Filling Holes in Wood

The last step in many woodworking projects is to fill the holes left behind after setting all the nails. Though this is perhaps the easiest part of the job, it can readily turn into a headache of considerable proportions if you don't follow some simple guidelines.

What aggravates many beginners is the seemingly endless rounds of sanding, filling, and sanding again. It seems as though you're always reaching for the putty knife and wood filler to do a few more holes. The solution is simple: Don't fill any nail holes until the entire job is complete and all the nails are set, or you'll loose track of which holes you've filled and which you haven't. There's nothing more frustrating than being up on a stepladder with a paint-laden brush, only to find several small holes that haven't been filled.

While you're filling holes, it's a good idea to scrutinize all the woodwork for small dents and rough areas because attending to them now will save lots of time later on. Dents can be filled with the same material used to fill nail holes; rough spots should be sanded smooth. Rather than try to see these flaws, feel for them. Rub your hand gently over all the wood and you'll find more flaws than you could ever see. Another trick is to shine a strong light across the wood at a low angle; any irregularities will be accentuated by the shadows that they cast.

The key ingredient in filling holes goes by various names, including wood putty or wood filler. (Professional woodworkers use a product that's also called wood filler, but it is liquid and has nothing to do with filling holes.) Whatever you call it, the material is easy to use. Most formulations will accept various finishes, including varnishes and stains; refer to the package instructions for specific information. Wood putty dries out quickly, however, so keep the container closed whenever you aren't actually dipping into it for more putty.

1) Fill the hole
Choose a putty knife with a flexible, 1-inch blade. Scoop a small amount of putty out of the container, hold the knife at about a 30-degree angle, and force the putty into the hole using a swiping motion. Make another pass across the hole at a different angle to clear away any excess putty (Fig. 1). If the hole is deep, it will need two applications to fill it properly; let the first application dry before adding the second.