Wood furniture is valuable equipment we use to store and organize our closets and decorate our houses. Unfortunately, wood surfaces are vulnerable to scratches, discoloration, or other damage. Suppose all wooden furniture in your house has a missing chunk at a time. You must apply the most effective ways to repair the missing chunks in the most accessible and affordable ways. In this article, we will explore how to fix a missing chunk of wood to help you get off the problems.
How to Fix a Missing Chunk of Wood with Bondo Wood Filler
Things You Will Need
- Bondo wood filler
- 80 & 180 grit sandpaper
- Cleaner
- Hand gloves
- Safety mask
- Flat non-porous surface to mix bondo wood filler
- A putty knife
Step-by-Step Processes
Step 1: Sand to Smoothen the Area
First, you have to sand the surface where there is a chunk to smoothen it. Use sandpaper to get a smoother finish. The more you can smoothen the finish, the better you will get the result after applying the Bondo.
Step 2: Mix the Bondo
In the next step, you have to start mixing the Bondo, which comes in two separate parts. Wear a mask to avoid fumes and oiled hand gloves to protect your skin. Follow the directions written on the labeling of that Bondo. You have to choose a well-ventilated area to do this step.
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Step 3: Apply the mixture to the Wood Furniture
You need to start applying the Bondo immediately after mixing it because it dries quickly. You can use a spoon for the application. A putty knife will help you get a smoother finish if you work with a flat surface. If the surface is curved, you should go for more sanding to get a rounded finish. Once you notice the surface is hardening, you should stop applying it and let it dry.
Step 4: Sand the Bondo
After drying, you have to sand the Bondo to smoothen it. If you notice a few pits and rough edges, you need to do another coat.
Step 5: Prime and Paint
Once your Bondo is completely dry, you have to prime your wooden furniture. After applying a coat of primer, you will be able to apply the paint.
Reasons to Use Primer Before Painting
- Primer helps the sheen of the paint to be the same. The repaired area gets a different sheet from the non-damaged area without the primer.
- With primer, you can cover bare wood’s red, yellow, or orange stains with a coat of paint.
- Primer helps cover the dark wood faster while using a light color than the paint.
Related: How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors: Top 6 Different Ways
Things to Remember while Using Bondo Wood Filler
- Work quickly and efficiently.
- Wear a mask to protect your skin from the heavy fumes Bondo makes.
- Don’t spread the Bondo mixture too thin while mixing it.
- Follow the steps separately to fix the chunks in different sections.
- Mix only a small amount of Bondo wood filler and hardener at the time. If you take a large amount, it will dry out fast and will not work effectively.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar and olive oil to fix the scratches on my wood furniture?
Vinegar and olive oil are common household ingredients that effectively work to fix scratches on wooden furniture. Miss a part of vinegar with three parts of olive oil and pour a small amount of the mixture onto the scratches. Leave the wood to soak the solution for 24 hours. Wipe off the solution the next day. Repeat the entire process until the scratches are entirely gone.
How can I fix a chipped wood corner?
Find a match to your damaged area and create a mood of the shape using hot glue. Let the area dry, and remove the glue. Then, mix Bondo and spread it over the damaged area. Put the glue mold over the Bondo and let it dry. Remove the excess Bondo and dry thoroughly. Lastly, let it dry before applying primer and paint.
Can I repair the dents in my wooden furniture?
Put water in the dent to repair dents and cover that area using a damp cloth. Then, apply an iron set at the highest point onto the cloth. You can fix the dent by forcing the wood fibers back into the furniture’s actual position.
How can I repair tarnished wood?
You can apply household ingredients to fix tarnished wood. Mix three parts olive oil or canola oil with one part vinegar. Then, apply the mixer to the tarnished wood using a soft cloth. Rub the furniture gently. These steps are so practical to bring back the original look of your wood furniture.
Is it possible to fix badly scratched wood surfaces?
You should re-finish the badly scratched surfaces. If the surface has one or two deep scratches, you can apply oil-based stains using an artist’s brush. Draw it along the scratches and leave it to stand on the surface. Wipe it off after 15 minutes. Continue the process until the scratches match the entire wood surface.
Read: Why Is Festool So Expensive: Know the 10 Major Reasons
The Bottom Line
Chunks are a common problem on wood furniture, especially if the furniture is aged or used excessively. Follow the basic restoration techniques to ensure the chunks get bigger, and the damage will go beyond repair or restoration. Bondo wood filler is the best method to repair every chunk of wood missing from your precious wooden furniture. While most wood fillers dry very hard, Bondo is perfectly suitable for even a super hard finish. This article on how to fix a missing chunk of wood using Bondo wood filler will help you to repair your wooden furniture very effectively.
