When using a wooden surface, it is not uncommon to poke a misfitting hole through it. Sometimes the reason may be intentional, such as drilling holes in wood for a purpose. However, you may find it necessary to fill the gaps created, so it is essential to know the best way to fill holes in wood.
Try to find many wood fillers that can fill the hole, whether large or small, regardless of how long it has been there. However, when you’re not using a wood filler, you may use some other manual ways to remove the holes and protect the surface from further damage.
Here I’m going to get an idea about the best way to fill holes in wood. You should follow the way and apply the most powerful strategies you need to do it. Let’s read the whole writing attentively.
6 Steps Should Follow To Fill Holes In Wood: The Best Way
There can be a few types of holes that need dealings. Here I’ll show you a step-by-step guide on filling the holes in wood.
Step-1: What You’ll Need
Before starting the procedure, make sure you have collected the following tools.
- Stainable Wood Filler.
- Putty Knife.
- Rags or Cloth.
- Sander with Oscillation.
- If you use any petroleum-based filler, get some acetone.
- Wood Stain
- Tack Cloth
- Suitable Grit Sandpaper.
- Vacuum (Optional).
Step-2: Be Careful of Wood Filler
You need to mix the filler material inside a container. Use a putty knife to do this perfectly. If you let the filler sit inside the container for too long, it can start separating. Make sure the color and texture are smooth after mixing.
One mistake beginner woodworkers often make is loading their putty knife with more than enough filler. Then they slather it on the hole and believe it’s possible to sand it later. But they don’t understand that these products are so prone to getting hard quickly.
Sometimes there is even a case of filling more than necessary products inside softwood, which makes it hard. One incident with a pinewood was horrible, and I learned my lesson with these fillers from then.
So, the point is, when you apply these fillers, try to put a conservative amount. You need to apply only a slight amount until it dries off completely. This is the right way.
Step-3: Filling in the Material
When anyone asks me how to fill large holes in wood furniture, I simply tell them to master the putty knife using skills. You also need to understand what type of filler or putty you use. If you are using petroleum-based ones that are really fast at hardening, then work fast. On the other hand, a filler with water as the base is creamy in texture. So, they are often wet and take a long time to harden.
Using the putty knife, you need to press the filler inside the holes firmly. Make sure not to do it too quickly and mess up. You need to scrape off any extra amount later. While using the putty knife, don’t just gauge patched space. You can also use your fingers to do the pressing job. Simply fill the wood filler inside cracks using your finger. Then wipe away any excess amount from wood furniture.
Make sure to get rid of the filler from your finger right away. Don’t let it sit on your skin for too long. You can use a dry cloth to wipe it thoroughly. Use plenty of water to get rid of any residue at all. Most water or petroleum-based fillers will be okay for removing that way.
Step-4: Smooth It With Sandpaper
Now let the filler or putty completely dry off. It would usually take less than thirty minutes. But for safe drying, you should give it at least an hour to fit in. A good filler will usually be tough to sand.
However, that’s also good news since your filler is working correctly. You should use an oscillating sander for the smoothening down. Try using medium grit sandpaper for the task. Then you can go for another fine 220 grit paper. You should always use the hand sanding motion for later types.
Also, rub with the sandpaper following the wood grain direction. This way, you’ll be able to leave very faint scratches behind that match the wood design. Also, it will make the filler look way more natural.
Step-5: Let All Dust Go Away
It’s time to get rid of any dust from the sanding area. If they are left behind, this will create a lot of issues for staining and finishing steps. This filler liquid can mix with debris and create a lumpy surface. It’s something not adorable at all. Actually, the pretty opposite of what this process is meant to do.
So, for a nicely sanded surface, you must use a tack cloth. Using this sticky cheesecloth, you’ll be able to get rid of all fine dust from the surface of the wood. It will make the finish even better.
If you have to deal with a large amount of dust, then use a shop vacuum. You can also go for towels. But a shop vacuum is an ideal option for the bulk of dust removal. Then you can simply wipe using the tack cloth. This will leave a dust-free, clean area.
Step-6: Finish It Out With A Stain
Once you get the complete surface clean from dust and debris, it’s time for the best wood finish or a suitable stain to enter this process. This protective finish will help in color equalization and give a better look. However, it is not possible to make the filler completely invisible. It’s going to be noticeable but lesser. There’s another reason behind that.
Fillers have this ability to absorb stains quite differently. That’s why the result usually rarely looks like a perfect match. You can surely try some pre-color for the wood filler. This will make the application blend better into the wood finish. You can also mix the wood stain with filler before applying it. This could be a step to a different kind of experiment.
Most of the time, a darker stain works better for this type of mixing. You need to ensure the formula of both stain and filler. If you are using a water-based filler, then go for a similar consistency for stain. The same goes for a petroleum-based filler and stain.
Filling Holes In Wood: 5 Mistakes To Avoid
In these cases, while working for the first time, some issues are more likely to go wrong. If you can get an idea of all the mistakes in advance, it is much easier to avoid them. Some common mistakes I have just presented that you need to know:
1. Blemished Finish:
If the wood finish is stained, then it will be a big mistake due to negligence of the work. Some of the holes in the wood give a very uneven finish. So it’s important to try to fill them.
In the case of the oil sticks, you will have to find a way to remove them. But it is expected that if you do this work for the first time, it will be wrong. But the issue of stains from the hole can also happen in the case of experts.
To avoid this mistake, fill the wood pores with pore-filling before finishing. Use the finish to prevent oily stains, which will remove such stains. Thus you have to avoid the mistake. Otherwise, the pace of work will slow down due to both wastages of time and delays in work.
2. Defected Filling:
You should know the whole thing well and then start the work. Special training will reduce the likelihood of making mistakes. Such as there may be any defect in the filling. Try to be careful about the filling beforehand. Otherwise, the defect will remain, which is difficult to avoid.
When filling the wood, be careful not to have any kind of defect from the beginning. Think about how to close the perforated places like before. Again, if there is a slight gap in the filling, measure it beforehand and fill it correctly.
3. Stained Area:
Stained areas will cause many problems, which will happen when you do not remove the excess after using the glue carelessly. Therefore, don’t forget that after applying the gum, the excess glue on the top should be cleaned immediately.
Ensure the job is done on time, so you don’t have to worry about problems. But it will be tricky when you forget to remove it at the very beginning. Thus everyone should avoid mistakes properly.
4. Indistinct Wood:
As a result of sanding too much, some wood becomes dull or rough. Then you will see that there is something like hair on the wood with folds due to this unevenness. This mistake will slow down the pace of work and will slow down due to both wastages of time and delays in work.
If you want to get rid of this, send it with 150 grit or less fine paper. And when it becomes obscure, send it with 120 grit to remove it. In this way, you can come up with the mistake so easily.
5. Mortise And Tenon Joints Gap
Fitting mortise and tenon joints snugly requires appropriate cutting to fill in the gaps. Even if there is a little space here, you will fail. It is a challenging task.
If you make a mistake, take a small piece of wood and glue it firmly to correct it. This will eliminate a lot of problems. But this time, if the gap does not fit properly and tightly, start the whole work from the beginning.
5 Tips That Will Be Effective To Fill Holes In Wood Correctly:
Here are some tips that will make it easier to get the job done right from the start to the end. Obviously, you want the work to go smoothly. These tips will reduce the complexity of the wood filling work.
Tip-1 Using Dry Material:
Using enough dry wood for wood filling is a special kind of convenient work. Because if you fill in the wet wood, you will be in vain. So, try to help the wood to dry properly. When it is dry enough, it is easy to do the wood filling work beautifully.
In whatever way, don’t rush and don’t try to repair it before drying it. Give time and let the material wood dry. After that, it is needed to start your work with dry wood. This is one of the biggest strategies anyone should need to follow.
Tip-2 Favorable Temperature:
Completing the wood filling work at a normal or favorable temperature is an intellectual task because the wood filling may not be done correctly in a hotter environment than usual. Temperature adaptation is an essential part of any job.
Again, the colder environment than necessary, the wood and the use of wood filling are not perfect for drying gum. So, get the job done where controlled weather can be maintained between the two sides. It should be thought through before starting work.
Tip-3 Flat Working Surface:
Try to keep the working surface flat. Because for filling wood, you have to use glue or something like it. The glue will not stick properly if the wood is not set on an even surface. So, you have to make the working area even and flat.
Tip-4 Prepare The Workspace:
A flat surface is needed to prepare the workplace. Then make sure that the place’s temperature is favorable, as I have said before. Start working in a clean place.
Also, collect the necessary materials such as wood, glue, tape, drop cloth, sandpaper, etc., at the workplace and install them. Use any cleaner to clean the sawdust or any debris. So, it is most urgent to prepare the workspace according to the field of the work.
Tip-5 Considering The Size Of Holes:
It is better to consider the hole size beforehand because you have to collect the material according to the size. And the material collection is done for the sake of preparation before the work starts.
Glue, paste, putty, etc., are enough material for small holes. Because you don’t need to arrange too much to repair small holes. But it will not be suitable as it may leave marks of holes on the wood surface.
On the other hand, a double epoxy kit is needed to repair large size holes. Because its deep hole cannot be covered with a bit of glue or paste. So ensure the material has been collected for the big hole in advance.
Related Questions:
What Is The Best Product To Fill Holes In Wood?
If you have noticed a hole on a wooden table or a wooden floor, try to find the best products possible. Plastics or plastic-like paints work as long-term protection that can fill the holes in a wood block. But it is challenging to cut plastics into shapes, so hard plastic paints are the better option.
Next, you may have seen that sometimes applying a little bit of cement can create a hard layer above the hole. Vinyl spackling items can be suitable for wood holes. Lastly, try to put the latest addition for curing wood holes no matter the size, which is a water-based wood filler product.
What Can You Use To Fill Drill Holes In Wood?
You can use wood putty to repair a small hole on a wooden surface or glue with small pieces of wood which can be overlapped above the existing layer creating a sealant. Plus, wax is a home remedy to cover an exposed or broken seal.
Add a few drops of melted wax and allow it to cool down to create a white layer above the wooden holes. Additionally, the sealant layer also works as a protectant layer, providing safety and preventing further chances of breaking. It’s necessary to use a liquid made for wood holes.
How Do You Fill A 2 Inch Hole In Wood?
First, need to smooth the wood area where you have to detect holes, and may be needed to use sand to make it plain and smooth. So, make sure that you only rub the areas that are uneven and need to be smooth. Also, you must be careful while filing to prevent damaging the nearby areas.
Secondly, you must measure the depth of the hole or if you can see through to the other side because the amount of filler you pour depends on the size of the holes. Additionally, be careful to have the correct filler quantity to fill the gap. You may put more wood filler than required above the wooden hole because removing the extra is easier.
Thirdly, put the Wood Piece after applying the filler. Now, wait until it has become a semi-solid layer, put the wood pieces above the hole, and wait until it has set well. Lastly, check if the filler is mixed with paint to have a better result. Also, you have to polish the surface to provide a perfect finishing look.
How Do You Fill Holes In Wood Without Wood Filler?
If you want to make a paste-like wood filler, consider using wood dust. If you use a good-quality gun, they can stick together. The glue can create a complex and long-lasting protectant layer above the hole with the dust.
Moreover, you may use wood putty to make a powder to form a paste or dough. If water needs to be added in the correct proportion, the slime-like paste must be put on the hole to cover it eventually. Also, candle wax melted can be used to close the wooden gap.
Put some hot melted wax drops to fill the wood hole and wait for the temperature to become normal. Although epoxy products can both fill holes and work as a varnish, prepare them the way you want, and how it is applied depends on the hole’s size.
What Is The Best Wood Filler To Use?
Dap Ink Platinum Patch Filler is famous as the best wood filler. It has some fantastic features which are praiseworthy like repairing P.V.C., metal besides wood, waterproof, and protecting a surface from U.V. rays. Good Filla Water-Based Wood Filler is the cheapest yet best water-based wood filler and is helpful for professional woodworkers.
Furthermore, P.C. Woody Wood Epoxy Paint is a good option for filling wood holes or removing uneven portions. However, this product is specially made for wood and plastics too. The best thing is the quantity is more than other branded wood fillers, and it’s suitable for exterior wooden surfaces.
What Wood Filler Do Professionals Use?
Professional people are often seen to repair interior or exterior wooden things. They also use different types of wood fillers while working. But a few of them are only recommended. P.C. Woody Wood Epoxy Paint is perfect for wood, and the quantity is better than other brands.
Moreover, Elmer’s E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler is paintable, sandable, and easy to water clean up. Also, it comes in two varieties of tubes. FamoWood Latex Wood Filler won’t crack, sandable and paintable. Also, it dries within 15 minutes. Choose any of them if you want to buy the filler for professional purposes.
Bottom Line
If you’re willing to work on wood, you must know how to repair it, including the best way to fill holes in wood. These wood fillers can ease the problems, but filling significant gaps in wood depends mainly on the size and shape of the hole.
Moreover, you may apply other techniques if you run out of fillers. Check before work and thoroughly clean the wood and the holes from debris and dust. Don’t hesitate to share your opinion in the comment section below.
