- Epoxy wood filler is a project you are able to do yourself with the right tools, processes, and expertise.
- Following all of the appropriate steps, including prepping the area and applying the filler correctly, will make the DIY epoxy wood filler process easier.
- Preservan offers professionals that specialize in epoxy wood filler to help with all of your wood rot needs.
Wood rot is a more common issue within homes and properties than most people like to realize. In fact, wood rot is so common in areas that have humid climates, the deterioration oftentimes happens faster than repairs are made. Luckily, there are quick and reliable solutions for wood rot at any stage. Epoxy wood filler is the top wood rot repair solution on the market. Good news, too: it’s DIY friendly!
What Is Epoxy Wood Filler
If you’ve never heard of this solution, allow us to explain. Epoxy wood filler is a two-part compound made of resin and hardener that, when mixed, creates a durable bonding agent. Epoxy wood filler is ideal for repairing and enhancing wooden surfaces with great structural integrity.
What Is Epoxy Wood Filler Used For
There are a few different ways epoxy wood filler can be used including fixing cracks, gauges, and imperfections in wood. It can be used for structural bonding and lamination as well as restoring aged, rotten, and weathered wood in both indoor and outdoor settings. Epoxy wood filler is especially useful in marine or moisture prone environments. Using epoxy filler increases durability and visual appeal in any wood surface.
DIY Epoxy Wood Filler Repair Steps
The following steps need to be followed very closely to avoid the risk of further damage. Below we go in depth about exactly what each step entails in order to help you with your future DIY project. Keep in mind the different brands of wood filler epoxy will require different cure times and mixing steps. Let’s get you set up for success in your DIY epoxy wood filler journey!
1. Identify and Assess the Damage
One of the first steps in wood filler repair is assessing the damage. Figuring out whether the damage is artificially on the surface, or structural is a good way to see if you can do the wood repair yourself or if you need more expertise. It’s important to look for signs of moisture damage and evaluate the depth of the wood rot. Keep in mind that not all of the wood will be visibly damaged.
2. Prepare For The DIY Process
When doing a DIY epoxy wood filler project, there are a few steps to get prepared for. Steps will include gathering the tools and following all safety measures. The safety measures are very important if you plan on doing this by yourself. Safety precautions you will need are gloves, eye protection, and proper ventilation to avoid breathing in any fumes created from the epoxy.
DIY Epoxy Wood Filler Tools
- Epoxy gun
- Paintbrushes
- Scraper
- Rotary tool
- Putty knife
3. Remove the Rotted Wood
The next step in the DIY epoxy wood filler process is using a rotary tool or router with a V-bit to grind/sand out any damaged areas. It’s crucial that you take out ALL of the damaged areas to make certain you are not just covering them or adding the epoxy on top. In this step you are trying to get out all of the loose materials, like the wood and any paint.
4. Let the Area Dry
One of the most important steps in the DIY epoxy wood filler process is making sure the area you are looking at is completely dry. In order to guarantee your wood rot won’t get worse, the area has to be dried 100%. Ensuring all of the moisture is gone before applying anything to the wood is key before applying epoxy. Having moisture underneath the epoxy wood filler repair can create bubbling or further the wood rot.
5. Apply a Wood Hardener
The next step is to apply a wood hardener. This is an optional step but it is highly recommended, especially if doing this project by yourself. You will brush on a bonding agent to the exposed wood you are working on. This is to help the epoxy apply better and more smoothly as well as help the adhesion. It will help because it stabilizes the remaining wood fibers. It is a liquid resin that soaks into the wood to make this happen.
6. Mix the Epoxy Wood Filler
Before applying the epoxy, you will need to mix the epoxy wood filler together to get it ready to apply. You will need to use something to mix it, either manually or a drill with a mixing blade. Follow the mixing directions according to the type of epoxy you bought to make sure you are doing it correctly, each one is a bit different. Typically, you will need to mix until the color is uniform to ensure it is ready for effective curing.
7. Apply the Epoxy Filler
While applying the epoxy may be one of the harder parts in this process, there are a couple of things you can do to make it easier. The epoxy will be pliable before curing, with your gloves on, try your best to fit it into the shape of the wood you are repairing. Packing the filler deeply with a putty knife will make sure that there are no air bubbles that may compromise your repair. It is important to work quickly and carefully, and it’s okay to slightly over fill the area since you will be sanding it later. The real challenge will be to match any contours in the wood.
8. Let the Filler Cure
Next, in the epoxy wood filler process, you will need to let the wood fully cure. The curing time is, again, different for each type of epoxy and will depend on what type you buy. The times can range from about 30 minutes for rapid curing products, to several hours, most people just wait overnight. This is another time where you must follow the manufactures directions very strictly to get the best and strongest results.
9. Sand the Surface
After completely curing, you will need to sand down the surface with coarse grit sand paper. It is best to start with a coarse grit and then move to more fine grit to get the surface as smooth as possible. Professionals will ensure a flawless blend between the original surface and the newly fixed surface. Doing this on your own is possible but will be a lot of labor. Dust removal is another key for before painting, it is best to use a damp cloth after sanding.
10. Prime and Paint
The last step in repairing wood rot with epoxy wood filler is painting or staining the area to match the rest of the surface. This step will depend greatly on the type of wood you are repairing. As an overarching idea, it is best to start with a layer of primer. Next you will paint one to two coats of the desired paint/stain. It is highly recommended by professionals to top these coats off with a sealant to protect it from future damage.
Is DIY Wood Rot Repair With The Epoxy Wood Filler Process Worth It?
Doing any project yourself instead of hiring professionals comes with a list of pros and cons. DIYing would be perfect for smaller repairs but it requires careful attention and technique. That is not to say you can’t do it yourself, but sometimes you may want to consult a professional. Hiring the professionals would be better for structural or more large scale repairs. It is up to you to decide whether or not doing it yourself is worth it, but the professionals at Preservan are here to help. You may as well avoid the headache and hire them!
Epoxy Wood Filler Wood Rot Repair From Preservan
Epoxy filler stands as a reliable ally in the woodworking arsenal, capable of transforming damaged wood into sturdy and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. While it’s accessible to DIYers, the expertise of a professional ensures that the full potential of epoxy wood filler is harnessed. Especially in complex or large-scale projects. Leave it to the Preservan professionals to ensure a smooth and seamless restoration.
If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for you, visit our website. You can also book an appointment or give us a call with any questions you may have about DIY epoxy wood filler. If you aren’t sure where to begin, contact Preservan and our wood rot repair experts will take care of the rest. Our wood restoration services are affordable and eco-friendly, designed to restore your investments. Check out our website for more details and to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Preservan
Call: 866.875.4280 or visit our Locations Page to find a Preservan location near you.