Home Garden

How to Fill in Wood Imperfections on Door Frames

A door frame consists of the jambs on each side, along with the head jamb above and the stop. Imperfections in the wood that forms a door frame can result from different scenarios, such as holes from removing nails or screws and dents caused by impact on the frame. Fill in these holes and dents yourself to restore the wood frame's appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloths
  • Wood putty
  • Narrow putty knife
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Stain
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe any dirt and grease off the door frame using a cloth.

    • 2

      Scoop out wood putty using a narrow putty knife. Fill the nail holes and dents in the door frame with the putty. Spread on thin layers, one at a time, to fill deep dents and gouges.

    • 3

      Slightly mound the wood putty covering the holes and dents. Wipe off any excess putty using a cloth. Allow the putty to dry per the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 4

      Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand the putty down flush with the rest of the door frame so the entire surface is even. Sand in the direction of the wood grain.

    • 5

      Stain the repaired spots on the door frame to match the rest of the frame, if necessary. Use a paintbrush or a clean cloth to apply the stain.