Chisel away any splinters near the crack. This will prepare the surface for your patch and give it a professional, smooth appearance.
Apply the wood putty over the crack with a putty knife. Use only a small amount at a time and work slowly. Fill in the area and scrape off the excess around the crack with your putty knife. If the crack is deep, you can fill it with wood shavings first to give it a strong bond and reduce the amount of putty needed. If using wood shavings, press them in firmly. Coat the top over with putty. Let the wood putty dry until it is hard to the touch.
Sand down the wood putty with a fine-grit sandpaper. Extend your edges over the area of the wood around the crack to blend in your work. The surface should be smooth and flush with the rest of the wood. Wipe down the area with a tack cloth to remove the sanding dust.
Apply wood stain with a paintbrush over the patched area. Apply the stain by following the direction of the grain of the wood. Use a very light coat. Let this dry for at least two hours. If the color does not match, sand the area lightly and apply another coat.
Coat the patched area with a clear polyurethane. This will protect the wood from cracks and scratches. Sand the spot lightly first, then apply the polyurethane with a paintbrush and let it dry.