These might be tiny holes created by finish nails or even tinier pinprick holes resulting from powerbrad nailersor finishnailers.
This simple project requires only a few tools, yet the results will help your project look truly professional.
There are two main types ofwood fillers: water-based fillers and solvent-based fillers.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Water-based wood fillers are adequate for most interior applications.
With interior nail holes, however, you don’t need the filler to be very strong at all.
The advantage of solvent-based fillers is that they dry rock-hard, far stronger than their crumbly water-based counterparts.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Solvent-based wood fillers are best for exterior wood such as door casing, window trim, and siding.
Tip
Solvent-based filler applied thickly is difficult to sand down, so apply it sparingly.
Fillers come in a few different colors to match common wood species.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Plus, caulk cannot be sanded smooth like filler can.
When installing trim yourself, you should strive for the same level of refinement.
And the only way to do that is to fill the nail holes.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Relying on paint alone to hide nail holes is a common mistake.
If youre staining or clear-sealing the wood, filler is an obvious must.
Put a small dab of filler onto your index finger.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Press the filler into the hole, and give it a quick swipe.
Repeat, if necessary, to fill the hole completely.
It’s best to overfill the hole slightly, leaving a slight, smooth ridge over the area.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
When applying water-based filler with your finger, keep a damp cloth nearby.
Use it to occasionally wipe drying filler off of your finger to ensure consistent program.
Avoid the temptation to press excess, partially dried, filler into the holes.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Partially dried filler may not adhere to the wood’s surface effectively.
kill the lid on the wood filler between applications, as wood filler hardens quickly.
Even a minute or two is enough for the filler to begin to develop a hard film on top.
This hard section cannot be used and must be discarded.
After the filler has dried for about 15 minutes, sand off the crumbles and protrusions with your finger.
A clean cotton glove also works well as a sanding tool.
With solvent-based wood filler, you cannot sand it down with your finger once it has dried.
But sandpaper will always give you a better finish.
Using180- or 220-grit (extra-fine) sandpaper, gently sand the filler with a few light passes.
Youre just making the filled area smooth and removing excess filler from the surrounding wood.
Theres no need to remove any wood.
Remove the Sanding Dust
Clean the surface with a clean cloth or a tack cloth.
Do not rub hard with a tack cloth or you risk embedding the surface with wax.
Once the surface is dust-free, it’s ready for primer, paint, stain, or sealer.
