How to Repair Imperfections in Wood

Sand the wood with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters, burrs and loose pieces. If the wood is heavily damaged, wipe it with a damp cloth, allow it to dry then sand it again. The moisture helps raise the wood grain, and sanding it off helps you achieve a smoother final finish.

Fill in any depressions, dents and chips with wood filler. Use a putty knife to pack the depression with the putty, leaving the filler slightly raised above the surface of the wood. The wood filler will shrink slightly as it dries. If the wood will be stained with a clear or translucent finish instead of painted, use a wood filler that matches the color of the wood.

Sand the dried wood filler with medium-grit sandpaper until it is flush with the surface. You may find that a slight depression still exists over the repair so apply more wood filler, allow it to dry then sand it again. Repeat the process until the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding wood.

Fill large depressions with a paste made from sawdust and epoxy. Mix the two materials with a plastic scraper on a flat piece of cardboard and apply it like wood filler. This material creates a stronger repair than plain wood filler, especially if you mix it very thick and stiff with a large amount of sawdust and a small amount of epoxy. Apply it quickly because the epoxy sets up fast. Allow it to dry then sand it smooth.

Sand the entire area with a fine-grit foam sanding block until it's smooth. Inspect all repairs for uniformity with the surrounding surface and add repeated applications where necessary. Re-sand after additional applications.

Wipe the area with a tack cloth to remove all dust then refinish as desired.