Repairing Guides

how to repair staple holes in hardwood floor

by Ramona Bauch DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Get a latex wood filler that matches the color of the wood. Wood filler comes in a variety of shades to match all types of wood.
  2. Spread the filler into the nail holes with a plastic putty knife. ...
  3. Scrape off excess filler around each hole. Wipe off any remaining filler on your putty knife with a rag.
  4. Wait 15-30 minutes for the filler to dry. This is usually all it takes for wood filler to dry. ...
  5. Sand the filler smooth in a circular motion with fine-grit sandpaper. Rub around each hole with a light, circular motion.
  6. Vacuum up any leftover dust. The sanding will make some dust on the floor. This is no problem. ...

Part of a video titled How to Cover Nail Holes in Wood Floors When Refinishing
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You can use a wood filler that is designed. And there's many different brands out there that isMoreYou can use a wood filler that is designed. And there's many different brands out there that is specifically designed to use on a freshly sanded floor you want to get yourself a putty knife.

Full Answer

How do you fill holes in hardwood floors?

Choose a wood filler that matches the color of your hardwood floor. Use a putty knife to put the putty into the holes in small quantities, and press it down so it fills the holes completely.

How to patch scratches and small holes in hardwood floors?

How to Patch Scratches and Small Holes in Hardwood Floors. 1 Step 1 - Investigate the Scratch. First, take a closer look and and make sure the imperfection is really a scratch. Sometimes a mark can look worse ... 2 Step 2 - Fix Scratches. 3 Step 3 - Sand the Holes. 4 Step 4 - Apply Wood Putty. 5 Step 5 - Stain the Floor. More items

What can I use to fill nail holes in wood?

Wood Filler for Bare Wood. Knead a small amount of stainable latex wood filler (like this one from Minwax) before pressing some of the product into each nail hole in turn, using a putty knife or a three-inch trowel.

Can you use wood putty to fill holes in wood?

Wood putty, not to be confused with wood filler, is recommended for filling holes in finished wood. It is available in a variety of colors, which can also be blended to create a custom color. Putty does not harden, so you do not need to wait for it to dry or attempt to sand it.

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How do you fill tack strip holes in hardwood floors?

0:572:10How to Repair Carpet Tack Strips With Wood Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we'll also be using a putty knife. So we'll take the wood filler push it down into the hole.MoreAnd we'll also be using a putty knife. So we'll take the wood filler push it down into the hole. Make sure you get a good amount. In. There then we'll take a finger and just kind of work it in there.

How do you fill a staple hole?

0:030:32How to Fill Nail Holes in Finished Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you're feeling nail holes an unfinished wood like this use a color matched wood putty like oneMoreWhen you're feeling nail holes an unfinished wood like this use a color matched wood putty like one of these. Apply. It with a putty knife let it dry. And then sand it smooth.

What to use to fill holes in hardwood floors?

Find a wood filler that matches the color of your hardwood floor then use a putty knife to put the putty into the hole a little bit at a time. Press down to make sure you fill the hole completely. make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions to see how long to wait for the putty to dry thoroughly.

How do you fix gouges dents and deep scratches in hardwood floors?

Deep Gouge: For a deep gouge, fill the hole with matching colored wood putty. You can also use epoxy glue mixed with sanding dust and/or universal colorant. When dry, lightly sand the spot flush and smooth with the floor then apply a thin coat of a compatible finish to the spot.

Is wood filler and wood putty the same?

Wood putty is denser than wood filler, and it's so pliable you typically have to apply it with a putty knife. Like window glazing or plumber's putty, wood putty is a mixture of plastic and oil-based solvents. Because it doesn't harden like wood filler, wood putty won't shrink or crack, but you can't sand it.

Can you paint over staple holes?

These nearly microscopic holes occur when thumbtacks or small push pins are used to hang pictures or posters. Fortunately, these types of holes can be easily repaired and blended into the surrounding wall so you can paint with confidence. All you need is a finger, some lightweight spackling, and a damp rag!

What is the best wood filler to use on hardwood floors?

Elmer's E914 Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler Elmer's is one of the best fillers for larger holes because it won't shrink or crack. It's also water-based for easy clean-up and non-toxic.

When should I use wood filler on hardwood floors?

0:002:41How to Use Bona Pacific Filler® on Hardwood Floors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA professional wood floor craftsman knows when to fill. And when not to fill open seams and cracksMoreA professional wood floor craftsman knows when to fill. And when not to fill open seams and cracks in the floor. Since would typically expands in the spring.

Can you use Minwax wood filler on floors?

This wood floor hole filler stains beautifully but not precisely like real wood fibers. Nevertheless, if you need to paint over your project, Minwax wood filler is a great fit.

How do you fill in dents in hardwood floors?

There are 3 main methods to easily fix dents on a hardwood floor: abrasion: using a fine steel wool pad that will gently remove the scratches without damaging the hardwood floor; wood fillers/ putty: if you need to fix gouges; the third method is using water....Inspiration.Mon-Fri8:00AM – 5:00PMSunday11:00AM – 3:00PM1 more row•Jun 21, 2021

How do you get indentations out of hardwood floors?

Put the damp washcloth on the affected area. The water will wick through the wood, and that's fine. Now, with your iron on its highest setting, place it on the damp washcloth over the affected area, and make small movements back and forth and in circles. Press down firmly and continue until your wash cloth is dry.

Does vinegar and olive oil fix wood scratches?

#2 Use Homemade Polish to Camouflage Scratches Mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar, which work together to remove dirt, moisturize, and shine wood. Pour a little directly onto the scratch. Let the polish soak in for 24 hours, then wipe off. Repeat until the scratch disappears.

How do you fill holes in drywall Staples?

Sand off any uneven edges around the damage. If needed, apply your wall patch. Apply the spackling to the hole until it's completely filled in....The Right WayA package of spackling paste.Wall patch (if your hole is big enough to stick your finger through)A putty knife.Fine grit sandpaper.Some touch-up paint.

How do you fill a hollow hole?

0:000:35How to fix a hole in hollow wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso apply construction adhesive on the sides of the plasterboard. Triangle. Place the triangle inMoreAlso apply construction adhesive on the sides of the plasterboard. Triangle. Place the triangle in the triangular hole finish the job with a filler.

How do you hide tack holes?

Pick up a tiny bit of spackle with a toothpick and push it into the thumbtack hole. Spread a little spackle over the hole to conceal it and make the surface flush. Allow the spackle to dry before proceeding.

Can I use caulking to fill nail holes?

Filling Nail Holes Nail holes in exterior surfaces, just as with cracks or gaps, can be dealt with using a good caulking. Take the time before you apply any paint on your next project to fill all of the gaps, cracks, and nail holes.

How to repair damaged wood?

To do this, use a hammer and chisel to create a straight line cut across the board. Using a circular or other saw, cut a few relief lines along the length of the board so you can remove the pieces of board.

How to get a stain out of a hole?

For those fillers that accept stain, use a sponge brush to apply it to the area where you filled the hole. Let the stain dry thoroughly for a day, then apply two coats of polyure thane gloss . Use the sponge brush again and allow the gloss to dry overnight.

What to wear when sanding hardwood floors?

WARNING: For safety, always wear a dust mask, gloves, and a pair of goggles when sanding. When you're done, you'll need to refinish that section of flooring, which is perhaps the most difficult part of hardwood flooring repair.

How long does it take for putty to dry?

Check and read the manufacturer’s instructions to see how long you should wait for the putty to dry thoroughly. It usually takes about 24 hours. Use sandpaper to smooth the bump down until it's level with the surrounding floor.

How to get scratches out of wood furniture?

Superficial scratches can typically be buffed out. Try some furniture cleaner or wood restore oil.

How to match wood flooring?

For the best match, use sawdust from your flooring and mix it with glue to make your own filler. For areas with large scratches, use a sander to bring the surface down to the existing flooring. Start with 100-grit and finish with 150-grit or 200-grit.

Do latex fillers hold stains?

When fillers are required, make sure you locate the right one for the job. Latex fillers are common, but they don't hold stains, so they're primarily for deep but very narrow holes such as small gaps or nail holes.

What is the best way to fill holes in wood?

Select wood putty that is as close to the color of the floor as possible. Wood putty, not to be confused with wood filler, is recommended for filling holes in finished wood. It is available in a variety of colors, which can also be blended to create a custom color.

What is wood filler?

Select stainable wood filler. Wood filler, as opposed to putty , is applied before finishing the wood. Its color will not match the surrounding wood until stain is applied.

Can you repair a carpet floor?

If you’ve pulled up an old carpet to reveal a hardwood floor, there’s a good chance the floor will need some level of repair. Wall-to-wall carpeting, for example, is typically held in place by strips with upward-facing tacks that are nailed to the floor. Whether you are planning to completely refinish the floor or it is in good condition will determine what materials you use to repair the holes that these strips leave behind.

Before you set out to fill nail holes in a hardwood floor, make sure you're using the right product

Q: I’ve removed some carpet and want to refinish the hardwood floors below. What should I use to fill the holes left by the carpet tack strip and the staples that held the carpet padding?

Wood Filler for Bare Wood

Knead a small amount of stainable latex wood filler (like this one from Minwax, available on Amazon) before pressing some of the product into each nail hole in turn, using a putty knife or a three-inch trowel.

Wood Putty for Finished Floors

Whereas it doesn’t so much matter which type of wood filler you end up using, when you’re working with wood putty ( view example on Amazon) it’s crucial to select the most appropriate product. Here, the goal is to identify a shade of putty that matches as closely as possible the color of your flooring.

How to smooth out a hole in wood?

Sand the filler smooth in a circular motion with fine-grit sandpaper. Rub around each hole with a light, circular motion. Continue sanding until the filler and wood surface are nice and smooth.

How to fill a hole in a jar of nail polish?

Spread the filler into the nail holes with a plastic putty knife. Scoop a bit of filler out of the jar with the knife and rub it into the nail hole. Press the knife down flat so the hole is completely filled. Repeat this for each nail hole you have to fill. Use a plastic putty knife so you don’t scratch the floor.

How to fill nail holes in a jar?

Rub the putty into all the nail holes. Scoop a bit of putty out of the jar with your fingertip. Then press some putty into all the nail holes and rub a bit to make sure each hole is completely filled.

How to get rid of excess putty?

Wipe away any excess putty with a rag. The rag doesn’t have to be wet, just make sure it’s clean. Wipe around all the holes you filled to get rid of any excess putty before it dries.

How long does it take for wood filler to dry?

Wait 15-30 minutes for the filler to dry. This is usually all it takes for wood filler to dry. Leave it alone and make sure no one steps on the filler while it’s drying. Read the directions on the product you use for the correct drying time, and follow those directions if they’re different.

Do you need to fill nail holes?

Since most nail holes are small, you won’t need a lot of filler. Just scoop out a little at a time.

Can you use a plastic putty knife on a floor?

You could use a plastic putty knife if you don’t want your fingers to get dirty, but be very gentle. You could scratch the floor if you press too hard.

How to sand wood floors with scratches?

Start with 100-grit and finish with 150-grit or 200-grit. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and feather out the edges slightly to blend in with the surrounding floor.

How to get scratches out of wood?

Superficial scratches can typically be buffed out. Use a furniture cleaner or wood restoration oil.

How long does it take for putty to dry?

Check and read the manufacturer’s instructions to see how long you should wait for the putty to dry thoroughly. It typically takes around 24 hours. Use sandpaper to smooth the bump down until it’s level with the surrounding floor.

What to wear when sanding a wood floor?

WARNING: For safety, always wear a dust mask, gloves, and a pair of goggles when sanding.

Can epoxy be used to fill cracks?

It’s shrink and crack resistant, so it makes a good choice for filling cracks. Like latex, epoxy fillers don’t work well with stain, so make sure you choose a color that matches your flooring. For the best match, use sawdust from your flooring and mix it with glue to make your own filler.

Does maple wood flooring need to be patched?

It doesn’t matter what hardwood flooring you have: maple, walnut or mahogany; bamboo or oak. The process for patching is the same, and typically includes using a filler of some sort.

Can you use latex filler on nail holes?

Make sure to find the right one. While latex fillers can be found, they won’t hold stains. They are best suited for very small holes, such as nail holes, or gaps that are deep.

How to match wood color?

The most reliable way to match the color of a species of wood to fill holes in a wood floor is to mix sawdust from that wood species with glue. Don't use just any glue, though, or it may discolor the sawdust. Avoid PVA or carpenter's glue.

Can you use burn in sticks for scratches?

The main advantages of burn-in sticks are better sheen and color matching than you can get with filler, but it isn't as durable, and shouldn't be used for filling deep scratches or holes. Advertisement.

Can you use latex filler on a floor?

It's important to choose a color that matches the color of the stained and finished flooring, because latex filler doesn't accept stain itself.

Can epoxy be used on wood floors?

They bond well to wood, making them the best option for repairing spreading cracks. Like latex filler, ep oxy filler won't take a stain, so the color you choose must match the color ...

Can you hide nail holes in prefinished hardwood floors?

When filling nail holes in prefinished hardwood floors becomes necessary, you have many options, ranging from latex and epoxy fillers, to homemade ones made with glue and sawdust. Advertisement.

How to blend staple holes in wood?

If you want the staple holes to blend in better, get several colors of wood putty rather than just one . Make sure they are all close to the color of the existing floor and apply as randomly as you can - that way you will be less likely to see the straight lines from the staple holes. You can mix small amounts of different putties to get an infinite number of colors.

How to fill nail holes in wood?

The nail holes you speak of will fill just fine with a colored wood putty. Just fill then wipe excess up with a damp rag.

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