For your home improvement project, if you’re worrying about the wood filler to match the color of your existing surface, we’ve thrilling news for you. It can be difficult to achieve the right color of wood filler to complement the color of your wood surface after repair. How to make wood filler look like wood?
In achieving a wood filler that looks like wood, you must be aware of the right color of wood filler. Use sawdust to make it blend seamlessly or to give the feel look like wood. Choose high-quality wood filler. Apply the wood filler and sand the surface. Apply wood conditioner, wood stain, or wood finish to make the wood filler look like wood.
Fortunately, this post will give you all the details to make filler look like wood and how to apply the wood filler on the surface.
Table of Contents
How to Make Wood Filler Look Like Wood
To make the feel of wood filler look like wood, consider the most wanted steps. Let’s dig in!
The Right Color of Wood Filler
Without making any flaws and blending them with the existing surface, it is best to choose the right color of wood filler.
A variety of wood fillers is available on the market, do your research and find out the best wood color to match your surface flawlessly. For this purpose, visit your local hardware store. The person at the store will also guide you to pick the best wood filler so bring the piece of wood with you.
Stainable wood fillers are also available if you opt for staining the wood filler.
Addition of Sawdust
Keep in mind creating a flawless look is possible if you add sawdust. To make your wood filler complement the surrounding surface, choose sawdust from wood.
Sand the surface of the wood lightly to collect sawdust and mix it with glue specifically made for wood to create your wood filler.
Making your wood filler is tricky so it is best approach to apply the mixture on a small portion of the surface and check the results.
High-quality Wood Filler
When you’re planning to purchase wood filler make sure the wood filler is of high quality, also check the expiry date. High-quality wood filler ensures smooth and perfect application to blend seamlessly with the rest of the surface color.
High-quality wood filler can make your investment worthwhile and bring better outcomes. While buying wood filler consider water and heat-resistant features.
Apply wood Filler Carefully
After selecting of matching wood filler color, prepare the surface you are applying. The surface should be treated carefully and free of dust, and grime, and even otherwise, you will end up cracked, discolored, or bumpy surface.
The condition of the wood should be ideal and moisture-free. Apply the wood filler in a good condition, too hot or too cold temperature will cause to discoloration or crack.
Sand the Surface
With a putty knife, apply the wood filler on the surface. Give it proper time to dry. After drying, sand the surface lightly to make it blend with the surrounding surface and to make it look like wood.
Different types of wood filler take different drying times. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to apply the wood filler and drying time. Usually, it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry completely.
Sanding can also help in adhering to the stain on the surface completely. Sanding is the most important step especially when you want to make your wood filler look like wood.
Wood Conditioner
Before applying stain on wood filler, it is optional to apply a wood conditioner on your project or the wood you’re working on. Wood conditioner helps to absorb stains well and prevent to cause an uneven coat.
If you opt to make wood filler look like wood, add wood conditioner to your list. It is most suitable for pine, walnut, and birch-type wood.
Wood Staining
Wood staining is the last step in how to make wood filler look like wood.
What type of stain do you use for your project, apply it on a piece of wood rather than on the whole wood surface. Let it dry. If you’re satisfied with the results, then apply it on the entire surface.
Apply the stain with a soft bristled brush. Start with a thin coat because a thick coat will lead to cracks or uneven coats.
It takes a few hours to completely dry the stain.
Use Wood Finish
Using wood finishes helps to protect the wood surface for a longer time and make it feel as fresh and new as it was.
Different types of finishes are available to suit your needs and requirements. As you are concerned about choosing the right color of wood filler, choose the wood finishes wisely.
How to Apply Wood Filler
Applying wood filler to any wood surface consists of simple steps. Let’s check it out!
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is the foremost step which involves removing dust, grime, or debris from the surface with a soft, neat cloth. With fine grit sandpaper, sand the area to make it smooth. Uneven area causes the wood filler to crack, or discolor.
Choose the Right Color Filler
Choose the right color of wood filler to match the surrounding surface. Wood-fillers have the option of pre-mixed or mixing with the hardener. Choose the color and type of wood filler according to the color and type of your wood surface.
Apply the Filler
Apply the wood filler on the damaged or treated area with a putty knife. Before applying the wood filler on the entire surface, apply it on a small portion to achieve a woof filler color that looks like wood.
If you are filling the holes or gaps, fill the filler firmly because, after the drying process, it can cause it to shrink.
After filling, level and smooth the filler with a putty knife. Smooth the edges too for a seamless look. Remove excess filler with a soft cloth.
Drying Time
Wood fillers take 30 minutes to a few hours to dry completely. For better results and moving to the next step, let it have proper drying time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
Sand the Surface
Once you’re satisfied that the filler is dried, lightly sand the treated area. This will help to smooth out the surface or to make it blend with the rest of the surface.
Clean the surface with a soft, neat cloth.
Stain the Surface
After sanding, stain the surface to match the wood filler look like wood. Stainable wood fillers are also available. In choosing the wood filler, prioritize the needs and requirements of the wood surface.
Wood Finish
For a flawless look, apply the wood finish. This is optional but it will protect the wood surface.
How do you hide wood fillers?
When it comes to hiding wood fillers, involves a few steps. In the first step, when you are sure that the filler is dried, sand the repaired surface slightly to match the surrounding surface. Stain the wood surface thoroughly to match the wood surface. Apply a thin coat and let it dry completely. If there is a need to apply the second coat and topcoat, let the previous coat dry.
Can you add paint to the wood filler?
If you want to paint the wood filler then you have the option to stain it or paint the wood filler according to your desirable color. Apply the wood filler firmly and smooth out the surface with a putty knife. After drying, paint the wood filler.
Is wood filler permanent?
Wood filler is a durable and long-lasting solution to repair any damaged wood surface. Wood filler helps to fill gaps and holes and can last for years when applied correctly. Although, it is a durable solution but, it is not entirely permanent.
Conclusion
Repairing the damaged wood surface or filling cracks, or holes in any wood project is easy with the use of wood filler. But the most common question is how to make wood filler look like wood. After going through several procedures or steps, achieving a wood filler that look like wood is possible.
After searching you can get the right color of wood filler for your project, and if you combine the wood filler with stain you will get the desirable results. Follow the above instructions carefully and the project is done.
