Filling screw and nail holes in skirting before painting

[keiron99]

We've had a lot of new doors, architrave and skirting fitted in our extension. I was disappointed to see how many holes were left by the screws and nails holding it in place. In some places, I've already had a stab at this and just used an ordinary brown wood filler in a little tin I had lying around. However, I found it impossible to work with as it went off so quickly. I wasn't able to smooth it, and it dries so hard I couldn't sand it smooth!

I was rather bewildered by the choice at "Buy & Queue" (and alarmed at the cost) this morning so left empty handed (again!). Can anyone recommend a specific product/brand that would do the job for me? Also, would I need to treat the screw and nail heads first to prevent rust in the lnger term?

[Bob Mannix]

Prime with universal primer (taking care to cover metal). Fill with fine Polyfilla (or similar), sand, undercoat, gloss.

Why, may I ask, were you filling with wood filler in an attempt to match the colour if you are painting? If you want to varnish, of course, it's a different kettle of fish....

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Try wetting the filler or sandpaper and then sanding.

If not modellers putty as the filler.

[sm_jamieson]

NOTE: always use cement-based filler that you mix with water. Other types shrink when drying leaving a concave dent above the screw holes. I know, I did it, and had to fill all the holes several times or overfill and sand to get them flat. Simon.

[keiron99]

I just used it because, I assumed, I should fill holes in wood with wood filler!

Past experience with Pollyfilla in wood hasn't been very succesfull for me - it almost inevitably cracks.

[keiron99]

That's my experience too. Sorry to sound dumb but what is "cement based" filler ?

[Bob Mannix]

It should be fine in nail/screw head size holes and painted over - I have never done it any other way and never had a problem (unless caused by another problem - loose fixing, too much movement etc). Fixing up to varnish is a right PITA though.

[sm_jamieson]

Most of the powder fillers will be cement-based. It will say on the packet something like "contains portland cement". I think I used this:

you are keeping a wood finish of course, its a different matter. The only proper way then is to screw and plug the holes, as a pro would do.

Simon.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

> If you are keeping a wood finish of course, its a different matter.

Modellers putty is cement based and is managable to get a smooth surface with a little light rubbing when hard.

[Stuart Noble]

Interior filler is the right stuff, you just need to mix it thicker