Thread: How to block bottom of nail holes in recycled timber before filling?

You could use any filler like plastic wood,there are many that you can get pre mixed ,selleys is one brand that comes to mind.I guess you want it to look like wood? Apply from the under side then allow to dry before turning over and fill those holes from the top.

Good Morning Michael

Remembering that the black oxide is simply a colouring pigment, not a thickener, I prefer to use the following three step process:

ONE: paint inside of holes with either unthickened or slightly diluted epoxy to seal pores in timber and prevent dried joints. (oxide not needed here)

TWO: mix epoxy, oxide and thickener - either microspheres or sander dust - to consistency of putty and fill holes using putty knife, small tool or spatular.

THREE: final cosmetic coat of unthickened epoxy and oxide.

Hope this helps.

Fair Winds

Graeme

I have used plasticine to plug the holes, and I found this advise on this forum.

Once dried I then turned it over and put epoxy after digging out most of the plasticine.

Thanks for the quick support folks. You've certainly given me some options to consider. The table is going to be a present for one of children as they move into a new home, so I'm keen to do a good job.

Michael

A dodge that Raf Nathan used on a recycled oregon pine cabinet was to glue small twigs into the nail holes. Once finished they looked like small knots in the wood.

Hey mate, a simple and quick method is to place the wide masking tape over the holes on the underside of the table and epoxy away. Once it's dried, just pull the tape off.

yep masking tape works fine and easy to remove

Thanks again folks. I thought about masking tape but was worried that it may not deal with chemicals in the the epoxy. Appreciate all the help.

Michael

Masking tape is the go. I've used it many times. Make sure you put on far more tape than you think you need. Epoxy can leak through the tiniest of gaps. I don't bother with black oxide - I just used the two part casting resin from bunnings. Works fine for small and med knot holes. Be sure to overfill the holes as it shrinks as it sets (or settles). If you have many holes, you might consider doing it in two sessions. It sands back with normal sandpaper.

Trav

Rather than masking tape try using PVC duct tape. The masking tape will stick to the epoxy which I find annoying, whereas the duct tape comes off clean.

perhaps another option (unless I am completely missing something - known to happen..) is to get a plug cutter, use some of the offcuts or scrap and fill the holes using the same timber with the same colour and grain orientation.. almost invisible..