Epoxy Wood Filler: How Does It Enhance Wooden Surfaces?

Enter any Filipino home and you will most likely spot furniture or handicrafts made out of wood. After all, the Philippines is home to around 3,600 native trees, so it would make sense to use lumber derived from these sources for construction and home improvement purposes.

While wooden furniture or surfaces are nice to look at and are durable, prolonged use and/or constant exposure to the elements can lead to its wear-and-tear and damage. 

Rising wood grain, damage such as holes, and the presence of nails and bolts (often embedded into the wood during manufacturing) also pose certain problems for people with wooden furniture. These issues can make the wood very unappealing and unpleasant to look at.

The good news is, you can address and target these issues without breaking the bank. Industry experts have long recommended epoxy wood fillers when it comes to fixing damage, improving appearance, and prolonging longevity of wooden surfaces.

Find out why this product is a must-have in your arsenal when working with wooden surfaces. Plus, take note of the best epoxy wood filler you can use for this particular task.  

What Is Epoxy Wood Filler? 

The main purpose of an epoxy wood filler like Island Paints’ Natura Wood Filler is to preserve the integrity of a wooden surface’s structure and ensure its durability, all while being inexpensive and cost-effective. 

This product helps fill up gaps, cracks, or holes, repair rotten wood (such as window sills, door jambs, and exterior molding,) and prevent wood rot and decay. Ideally, epoxy wood fillers are recommended on surfaces wherein:

• It can be difficult to remove a piece of wood without causing damage to wooden structure/s around it, or if the piece in question has been specially designed.
• An estimated 80% of the wooden surface is in good condition, but other portions of the surface have damage (holes, cracks, and/or rot).

Epoxy wood filler can come in either liquid or putty form. The former can be poured into cracks in the surface, resulting in easier flow through internal holes that may not be visible right away. The latter, which is said to be easier to handle, can be applied on cracks and holes on the outer surface, and then sanded to match the surface after the epoxy has cured. 

In general, these wood fillers involve mixing epoxy with a hardener. Once these two substances are thoroughly mixed and applied onto a wooden surface, it will “cure” and yield a hard film. If this is your first time working with epoxy wood filler, it may be best if you seek the advice of an industry professional or expert first. 

Why Use Epoxy Wood Fillers?

Epoxy wood fillers can be a good addition for your toolbox, especially when it comes to the following departments:

• Strength and durability: As mentioned, once the epoxy fully cures, it turns into a hard and durable material. This helps support wood and prevent wood decay in the future.
• Suitability for various wood types: This type of wood filler may stick onto multiple types of wooden surfaces too.
• Ease of use: This product may be molded or shaped according to the project’s requirements quite easily. Plus, removal of pieces of wood isn’t necessary to ensure that the epoxy works.
• Ability to reach tricky areas: It’s possible for epoxy to fit in various wood pieces, more so tricky crevices and passages that can be difficult to reach.

What’s the Best Epoxy Wood Filler You Can Use?

To answer this question, factors such as the type of wood you will work with, extent of damage, and main objectives of the task have to be considered. However, if you are looking for a product that gets the job done while delivering excellent results, choose Island Paints’ Natura Wood Filler!

This high consistency paste can be used to fill wood grains joints and nail heads. Island Paints’ Natura Wood Filler comes in an off white color and delivers a flat finish, so it can seamlessly blend with any of the wooden surfaces you will work with.

How to Use Epoxy Wood Filler?

Before using wood fillers, it’s important that you work with a clean and dry surface. Ideally, sand down a wooden surface to clean up dust, debris, and unwanted wood fibers. This step also helps prime the wooden surface for other products that will be applied after the wood filler. Once the surface is clean and ready for you to work with, take note of these steps:

1. Scoop out a portion of the product that will be sufficient for your project.
2. Use a rubber squeegee or a sponge to spread out the filler onto the wooden surface. Apply slight pressure onto the wood grain, covering the whole length of the wood using the rubber squeegee or sponge.
3. Repeat step #2 this time across the wood grain.
4. Wait for the wooden surface to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour, at normal conditions.
5. Once you are satisfied with how the surface looks, sand it to remove excess filler.

Do not forget to wear protective equipment like gloves, masks, and goggles when handling this product. Island Paints’ Natura Wood Filler contains chemicals that can be dangerous if inhaled. 

You can also seek the help of an industry professional or expert who has previously worked with wood fillers. They can teach you about some of the best practices surrounding this type of product, and of maintaining wooden surfaces.  

Once you are done using the wood filler, tightly seal the container. Make sure to keep the product in an area that does not reach 35 degrees Celsius. Island Paints’ Natura Wood Filler has a shelf life of 1 year, if it remains unopened. 

To dispose of this product, take note of government regulations and instructions. Lastly, do not throw this out together with common household garbage, and see to it that the product does not reach sewage systems.

Want to know more about restoring wooden surfaces and preserving their pristine condition? Visit the Island Paints website today to discover other products that can help you protect wooden furniture and surfaces. 

References:

https://islandpaints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NATURA-WOOD-FILLER_TDS_Rev2.pdf

https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-use-epoxy-on-wood-for-repairs/

https://woodhappen.com/how-to-use-epoxy-wood-filler/

https://www.repair-care.co.uk/news/top-five-benefits-epoxy-wood-filler/#:~:text=An%20epoxy%20wood%20filler%20is,to%20damage%2C%20rot%20and%20wear.
https://www.homedit.com/epoxy-wood-filler/ 

https://www.oldhouseonline.com/repairs-and-how-to/how-when-to-use-epoxy-fillers/ 

https://www.archute.com/epoxy-wood-filler/