If you’ve ever tackled home repairs or worked on some wood projects around your home most likely, you’ve run into those frustrating cracks, dents or tiny holes that seem impossible to repair. These imperfections can ruin your hard work, whether it’s an old deck, worn out outdoor trim or even a piece of furniture. The positive side? It’s simple to repair with wood filler.
It’s important to know that not all wood-fillers are equal. A suitable filler for the job is critical. This guide will show you the best time, place and method to properly use woodfiller especially for outdoor projects.
What is Wood Filler?
The wood filler material is used to smooth out defects and cover holes in wood surfaces. Once it’s dried it’s possible to sand or painted. It’s the best option to get a perfect finish before applying your final coat.
According to the type of wood filler it can be solvent-based or water-based. Solvent-based is more suitable for indoors and less difficult to clean. Solvent-based fillers are more durable and weather-resistant. The type you choose will depend on what you are doing.
When should you use wood filler?
If you spot a dent, gouge or nail hole on the wood surface, you can fill it with wood to repair it. Here are a few examples of how filler comes to the rescue:
Repairing furniture damaged
Repairing the cracks in doors and window frames
Repairing nail holes in trim molding
Filling in the gaps between fences, decks and other structures
Filling in any imperfections prior to staining or painting will result in a more smooth, professional look.
What is the importance of exterior wood filler in 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. Temperature changes, rain sun, or humidity could make wood expand or expand or contract. If they’re not designed to be for outdoor usage, standard fillers may crack or even fall off over time.
The fillers are able to withstand the elements. They are flexible enough to move with the wood, keeping the area from degrading when the seasons change. Exterior fillers are resistant to UV rays, and mildew.
How do you apply deck filler correctly
To fill in cracks and gaps in outdoor decks, a deck wood filler is your ideal friend. It is often available in convenient tubes that are able to be used using conventional caulking guns. This helps make the application quick and simple.
Here’s how to do it quickly and correctly:
Eliminate all dirt and debris from the surface.
Prepare the Area Sand lightly around the hole or crack to ensure the filler is able to adhere properly.
Apply the Filler. Utilize a putty or caulking tool to push the filler into the affected region. The damaged area should be filled slightly to allow shrinkage.
Dry It The time to dry can depend on the kind of product you are using and the thickness it is.
Sand it smooth: Once the wood is dry, smooth it out with the rest of the area to make it appear seamless.
Prime, paint or stain Complete your project with paint or stains that complement the rest.
Small Step, Big Results
Making sure you have a tube of wood filler might not be important at first. Ask anyone who missed this step and regretting it later, and realized that it was the difference between a amateur DIY project and a professional-looking finish.
You may be restoring an old chair, or patching up a backyard deck, using the right wood filler, especially outside wood filler or deck wood filler, if required makes sure that your hard work stands the test of time.
So before you reach for that paintbrush, remember: smooth it out, fill it up, and finally finish it. Your wood projects (and your future self) will be thankful for it.