Fill Woodwork Holes Like the Pros

Colored putty flawlessly fills woodwork holes.

• Easy Repairs
• Wood Furniture
• Home Repair

Most people are surprised to learn that professional painters use soft colored putty to fill nail holes in stained woodwork. This eliminates the nearly impossible job of staining wood filler to match the surrounding wood. Several colors are available. To get an exact match, you may have to blend two colors. You can even use two or three colors on the same piece of wood to match areas of light and dark wood grain exactly. Colored putty is available at paint stores, hardware stores and home centers for about $2 per container.

Press matching colored putty into nail holes with the tip of your finger after staining and varnishing. Then smooth it off and polish the area with a dry rag. For added durability and to help hide the filler, apply a new coat of compatible finish over the filled woodwork. Exception: Do not use water-based varnish over colored putty.

Hide scratches with a stain marker Don't expect this simple tip to hide deep scratches, gouges or damaged finishes from a sharp-eyed critic. But for a quick spruce-up, colored markers are just the ticket. Stain markers like the one shown are available at home centers and paint stores, but plain old felt-tip markers work great too. You'll be surprised how easily you can hide glaring scratches and dings from the casual observer.

From The Family Handyman

 

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“ Cut 60 calories from your morning coffee. Instead of pouring that 1/3 cup of half-and-half (a whopping 105 calories!) into your mug, replace it with the same amount of 2% milk. ”

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• Quiz: Match the Celebrity With the Cause

A motorist was driving in the country when he came upon a priest and a rabbi standing on the shoulder of the road, fishing. Next to them was a sign that read "Turn Around. The End Is Near."

The motorist didn't like to be preached to, so he rolled down the window and yelled, "Mind your own business, you religious nuts!"

A few seconds later the two fishermen heard tires screech, then a splash.

The rabbi turned to the priest and said, "I told you we should've just written, 'Bridge Out.' "

-- Christi Riggs