Minwax Wood Filler Directions
There are two primary uses for wood filler. The right filler can bring out the beauty of grain or it can do what the name suggests --- fill holes in a wood surface. Minwax produces two forms of filler as of 2011, stainable and high performance. Minwax High Performance Wood Filler is for big jobs, such as large holes or cracks in the exterior of a house. Stainable is a product that fills smaller areas that need refinishing.
Miniwax High Performance Filler
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Wash the surface with soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Strip off paint. Chip out rotted wood and apply a hardening product to the area. This will stabilize damaged surfaces. Wood hardener is a spray-on product you can apply up to 4 hours prior to adding the filler.
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Scoop out a handful of the filler and put it on the lid or into a mixing container. Add a 3/4- to 1-inch line of hardener to the filler compound and mix it with your hand. The hardening agent comes in a tube and is part of the High Performance Filler system. This is not the spray-on hardener that strengthens the wood prior to filling.
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Dip your finger into the compound and spread a thin layer over the surface of the damaged area. This will help the remaining filler to stick.
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Press the remaining filler into the crack or hole with the palm of your hand. Overfill the area slightly so the compound extends past the edge of the wood surface. Allow the product to dry for approximately 20 minutes.
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Shape the compound to fill the hole completely. As the filler begins to cure, it may pull away from the edge. Use a modeling knife to press the filler down to close gaps. If necessary, carve off some of the excess and press it into any forming gaps. Let the filler dry for another 30 minutes.
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Sand the filler down until it is flush with the wood surface. Use medium or fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off any excess filler will a clean rag. If necessary, acetone will remove embedded filler on the surface that is not part of the repair. Dab a small amount of acetone onto a clean rag and wipe off the excess. Read the directions on the acetone for proper use.
Miniwax Stainable Filler
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Clean the wood surface with soapy water. Strip off any loose areas.
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Squeeze the filler into the hole. Lay a putty knife over the filler and press down. Continue adding the compound until the hole or gap is full. Allow the filler to dry. It may take several hours. The surface will be hard.
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Sand down the filler until it is flush with the wood surface. Wipe excess filler off with soapy water then stain or paint the wood.
References
Warnings
- High Performance filler may not stain well. The color will be different than the stain on the wood. If working on old wood, wear a respirator in case the paint contains lead content.
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.
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