How to Make Sanding Dust Filler Paste for an Oak Floor

Whether you've run out of wood filler in the middle of a project or you just like the idea of experimenting with your own wood filler, you can make sanding dust filler and skip a trip to the store. By making the filler from the same wood as your floor, you'll help it blend in seamlessly as it fills in cracks, gouges and holes. By the time you're finished, the oak floor will look brand new again.

Wood Flour Cement Mixture

Step 1

Prepare fine sanding dust by sanding a scrap piece of oak, using 100-grit or higher sandpaper (medium- to fine-grit) or a disc sander. If you have several small gouges or cracks to fill, continue sanding until you have made about 1/8 cup of sanding dust.

Step 2

Gather the sanding dust and slowly pour it into a scrap container.

Step 3

Add a little of the wood flour cement to the container, starting with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cement for every 1/8 cup of sanding dust. Mix thoroughly and continue adding the cement in 1/2-teaspoon increments to create a moderately thick paste.

Step 4

Fill the cracks and gouges in the floor with the sanding dust filler. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Step 5

Sand the dried filler, beginning with medium, 100- to 120-grit sandpaper. Finish sanding, using fine, 180- to 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 6

Vacuum the area with a bristle brush attachment to remove particles from sanding. Stain or paint the filled areas with the same product used to paint or stain the oak floor.

Wood Glue or Epoxy Mixture

Step 1

Sand a scrap piece of oak, using a sheet of 100-grit or higher sandpaper or a disc sander. Prepare approximately 1/8 cup of sanding dust to fill larger cracks and gouges.

Step 2

Pour the sanding dust into a container gently and add a few drops of wood glue or epoxy. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Continue to add more wood glue or epoxy one drop at a time until you have created a thick paste with plenty of sticky, clumpy sanding dust and no visible evidence of the wood glue or epoxy. The mixture should be tacky, not wet.

Step 3

Fill the oak floor, wiping away any excess. Allow the sanding dust filler to dry for at least 12 hours.

Step 4

Sand the filler until it is level with the floor. Start with medium, 100- to 120-grit sandpaper and finish the sanding job with finer, 180- to 220-grit sandpaper. Stain or paint the filled areas.