When it comes to fixing gouges, rotten window frames, scratched hardwood surfaces, or even chipped furniture, it can be very expensive and time-consuming. But if you are a new homeowner, you probably are wondering how do you fix gouges in wood trim?
The simplest and easiest way of fixing gouges is by using a filler. If you have never used wood filler before, it might just be your next favorite tool. Wood fillers will work wonders when it comes to fixing gouges and it is very simple to apply.
All those surface imperfections will no longer be a problem if you know how to use a wood filler. You can find wood fillers at your local wood store, but the question remains, which is the best type of wood filler to use? Well, it all depends on the damage caused.
There are three types of fillers that you can buy, and they include, water-based wood filler, stainable wood filler, and solvent-based wood filler. All these wood fillers are great at fixing gouges but let’s look at them one by one.
- Water-Based Wood Filler
The good thing about water-based filler is that you can easily paint it and it will fix your gouges. It is formulated for indoor use, unlike other fillers. You can use this wood filler to fix your cabinet, panels, and molding.
- Stainable Wood Filler
Just like the name implies, this wood filler is well disposed to staining. This means that once you fill it over the gouge, you can easily paint over it to be sure that the section fixed area resembles the other areas.
- Solvent-Based Wood Filler
This filler is meant for heavy-duty fixes. It is primarily meant for outside use, and it performs well on trims and sidings. For better results, always read the instructions provided on the sides.
In this article, we are going to look at how you can fix gouges in your living room area. You will need to have some tools and materials before you start fixing any gouge on your wood. You will need a putty knife, wood filler, paint, sandpaper, polyurethane sealer, shop vacuum, and a tack cloth.
Always remember that you can only use wood filler to fix simple superficial repairs such as gouges, scratches, and knicks. For any serious damages, you can just replace the wood that is damaged. Wood fillers will always provide you with excellent results which you can easily achieve.
Step One
Start by cleaning the area where the wood filler is going to be applied. You can either use a piece of cloth to remove the loose pieces of wood found in the gouges. Use sandpaper to clear all the rough edges that are close to the surface you want to repair.
Clear any dust or debris that may be lingering by using the shop vacuum or just wipe using a piece of a moistened cloth.
When using a wet cloth, make sure to leave the filler to completely dry.
Step Two
Start applying the filler using a putty knife over the gouges or any damaged surface. Press the filler completely inside the gouge until it is filled. Once you are sure that you have completely applied the wood filler around the damaged areas, you can smoothen the surface with a putty knife or a piece of cloth.
Step Three
Leave the wood filler used to dry completely and never forget to check the manufacturers’ recommendations on how long it takes the fillings to dry. The drying time will all depend on how deep the gouge is. Some take 15 minutes while others can take hours to dry.
Step Four
Use sandpaper to level the fillings so that they can match the surrounding areas. Make sure that the filled gouge is smooth and if you find unfilled areas, you can apply wood fillers to those areas. Use your handover of the damaged area and make sure that it is all level and smooth.
Step Five
Complete the whole woodwork by applying a finisher of your choice. The point of using a finisher is to ensure that the fixed gouge is virtually unnoticeable. You can also paint over the fixed gouge with the same color.
What Is the Difference Between Wood Filler and Wood Putty?
When it comes to home improvement and woodwork projects, there is always a solution to fix any problem. Even humans make mistakes, and we always find a way of fixing them that is why pencils come with erasers. Doing home projects requires skill and patience.
Wood projects always have a solution and the two items that you can use are either wood putty or wood filler. These two products will help fix mistakes and defects found around your home. Let’s look at some of the differences between wood putty and wood filler.
Wood putty is oil-based whereas wood filler is water-based. Wood filler can easily be sanded, and it is usually used for unfinished wood. Wood putty on the other hand cannot be sanded and it is used for finished wood. Wood putty can be used for any project, but the wood filler is meant for indoor use.
What Are the Advantages of Using Wood Filler?
1. Dries Quickly
If you want to get quality work for your project, you need to consider using a wood filler because of its quick drying time. Wood fillers are the best if you want to get something fixed quickly. Once it has been applied to any damaged area, you only need to wait a few minutes before it dries.
2. Good for Porous Surfaces
Wood fillers work well on any porous surface and if the surface you are working with is not porous, you can sand it then apply the wood filler. It works well for surfaces that are unfinished. If used on a finished surface, you will realize that there will be some bumps and uneven surfaces.
3. Perfect for Filling Big Holes
Wood fillers are great when it comes to filling big holes. No matter the project you are working on, you will be sure that your project will end well when you use a wood filler. Make sure to clean the hole with sandpaper before applying the filler. Allow the area to dry then paint it.