How To Fill Large Holes & Gaps Using Wood Filler
The process of filling wood is relatively easy & quick if you have the right tools for the job. For this you will need a few things:
- Dust sheet
- Wood filler
- 120 grit sandpaper
- 180 grit sandpaper
- Cloth
- Filling knife
The key when filling a surface is to take your time. The more precise you are, the less mess you will make and the easier the process will be. If you take your time, you will get completely smooth surface where you once had a large gap.
Step 1 - Prep the surface
The first stage of any decorating project is preparation. Ensuring the surface is clean before you start anything, whether filling interior or exterior wood, is crucial to ensure the best possible results. Remove any loose wood or any failing wood treatment such as peeling paint. Once this is done, clean down the surface of any large bits of dirt and grime using a cloth, or if there are large amounts of dirt and loose material on exterior wood for example. Use a light key (120 grit) sandpaper to remove this.
Step 2 - Applying the wood filler
If you have opted for a powdered wood filler, mix this to your satisfied consistency or follow the manufacturers instructions. Once you have some wood filler on your filling knife, work the filler into the gap or hole, working the filler from one side to the other. Sometimes it is easier to use your finger to push the filler into a crack where there is a right angle. While it is often recommended that you overfill the hole using the wood filler to ensure a compact build up, this isn't always necessary. If you have sufficiently filled the hole, simply skim off any excess using the filling knife at this point as it will save you time when it comes to sanding. This can also be done with a wet cloth to remove the filler while it is wet.
Step 3 - Allow the wood filler to dry
All wood fillers have different drying times, which is why you should check the manufacturer instructions to see what they recommend. It is important to remember that the more filler you have applied, the longer the drying time. It is better to be safe than sorry if you are unsure, as wet filler is not going to sand down smoothly.
Step 4 - Sand the filler down
Start sanding down the area using a 120 grit sandpaper to remove the bulk of the filler, then moving to a fine 180 grit paper to achieve a smooth finish. If you want to match the appearance of the filler to the wood, move the sandpaper in the direction of the grain to leave a slightly scratch that replicates the wood.
Step 5 - Apply your wood finish
The chances are that if you are repairing woodwork, you are looking to finish it to complete the look. This can be done using a wood paint, wood stain or a wood varnish, depending on the look you want.
- Wood varnish - a varnish remains on the outside of wood, forming a protective and usually clear barrier on the wood
- Wood stain - Stains penetrate the wood, allowing the natural grain of the wood to be seen through the treatment, often available in a range of colours
- Wood paint - refers to opaque solid clear finishes, which completely cover the grain of the wood
When it comes to wood finishes, no matter what finish you want to achieve, there are a range of excellent products available. Due to the colour difference between the filler and the wood, it is recommended not to use a clear varnish and instead opt to paint or stain the wood and filler.
In terms of a wood paint for interior wood, then this depends on your preference for finish. These products are available in matt, eggshell, satin and gloss finishes, that all vary in their level of 'sheen', also known as their ability to reflect light. The most popular form of finish for interior woodwork is a satin finish, in which case we would recommend Dulux Trade Satinwood. Although is a water-based formulation, it dries like an oil-based satin wood paint. It has exceptional durability and can be mixed in any colour you choose, making it brilliantly versatile for any interior woodwork.
For an exterior wood paint, we would highly recommend Sadolin Superdec. It is an exterior wood paint that can be mixed in almost any colour, meaning that not only will your wood be protected from further damage, but you can transform it in any way you want. The options are endless!
If you want a slightly more subtle coloured wood finish, then Sadolin Classic is a hugely popular choice. It again can be mixed in a huge array of colours and offers excellent protection to interior & exterior wood.
