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Discussion Forum

Recipe for filling nail holes

Richardcash | Posted in General Discussion on March 17, 2009 04:22am

We just put in new stairs and want fill the nail holes to match the wood. Anyone have a recipe for this? Appreciate it, thanks Lori

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Replies

  1. DanH | Mar 17, 2009 04:29am | #1

    Tinted wood putty. Several brands are available in dozens of colors.

    The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
    1. Richardcash | Mar 17, 2009 04:37am | #2

      Hi Dan.........I do know this, but we wanted to know if there is a "homemade" way to make your own out of the sawdust from the actual wood? thanks....Lori

      1. DanH | Mar 17, 2009 05:24am | #3

        You can mix sawdust, stain, and varnish, but the result is less satisfactory than the commercial products.
        The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

      2. seeyou | Mar 17, 2009 06:27am | #4

        You can Mix the sawdust with a little wood glue. Personally, I'd get a set of filler sticks.http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

  2. Shep | Mar 17, 2009 02:41pm | #5

    The trick is to stain and apply one coat of finish first, then match your filler to that, then put the final topcoats on.

    Plus, if your stairs are sealed, the filler won't "smear" into the surrounding grain.

    You can mix sawdust with wood glue, or with CA glue, and add stain as needed, but I find it much easier to just use colored fillers. You can mix fillers to get the exact shade you need.

    1. cic317 | Mar 17, 2009 04:24pm | #6

      For a true custom filler, stain & poly. Then use window glaze compound & tint w/ pigment for oil base paints, Get them from your local hobby shop. with a little practice you can get a perfect match.

      1. Michael_Maines | Mar 18, 2009 02:50am | #7

        "Color Putty" is essentially the same thing, pre-tinted (or white).

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