If you’ve ever tackled home repairs or worked on several wood projects around your home, chances are you’ve run across those annoying cracks, dents, or tiny holes that are impossible to fix. This can be the result of a damaged deck or an old trim for your outdoor or even a damaged piece. But the good news? There’s an easy solution for wood filler.
There’s a catch: The fact is that not all wood fillers perform the same. Picking the right one to work with for your project could have a significant impact. This guide will explain the best time, place and method to use the right woodfiller specifically for outdoor projects.
What Exactly Is Wood Filler?
A wood filler, which is similar to putty, is a great way to cover up cracks and smooth out imperfections on wood surfaces. Once dried, it can be sanded or painted. It is the best product for creating a smooth finish before applying your final coat.
Based on the type of wood filler it could be solvent-based or water-based. Water-based is better for indoor use and is easier to clean. Solvent-based wood fillers are stronger and weather-resistant. The right wood filler depends on the project.
What is the right time to apply wood filler?
Wood filler is an excellent solution to repair any gouges, cracks or nail holes, or dents in wooden surfaces. Here are a few instances where filler comes to the rescue:
Repairing damaged furniture
Repairing cracks in doors and windows
Patching nail holes in trim molding
Sealing gaps in outdoor decks and fences
If you’re planning to paint or stain it, you can achieve a more professional look by filling in any flaws.
The reason 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. Variations in temperature, rain sun, humidity, and rain can make wood expand or contract. Fillers that are not intended to be used outdoors may break with time or break off.
These fillers have been designed to stand up to the elements. They stay flexible enough to be able to move with the wood, keeping the area from degrading with the changing seasons. Many of the exterior fillers are resistant to mildew, water, and UV rays exactly the outdoor wood surfaces require.
How to apply Deck Wood Filler Correctly
Deck wood filler allows to fill in larger cracks and gaps on your outdoor deck. The caulking comes in tubes, which can be applied with an ordinary caulking tool.
Here’s a short guide on how to do it correctly.
Cleanse the surface: Clear away dirt or debris and old filler.
Prepare the Area: Lightly rub the area around the crack to ensure the filler will stick properly.
Use the Filler. Use a putty or caulking tool to press the filler into the affected area. The area should be filled so that it can shrink when it dries.
Allow it to dry completely Follow the drying time (this can vary based on the kind and thickness used).
Sand the area: Once the area is dry and dried, sand it to the same height as the surrounding wood. This gives the look of a seamless surface.
Prime, Paint or Stain Finish your project by painting or staining the surface to match.
Small Step, Big Results
At first glance, picking up a tube of wood filler might not seem like a big difference. If you ask anyone who’s been a bit lazy and regretted it in the end. It’s the difference between a rough DIY task and an expertly polished finish.
It’s possible to make the work last longer by using exterior wood filler as well as deck wood filler.
Before you grab the paintbrush, remember to smoothen it first then fill it in and finish it. Your wood project (and the future you) will be thankful for it.