How to Repair Cracks in Cedar Siding Wood Filler

As cedar siding absorbs moisture then dries out, it shrinks and swells, which sometimes causes the wood to develop small, unattractive cracks. As long as the cracks are relatively minor, you can patch them up with wood putty without having to replace the cedar shingles. Wood putty comes in many different forms to match a variety of wood grains, including cedar. When shopping for wood putty, look for a product that matches the color of your siding.

Tri-sodium phosphate
Bucket
Nylon scrub brush
Garden hose
Putty knife
Wood putty
120-grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Mix 1/2-cup of tri-sodium phosphate with 2 gallons of hot water in a bucket. Dip a nylon scrub brush into this solution and use it to scrub the cedar siding. Pay particular attention to the insides of the cracks.
- 2
  Rinse the siding with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Blast any debris out of the cracks. If necessary, loosen any caked-on debris with a putty knife before rinsing it off.
- 3
  Allow the siding to dry. Wood putty should always be applied on a dry surface so it can bond to the wood.
- 4
  Spread a generous amount of wood putty over the crack with a putty knife. Hold the knife at a 30-degree angle against the wood and drag it across the crack until it is completely filled. Repeat this process for all of the cracks.
- 5
  Allow the wood putty to dry. Drying times vary by product so check the label for detailed information. Sand the putty down with 120-grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until the putty is perfectly flush with the wood.

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