How to Repair Cracks in a Wood Banister

Although a wooden banister adds a nice touch to your house, scratches and cracks often compromise the wood. However, a simple crack isn’t cause for concern because a bit of wood filler will fix the eyesore. Wood fillers come as solvent-based and water-based. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, although water-based fillers do not contain harmful fumes as solve-based fillers do. Always buy wood filler that will not shrink once it dries.

Plastic knife or putty knife
Wood filler
320-grit sandpaper
600-grit sandpaper
Cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Clean all debris from the crack with either a plastic knife or putty knife. Gently slide the debris out of the crack.
- 2
  Test the color of the wood filler by dabbing a bit of the filler onto a piece of white paper. Ensure that the filler matches the color of your wood banister.
- 3
  Apply wood filler to a putty knife. If a putty knife is too large, use a plastic applicator. Place the putty knife into the wood crack at an angle so the filler fills the entire crack. Lift the knife up, and smooth the filler over the crack. Wipe away the excess with a wet cloth.
- 4
  Allow the putty to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it dries, it will likely appear uneven. Sand it with fine sandpaper. If you’re applying a finisher, use 180-grit sandpaper. If you’re not using a finisher, use 320-grit sandpaper.
- 5
  Apply a wood finisher, if necessary. To sand the finisher, use 600-grit sandpaper.

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