Hey everyone! My wife and I just scored an amazing deal on some oak railing—27 feet complete with posts and balusters for just $40! However, the only downside was that the handyman who took it apart wasn't very careful. While I can manage fixing some small cracks with wood glue, I'm concerned about the dings and screw marks that might need a bit more attention. I don't mind a bit of character, but I want to avoid making it look too worn out. Any recommendations or tips for wood fillers or other ways to repair this?
4 Answers
I second what others are saying about steering clear of wood filler if you're finishing it afterwards. For spots that are sanded but still look a bit rough, using garnet shellac can give it a nice antique vibe. It emphasizes the character of the wood instead of hiding its flaws!
I’ve had great luck with Famowood water-based filler. Just remember to practice on some scrap wood first. Sometimes I mix in walnut or cherry filler to help it match the darker tones of the oak when I stain it.
If you plan to paint the railing, wood filler can work, but if you’re leaving it natural, it’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Just a heads up!
Honestly, I’d steer clear of wood filler. It can end up looking worse than the dings themselves. If you’ve got a spot that’s too damaged to sand down, try using a dowel insert to patch it instead. It’s a bit more work, but it looks way better in the long run!
That makes sense! I can definitely plug the spots that need it. I might just embrace the nicks and call it "character" since it’ll be upstairs mainly hidden away.