How to Use a Wood Filler to Cover Scrapes and Indentations in Cedar Boards

Cedar boards can be used for siding, fencing, window and door trim, paneling or in any spot where you need to cover defects in cedar. Cedar has a rough texture and you can patch scrapes, dents, gouges or defects easily with wood filler. Wood filler properties are different from those of traditional wood putty. Typical wood putty dries hard. Wood filler stays pliable for years to absorb the natural shrinking and expansion of cedar or any other wood. Use a commercial wood filler to patch cedar and it will stay in place for years to come.

Steel brush
Putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Brush the scrape mark or indention vigorously with a steel brush to remove any loose splinters, chips or debris.
- 2
  Scoop filler out of the container with a putty knife.
- 3
  Smash the filler into the indentation with the tip of the putty knife. Use the flexibility of the knife to spread the filler as you bend and slide the end of the knife with the filler over the indentation.
- 4
  Spread the filler over the indentation evenly. If you run out of filler, scoop out some more and continue until the indentation is full of filler.
- 5
  Blend the edges of the filler out flat with the putty knife. Let the filler dry for 24 hours.
- 6
  Apply more filler if there is any shrinkage of the filler.

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