One of the most common problems on wood furniture is cracks
and gouges. Some basic restoration
techniques can remove these problems as long as the damage has not gone beyond
the surface. To hide the very small holes, wood tone putty sticks can be used.
Use a putty stick, wipe it across the hole and smooth the surface. If you can’t
match the wood, the color of furniture can be changed. For larger holes, wood
filler and water putty are the easiest fillers. The wood filler is available in
several colors and water putty can be tinted with the oil or water stain.
Water Putty
Water putty will be mixed with oil and water. After applying
the water putty leave it to dry for at least two to three hours and remove the
patch with help of putty knife. Let the patch dry completely, smooth and level
the surrounding of wood surface.
Wood Filler
Before using the wood filler, carefully clean the crack or gouge with the tip of a craft knife. When it dries
the wood filler shrinks slightly, so press it tightly above the surface of the
wood. Wood fillers dry fairly and allow it for at least two days. Then smooth
the patch lightly with the help of sandpaper. If surrounding finish is involved
feather the edges so that the new patch blends. Apply finish on the wood and
match the rest of the surface.
Shellac Sticks
The shellac sticks are used to fill cracks and gouges. These
sticks are available in different colors which is matching the color of the
wood. Before using the shellac sticks,
clean the crack or gouges with the tip of sharp knife. These sticks are heated
and melted to fill the crack. Don’t use the soft stick which can change the
color of the shellac when heated the alcohol lamp or propane torch. When using
shellac sticks, hold the stick to the heat source above the knife. Then quickly
insert the soft shellac files into the cracks and make sure it is completely
fills the crack or not.
Wood Patch
If a hole or split is very large in the wood furniture,
don’t fill it with the piece of wood to fit it perfectly. Fit the wood patch
into the hole or split; use glue to bond it to the surrounding wood. The furniturerepair company repairs your furniture without changing the quality at
affordable price.
