How to Repair and Fill Cracks in Wood Paneling

The accent that a home can have to create a rustic look is to have wood paneling. The installation of wood paneling is easy to do although its texture is really flimsy causing it some unavoidable wear and tear as well as damages such as breakage. With a simple crack in the wood paneling, one may be able to do repairs on it.  Listed below are materials that you will need along with the instructions on how to repair and fill cracks in wood paneling. 

Step 1 - Determine the Color of the Wood Putty

When a wood panel is damaged, repair is done by simply using wood putty. The putty and the color of the existing wood panel should match. Careful choice on the putty that will repair the wood paneling should rule as wood panel shade diminishes as it gets old.

Step 2 - Wood Putty Purchasing Guide

Before picking out the wood putty color to work on, it is best to get a piece or scrap of the damage wood paneling to the home improvement store or local hardware. This piece of the wood paneling should be compared to the various wood putty colors at the store. Every lid of the wood putty container has a display of how the dried putty color would appear to be. Pick out the color that best matches the color of the wood paneling to be repaired. 

Step 3 - Repairing Minor Damages

It the damage done on a wood paneling is just a hairline scratch, repair can be done on it by simply applying or wiping wood floor wax, furniture polish, shoe polish or vaseline on the area or surface of the damage. A much bigger damage or scratch on the wood paneling may need a stronger agent such as a stick putty or wax to hide up the scratch. This will act as concealer to the damage done on the wood paneling.

Step 4 - Repairing Major Damages

For the kind of damage to the wood paneling that are deeper such as holes and scratches, the solution to it is the use of wax or stick putty.  The wax is applied to the holes using a putty knife. In the case of scratches, apply it like a crayon and simply color it. For cracks, fill it up with putty and rub it smooth with a putty knife so it matches well with the wood paneling. For best results, let the putty air dry fully. For any remaining wax, wipe it out using a soft damp cloth.

Step 5 - Finishing Touches

To make a smooth finish to the repair on the wood paneling, sand the repaired area using fine grade sandpaper. With a sanding block, sand lightly the area with damages. Make a smooth finish on the sanding until it blends in with the rest of the wood paneling area. After sanding, use a wood stain on the wood paneling to cover up any blemishes.