You may have come across cracks, dents or small holes in your wood that are hard to fix. These imperfections can ruin your hard-earned work, no matter if you’re dealing with an old deck, worn out outdoor trim or a piece of furniture. The good news? There’s a simple solution: wood filler.
It’s important to know that not all wood-fillers are to be the same. The best filler for the project is essential. This guide will explain the best time, place and method to utilize woodfiller in the best way especially for outdoor projects.
What Exactly Is Wood Filler?
Wood fillers, which is like putty, and can be used to hide cracks and smooth out imperfections on wood surfaces. After it dries the wood filler can be stained or painted, which makes it an excellent product for achieving a seamless surface before you apply your final coat.
Wood fillers come in two forms: water-based, which is simpler to clean and perfect for indoor use. Solvent-based wood fillers are stronger and are more robust to weather. The best choice will depend on your specific project.
When should you use wood filler?
Anytime you spot a crack or gouge or a dent on a wood surface, wood filler can help you make it better. Filler is a great option for many different scenarios.
Repairing furniture damaged
Frags in window or door frames can be fixed
Filling in nail holes with trim or molding
Sealing gaps in fencing and decks for outdoor use.
If you’re planning to paint or stain the area, filling in the imperfections first will result in a an even, professional appearance.
Why Exterior Wood Filler is Important for Outdoor Projects
You’re working on wood projects for outdoor use such as decks, fences or siding. This is where the details become crucial Indoor wood fillers will not make it work outside. The weather, temperature fluctuations sun, or humidity could make wood expand or contract. Fillers that aren’t intended to be used outdoors may break with time or break off.
The fillers are able to withstand the elements. The fillers are flexible enough to be able to change with the wood and prevent the wood from becoming damaged as the seasons change. Exterior fillers may also be resistant to UV rays, and mildew.
The Best Way to apply Deck Wood Filler
For larger gaps and cracks in outdoor decks, a deck wood filler is the best option. It’s typically available in convenient tubes that can be used by conventional caulking guns. This helps make the application quick and simple.
This is a short step-bystep guide on how to follow:
Clean the Surface: Get rid of dirt, debris, and any old filler.
The Area to be Prepared Sand lightly around the crack or hole to let the filler adhere.
Apply the Filler using a putty knife or a caulking gun, to press the filler into the area that has been damaged. Fill in the area until it is sufficient to allow for shrinkage after it drys.
Allow it to dry completely – Check the drying time of the product (this can vary based on the thickness, type or kind of product).
Sand the Area: Once the area has dried and dried, sand it to the same height as the surrounding wood. This gives an appearance of a seamless finish.
Prime and paint or stain Paint or stain your project with stain or paint to coincide with the rest of the project.
Small Step, Big Results
At first glance, taking one of these tubes may seem like no big issue. However, if you ask someone who missed this step only to regret it in the future. It can make all the difference between a messy DIY task and an expertly polished finish.
You may be restoring an old chair or repairing a backyard deck, the proper wood filler, specifically an exterior wood filler or deck wood filler, if required is sure to ensure your hard-earned work will stand the test of time.
Be sure to remember: before you pick up the paintbrush, smooth it then fill it in and then finish it. The future you (and your wood projects) will be thankful for it.