Wood Filler/Putty

Able Rate Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Country: usa

I just finished my second layer of planking on my AL Virgina. Its my first build, so the planking isn't "perfect" (It doesn't look to bad if you ask me, but not perfect". Its Mahgony (sp?), has anyone used stuff like Minwax wood filler or putty to fill in the small gaps? I've tried searching on here, but haven't found an anwer (maybe I'm lookin in the wrong place). I just want to make sure that the filler/putty doesn't affect the finish.....

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 2:42 pm • Post subject:

Hello Tim,
a photo of your planking would help when asking for advice. How small a gap is small? What type of finish will you be applying? generally it's a good idea to avoid wood filler unless the surface will be painted afterward.
Kip

Able Rate Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Country: usa

Thanks sawdust! I'll try and get a photo tonight if I have time, probably wont work on it for a few more days....

I was afraid that would be the answer....I want to do a clear/natural finish on it cause I like the look of the mahogany. The gaps are small enough that its nearly impossible to make a small piece that little to fit in the gaps, but large enough that you can see the first layer of planking if you look CLOSELY (from across the room it looks awesome....lol). I might try the filler in an inconspicuous area to see how it looks.

I got better as I got to the bottom of the ship, my technique was getting better......lol.....but some at the top have larger gaps......

I'm still learning!! Thats why I'm building a "smaller" "easier" ship for my first one, so if I screw it up, I won't cry on a $600 model!!

Able Rate Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 19 Country: canada

If the gaps are small enough, sometimes you can put a stain on and lightly sand the hull while the wood is still damp. The sanding dust fills the cracks and makes them almost invisible. It'll stay there long enough for you to put a clearcoat over top of it. Test this out on a relatively hidden area near the keel first.

good luck with it!

Able Rate Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Country: usa

Able Rate Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 14 Country: usa

Good news and bad news, Bad news is, I didn't do ANYTHING I was supposed to do work wise last night, Good news is, I worked on this boat cause these little gaps drove me nuts, I was cutting tiny slivers of Mahogany to glue in, and sanded them down......LOOKS GREAT!! Only have one spot that I wish I would have done it, but its on the bottom so I think its ok, and another spot I sanded a little to much and sanded thru the second layer of planking.....lol.....but it gets covered by another piece later.......so its ok......

Just needed a little patience!!

Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:11 pm • Post subject: Fill planking gaps

Use a dilute water based glue (Elmer's School glue) by placing water in a jigger, them pouring a bit of the glue in and mix it up.. get sawdust from the same type planking you are using, place a bit of the diluted glue in the defect and then cover with the sawdust. Let dry overnight, then sand with 220 grit. It will be nearly invisible and will take oil or a stain very well. It has always worked for me