Putty Trick

Masking tape & putty When filling some nail holes with putty, I sometimes smear the putty around without too much thought. This can cause problems if the putty is lighter than the wood around it, which results in large ugly blotches (instead of tiny nail-sized spots). Fortunately, I found a better way to fill the holes with less mess.

Before even picking up the hammer and nails, first I applied a strip of masking tape. Then I nailed and set the heads like I normally would.

Finally, force the putty into the holes and remove the tape. The small “bump” of putty that remains can be easily sanded away.

For more helpful project tips, techniques, and plans, visit PlansNOW.

Good Woodworking,

Ted Raife
Online Editor, Woodsmith

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Printer-Friendly Version Putty Trick When filling some nail holes with putty, I sometimes smear the putty around without too much thought. This can cause problems if the putty is lighter than the wood around it, which results in large ugly blotches (instead of tiny nail-sized spots). Fortunately, I found a better way to fill the holes with less mess. Before even picking up the hammer and nails, first I applied a strip of masking tape. Then I nailed and set the heads like I normally would. Finally, force the putty into the holes and remove the tape. The small “bump” of putty that remains can be easily sanded away. For more helpful project tips, techniques, and plans, visit PlansNOW. Good Woodworking, Ted Raife Online Editor, Woodsmith Send for a preview issue of Woodsmith magazine More Tips & Techniques Index of Tips by E-mail More Tips & Techniques WoodNET, Woodworking on the Web Subscriber Links Update your Email Preferences Subscribe
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