How to Fill Nail Holes in Doors

Nail holes mar the finish of a door and can allow moisture enter the interior structure of the door. When moisture enters the center of a door, mold can develop, creating a health hazard. Properly filling nail holes allows you to beautify the look of the door and eliminate moisture from entering the inside of the door. Wood putty bonds to all materials and will provide lifelong protection for your door if applied correctly.

Wood putty
Metal putty knife
Piece of cardboard
180-grit sandpaper
Rag

Instructions

- 1
  Remove a small amount of wood putty from its container with the blade of a metal putty knife. Mix the putty thoroughly on the lid of the putty can or a piece of cardboard.
- 2
  Drag the blade of the putty knife over the mixed putty. Pull the wood putty loaded blade over a nail hole while holding the knife at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the door.
- 3
  Allow the wood putty to dry for 5 to 6 hours.
- 4
  Sand the dried wood putty by moving a piece of 180-grit sandpaper with the wood grain of the door. Continue sanding until the wood putty blends seamlessly with the area surrounding the nail hole.
- 5
  Wipe the sanding dust from the door with a rag. Repeat the process on all nail holes in the door.

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