How to Make Wood Filler with Sawdust

If your home contains wood furnishings, you will find that wood filler can be very useful for the repair of a range of different items. By following the steps it takes to make wood filler yourself, you will find that it is a cheap and easy remedy for any accidental damage.

Step 1 – Assess Task

In order to determine how much wood filler you require, inspect the furniture to check the full extent of the damage that needs to be repaired. Be aware that the sawdust should be mixed with three times as much glue to create a filler and this must be taken into account to help to determine how much sawdust is required.

Step 2 – Gather Sawdust

If you undertake a high number of woodwork projects, this is likely to produce a significant amount of sawdust , whether you use manual or electric tools. Rather than let this go to waste, it can be used to create some wood filler. Use a clean and dry dustpan and brush to gather by the sawdust from where it has fallen. For small repair jobs, seek to collect at least a handful. The best type to use would be from the same type of wood as the furniture is made from.  

Step 3 – Sift Sawdust

To ensure that the wood filler is effective, you must ensure that it does not contain any shavings or large pieces of wood. Spread the sawdust out on a flat surface and carefully sift through it to remove any larger pieces or debris that you have inadvertently collected along with it.

Step 4 – Add Glue

After you have the required quantity of sawdust, transfer it to the container that you intend to use to combine the components while keeping a small quantity aside. Using glue as one of the elements will mean that the container will be difficult to clean so ensure it is disposable. A large scrap piece of cardboard should be sufficient. Carefully choose the glue to mix with the sawdust. Avoid any glues that comprise color and those that cannot accept stain when they dry, such as PVA. This will result in a repair site that appears as a void if you later apply stain to the furniture that the wood filler has been applied to. Gather the sawdust together into a pile and add a small amount of glue.             

Step 5 – Mix

Use a dowel to combine the mixture as you gradually add more glue, making sure that you thoroughly combine the two components. Continue in this manner until a putty-like substance, that can be manipulated with clean fingers, is formed. A substance that appears too wet can be rectified by adding more sawdust and that which is too dry can be rescued by adding more glue. Ensure it is thoroughly combined before use and use it as soon as it is ready.