If you’ve ever made repairs to your home, or on a few projects in the woodwork department and you’ve faced frustrating cracks or scratch marks that seemed to be impossible to fix. This can be a worn out deck or an old exterior trim or even a battered piece. But the good news? The solution is simple that is wood filler.
However, the fact is that not all wood fillers are the same, and using the right one for the project can make a huge difference. This guide will help you understand what, when and where to properly use woodfiller specifically for outdoor projects.
What exactly What exactly is Wood Filler?
A wood filler, which is like putty, and can be used to conceal cracks and smoothen out imperfections on wood surfaces. After it dries wood filler is able to be stained or painted, which makes it an excellent product to create a smooth surface prior to applying the final coat.
In accordance with the type of wood filler it can be solvent-based or water-based. Solvent-based wood fillers are better indoors and less difficult to wash. Solvent-based is stronger and weatherproof. The correct wood filler will depend on the project.
When is the best time to apply wood filler?
If you see a dent, gouge or nail hole on a wood surface, you can fill it with wood to repair the damage. Here are a few instances where filler comes to the rescue:
Repairing damaged furniture
Fixing cracks in doors or window frames
Filling in nail holes with trim or molding
Protecting outdoor decks and fencing
The filling in of the imperfections prior to staining or painting results in a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
Why the importance of exterior wood filler for outdoor projects
You’re working on wood projects for outdoor use such as decks, fences or siding. It is important to know that outdoor wood fillers aren’t appropriate for use outdoors. The humidity and temperature can cause wood to expand or shrink. Fillers that aren’t designed to be used outdoors may break as time passes or become brittle.
These fillers have been designed to withstand weather. They are flexible enough to be able to move with the wood, which prevents the area from degrading with the changing seasons. Most exterior fillers also resist the growth of mildew and moisture as as UV radiation. This is precisely the kind of material you’ll need for your outdoor wood surfaces.
How to apply Deck Wood Filler Properly
For larger gaps and cracks in outdoor decks, deck wood filler is your best friend. It’s often found in handy tubes that can be used using standard caulking guns. This helps make the application quick and simple.
Here’s a quick step-by-step to get it right:
Clean all debris and dirt off the surface.
The Area to be Prepared The crack should be lightly sanded or hole to let the filler be able to stick.
Apply the Filler using the caulking gun or putty blade to apply the filler. Fill the damaged area just a little bit to allow for shrinkage.
Dry it completely Follow the drying time (this may vary based on the thickness and type applied).
Sand Smooth: Once dry you can sand the surface flush with the surrounding wood for an even look.
Paint or stain the primer Complete your project by using stains or paints that complement the rest of the project.
Small Step, Big Results
A tube or a wood filler at first might seem like a big deal. If you ask anyone who’s skipped this step and regretted it in the end. It’s the difference between a sloppy DIY job and an elegant, professional look.
If you’re planning to restore chairs or fixing an outdoor deck pick the proper woodfiller. Use exterior woodfiller or deck filler as needed to ensure that the hard work will last.
Before you pick up that paintbrush, just remember to first smooth it out after which you can fill it with paint and finish it. Your future self (and your wood projects) will thank you.