How to Apply a Stain Over Wood Filler

Wood filler is a great tool to help you fix the surface of a wood; all you need to do is just apply it with a putty knife. Applying a stain over wood filler is not a very difficult task. Instead of calling in a professional to do the job, you can take up the task and get the job completed yourself. With the right set of tools and materials you will be able to finish applying stain over wood filler.

Step 1 – Getting Started

Clean the wood, making sure there is no paint or any other stain on the surface of the wood.

Step 2 – Clean with Sandpaper

Clean the surface with sandpaper and if needed, use a solvent to remove any prior paint or stain. Allow the wood surface to dry properly and remove all sawdust with a cloth.

Step 3 –   Check the Wood Filler

Before you embark on filling an area with filler make sure that the wood filler can be stained. If you use wood filler that does not react positively to a staining agent, then it will be impossible to match the color of the parent wood.

Step 4 – Applying Wood Filler

With a putty knife, spread the wood filler into the hole or the crack. Make sure that the filler is spread out evenly.

Step 5 – Let it Dry

After applying the woof filler let it dry. You can read the instructions on the pack to find out the amount of time the filler will take to dry.

Step 6 – Sanding the Surface

With the help of a palm sander, sand the areas where you had applied the wood filler. Use 220-grit sandpaper to sand the area lightly, you can also use an electric sander.

Step 7 – Cleaning the Area

Use an air compressor to clean the surface form all sawdust. Wipe the area lightly with a clean cloth making sure you do not wipe harshly as that can lead to scratches.

Step 8 - Buying the Stain

Select a stain that is closest to the original wood color. Take a piece of wood along and try the stain if possible.

Step 9 – Applying the Stain

It is mandatory to shake the stain can well, before you start applying it. With the help of a brush, preferably a foam brush, apply the satin to the wood. The foam brush helps in applying the stain evenly and does not waste the stain, unlike cloth.

Step 10 – Allow the Stain to Penetrate

Allow the stain to remain on the surface for a couple of minutes so that the wood absorbs it well. Use a cloth to remove the stain that is not absorbed by the wood.

Step 11 – Drying

Allow the stain to dry completely.

Step 12 – Finishing

After the drying period, check the wood to see if the color matches with the original wood. In case it is lighter add another coat.