How to fill nail holes in trim: 13 steps with pictures.

Installation of trim that needs filling results in nail holes.The holes might be caused by finish nails or tiny pinprick holes.You can fill in the holes before painting.The results of this simple project will help your project look professional.

There is a big difference between water and solvent-based wood fillers.When spread out over wide areas, water-based fillers are weak because they are creamy to smooth on and easy to clean up.If you wait until they dry, they will be sticky and difficult to clean up.They dry rock-hard, far stronger than their water-based counterparts.You don't need to be very strong with interior nail holes.In many cases the filled holes will be covered with primer or paint, both of which provide some stability for water-based fillers.

Since the wood will be covered with paint, you can use any color of wood filler.If the trim is pre-finished or you will finish it with stain and/or clear sealer, make sure you choose a color-matched filler that blends with the natural coloring of the wood.Common wood species can be matched with different colors of Fillers.You can purchase kits that include a filler base and colorants that you mix together to create custom colors.

The best way to fill a nail hole is with your finger.Put something on your finger.Give it a quick look by pressing the filler into the hole.If necessary, fill the hole completely.To leave a smooth ridge over the area, it's best to overfill the hole slightly.

A putty knife may be required for larger holes.While keeping your fingers clean, the putty knife allows you to scoop up wood filler from the container and press it into the hole.The main value is that you can use the putty knife to remove excess wet putty.This reduces the amount of sanding you have to do.

Take a small amount of filler from the container and use it to make a putty knife.The filler should be moved to the trim.The hole should be pushed into by the filler.Remove the excess by rubbing the knife down the trim.Excess putty can be deposited into the container.

The wood filler should be closed between applications.A minute or two is all it takes for the filler to develop a dry shell on top.

One benefit of using water-based filler is that you can use it on your finger.Sand off the crumbles and protrusions with your finger after the filler has dried.A cotton glove is a good sanding device.