first will provide you with a an even, professional look.
Why outside wood filler is crucial for outdoor projects
Are you working on an outdoor wood project, such as fences, decks, or sidings? It’s important to note that wood fillers for indoor use aren’t suitable for outdoor use. The heat and humidity may cause the wood to expand or contract. If they’re not designed for outdoor usage, standard fillers can crack or fall over time.
These fillers are resistant to the elements. The fillers can be flexed to move along with the wood and keep the wood from becoming damaged as the seasons change. Many of the exterior fillers are resistant to moisture, mildew and UV rays. This is exactly what your outdoor wood surfaces require.
How to Apply Deck Wood Filler Properly
Deck wood filler can be used to fill in cracks or gaps in outdoor decks. It’s often available in user-friendly tubes that can be used using a standard caulking tool and makes the process swift and simple.
Here’s a quick step-by-step to follow:
Eliminate all dirt and debris from the surface.
Prepare the Area: Lightly rub the area around the crack to make sure the filler will stick properly.
Apply the Filler using a caulking gun or a putty blade to apply the filler. Fill the area with enough so that it can shrink when it is dry.
Allow it to dry completely – Follow the drying time of the product (this may vary depending on the thickness, type or kind of product).
Sand Smooth: Once dry, sand the area flush with the surrounding wood for a seamless appearance.
Prime and paint or stain Paint or stain your project with stain or paint to match the rest of the project.
Small Step, Big Results
Making sure you have a tube of wood filler might not be essential at first. If you are a person who skipped the step, only to regret it later the difference could be the different between a rough DIY finish 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.
Make sure that you take the paintbrush, smooth it out and fill it in and then finish it. You’ll be happy with your wood projects and future self.