Make your Nail Holes VANISH

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[@ozcampnhuntdan7858]

As a carpenter I love leaving the filling work to the painter.

[@georgekilroy2670]

you would not believe the amount of work a painter has to do after some of the “wood butchers” I’ve had to follow…but then there’s the master carpenters who really care about their finish work!

[@truecrimejungle]

That must be the reason my painters quotes are so expensive 😂

[@da324]

So what you're really saying is, you're a lazy carpenter.

[@ozcampnhuntdan7858]

@@da324 Not really , I try to use minimum nails with glues and as finer guage nails as practical, I just hate filling.

[@truecrimejungle]

@@da324 I'm not a carpenter, I hire carpenters. I can't afford domino'd casing. I guarantee most finish carpenters would prefer to spend an entire day on no fill trim...but there's budgets and deadlines 🤙

[@billw5189]

On those shallow depressions, I like to use a nail or punch to add some depth to the hole before filling

[@papabash]

After trying the usual products out there i settled many years ago on the Durhams rock hard water putty on paint grade trim.. You can mix up a small or large batch with a little water as needed. Sometimes using a small squeeze bottle you can pinpoint a dollop on the nail or screw hole proud of the trim & that eliminates all the excess material and sanding later. Just my 2 cents anyway now retired after 42 years in the trade . Thank god for people like you that carry on the quality of work that you do. Keep up the good work its a great way to make an honest living.

[@petemclinc]

I concur, pin pointing the filler eliminates the need for excessive sanding which can cut thru the primer leaving an uneven surface. I use B-I-N primer after filing and level sanding.

[@whatthehellimbored]

I was just about to recommend it when I saw your comment

[@papatutti59]

You can never go wrong with Durhams.

[@Annie261.]

👍🏻👏🏻

[@sunoclockoneday2576]

Durham is good stuff 👍 When the work is being painted for nail holes I like to use 20 minute drywall mud . It is by far the quickest and easiest to make the hole compleatly disappear.

[@maddierosemusic]

One thing to mention is how irregular it is to sand Bondo against a soft pine - If the filler is hard like Bondo and you sand too aggressively you may wear away the pine faster than the Bondo. Another great video!

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Ding ding ding!

[@brianb3107]

I ran into this same problem.

[@alfredonski]

wow I just recently found that out the hard way. luckily I caught in time.

[@tonyc7352]

Yes, and in that case I have found it is better to start with hard-backed sandpaper, not foam backed such as block of wood. This sort of "planes" it down and you can better control what is actually having material removed. Then switch to more hard-foam backed.

[@aladincarpetcleaning6416]

This is EXACTLY what I've been waiting to see for several years now! Thank you very much!

[@truthdogschell8473]

The mantle was absolutely beautiful. I love the detail. Great job.

[@gabemckay6718]

Holy smokes. That fireplace is stunning. Great work!!

[@ToolShow]

Freak'n love detailed videos on simple subjects like this. Super useful info that will make even my DIY projects look more professional. Thanks Richard!

[@ronmacey1598]

I've been at woodworking for almost 50 years and I agree with some of the other comments that clearly the best filler I've found by far is MH. I tried Famowood and went back to MH. I've also found that using painters masking tape first over anything I'm going to use a nailer on GREATLY reduces the filler/sanding hassle and time spent. After you run around and fill all the nail holes, you just peel off the tape. What you're left with is just the filler filling the nail hole itself - Very easy to knock down with 2-3 quick swipes of 180-220 grit. Otherwise, doing it the traditional way here, you're trying to bring dozens or hundreds of those tiny "pitcher's mounds" of hardened filler back to virtual flat. LOTS of time required. Hope this helps. LOVE your site and all the QUALITY help you provide!

[@richspring1]

Indoor, outdoor - MH has served me well too.

[@richspring1]

Thanks Ron. You mean you cover the whole area with tape first? Just leave a bare spot around holes..?

[@user-tg5xh3kt1y]

I love MH I have been using it for 40 years , , I use 3M stick it sand paper , on blocks of wood with different profiles. I also tint the MH with universal tint to help with see it in primed wood😊

[@ronmacey1598]

wherever you plan to shoot your nailer, lay down a strip of masking tape first. It's an extra step but it only takes 10 seconds. Shoot your nails through the tape. push in your nail filler and leave just a tiny bit more to allow for a miniscule bit of MH shrinkage. Peel off the tape while the filler is till damp. You'll be left with filler only the size of the nail head. In a couple hours you can go back and touch down that tiny bit of nail head filler with some 220 grit. No little pitchers mounds or "whiteheads" as we called them in our teenage years to deal with. When you peel back the masking tape, you're removing 90% of the "overfill" of the filler that would've been hardened on the surface of the molding. E-Z! @@richspring1

[@jpjp3873]

That sounds like a great idea!👍. I’ll have to try that.

[@andyrichardson6761]

your craftsmanship and attention to detail are remarkable... you always do great work!

[@RipVW68]

Thanks for the wood filler recommendation - helpful. Nice progress on the mantle. Always appreciated.

[@deanaoxo]

I've been making and finishing off and on for more years than I like to count. I always learn something from you. I'm about to make a pedestal for a faux fireplace, and I know there are going to be a bunch of holes, I'm using an Australian wood filler that looks like it has very much the same properties of the one you like(which I've already ordered)and always did multiple steps. Very much like your method and can't wait to try it. Any time you can eliminate steps, is a good time. Thanks for your content.

[@drjrjules1]

YEAHHH! I asked for this video in a previous comment!! lol thanks man!! you're getting a thumbs up before I even watch it.

[@robertwear1675]

Sheetrock mud is the fastest and best way to fill small nail holes in painted wood. If put on with a trowel with a little pressure the wood will soak up the moisture quickly and the mud will stand proud of the wood and sand off easily and flush. Paint will make the mud hard enough.

[@user-on2yd5fk1q]

Wow, I'm in the middle of replacing the dinky door casing in my builder-grade house with something more substantial and have been disappointed in the plastic wood filler I've been using to fill the nail holes. You couldn't have posted this video at a better time! Heading over to Amazon right now. Thanks!

[@iTheFireDragon]

Nicely done. I've been a spray painter for 30 yrs. After first coat of primer, I always go back and use a work light and red glaze to make sure everything is corrected. The light really helps you see everything. And when you're done, it's like glass.

[@batmansdad3195]

A spot light in the dark. It will cast shadows that would scare Casper himself. When I used to tape houses full time I always blocked with a light in the dark, now I'm finding more guys doing it

[@bartholomewgreatpants3425]

​@batmansdad3195 how did you deal with customers not wanting you there before or after the sun goes up or down?

[@batmansdad3195]

@@bartholomewgreatpants3425 in new con you can do the hours you want, for Reno's I blocked the windows and informed them I need the lights off. They 100% agree with me when I told them I can see more than using light to fight light and they'd head out while I sanded. Winter months are the best, it was dark at 4:30 and sunrise was 8:30, so I'd show up super early and sponge out or show up at 4

[@scottspropertyservices6877]

Agreed. Because you could patch & sand, then in a couple hours when the light moves through the room it shows up new spots to be patched. Chase your tail all day without a light! Or worse - the client points it out once your packed & cleaned😩 I find a good quality torch held parallel to the workpiece you don’t need the room blacked out. As long as it’s not direct sunlight of course

[@HawaiianNeal]

Fantastic result! Great to know what fillers is the best. Thank you!

[@KevinStreet510]

Great job man. Going to try that filler on my next job. Thank you for all your advice. Mantle build is a great series....really enjoying it.

[@lennyadamowicz7642]

Nice job! Details are amazing! 🫡👍🫡

[@paint1956]

I love your channel and have been a subscriber for years, and I wish all carpenters had your commitment to doing quality work. Please don't misunderstand my advice for other painters out there. As a profession painter of 47 years working in Palm Beach and a 17 year veteran contractor I've patched at least a million nail holes. Funny thing, I never minded nail holes before the nail gun was invented. The painters out there know what I'm talking about. FamoWood is a little to grainy for a final fill but it is a good choice, use a putty knife and press hard , it will pop up and leave a crown . Bondo and then glazing putty are the best choices but there is a lot of waste and wasted time, so it depends on the budget. Any of the other choices will work fine as a first fill because I always go over them with a high quality finely ground final coat like Synkoloid (1st choice) or Mh spackle. By the way Bondo makes a special formula for wood that sands much easier, and use white hardener.

[@DoraDominguezCarey]

... Hello, Richard. Excellent work there. Love this series involving the mantle and related molding. Hugs from Midland, Texas.

[@cubanb805]

As a licensed contractor here in California, just like you I have used just about every single one in the market and I have end up with Old Masters White Putty Stick!…it’s the best and excess putty is removed very easily and clean.

[@jeffweber8244]

Helpful. Will try that product on next project.

[@detroitdiy]

Thanks for sharing that information, Richard. I was hoping you would make this video. The bigger trim screw holes always seem to sink in with other products. Next trim job I know what filler I am using.

[@richspring1]

As always, a thorough, factual tutorial.!

[@davidhawkins4903]

Great topic and explainations. Got alot info that will help me on future projects.

[@KristopherChambers]

Famowood fillers are top of the line for stained or painted applications. It's what you'll see in professional cabinet shops, it's what the cabinet shop suppliers sale, etc. The only issue we ever had with it was filling hairline cracks in painted (conversion varnish paint) solid wood cabinet doors. Because it is so hard, It has a habit of cracking when the joints expand and contract over time. Lightweight spackle seemed to hold up better in that instance since it is somewhat flexible.

[@1jongreg]

Another great video.i enjoy watching your amazing craftsmanship. I've been a remodeler for close to 50 years and my favorite is MH ready patch. It has very little shrinkage and is quite hard. the only drawback is that it's a little hard to sand.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

I like the filler that is made with Talc. It is light and easy to use and you can use your fingers instead of using a pallet knife. It dries within 5 minutes and does not shrink.

[@timriggs6974]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@dansullivan2954]

Bought some yesterday. I do like the Durhams water putty too.

[@skyenoodle]

I love this channel and have used it to take on my own projects. The only problem is I take so long to finish anything that many of the products I started using because of FCTV are now at the bottom of the list…hardboard filler panels on wainscot, CA glue, and now DAP pink filler. It is nice to see the progression though, I guess I just need to work faster. I’m about a year into a coffered ceiling and 18’/11’ high paneled walls in my 2 story foyer. I should be finished up any day now…

[@noahgarrett9555]

Wow I’ve tried all but the one you have used and I gotta say I’ve never had a problem with drydex for nail holes.

[@jjjrican3544]

Nicely done brother 🤘🤠

[@Maxkil]

some great advice here mate! yeah some timber fillers are really hit and miss these days, I've been using linseed oil putty, overfilling it waiting for it to dry then sand. It can shrink though, definitely don't want it visible after a high gloss finish coat

[@lachutequimarche8074]

Nothing like listening to someone with competence who can speak with confidence.

[@MrSubliminalStudios]

I would highly recommend Red Devil Vinyl Patch. It’s got a consistency similar to Cool Whip, it’s very cheap, and if you add just a splash of water to the big tub and mix, you can work very quickly. You can get very smooth results in a short time. The only thing I’d say bad about it is that since it’s so lightweight, it’s easy to get some where you don’t intend to, but if you have a plastic flexible scraper, you can knock off the little boogers very quickly. Sands easy and takes paint extremely well. I use it for drywall, wood, and even pvc or polystyrene trim work.

[@thepreston1021]

This was great, Subscribed!

[@greggcoulter6008]

Are we ever gonna see this painted? Come on already. What’s the hold up? Obviously I’m just kidding but I really am looking forward to the final reveal. It looks fantastic. A great before and after for your website or portfolio.

[@breatheeasyOfficialChannel]

I'm saying the same thing lol

[@wayneguy6043]

No really, the sent a man to the moon in less time…..🎉

[@MichaelZarate-bz8kn]

Sherwin Williams also makes one similar to this. Also “stainable”. It stains up decent but it’s a great wood filler for sure. If I were installing stain grade trim I’d make my own putty with the saw dust from my sander. Some glue and sawdust mixed together works best in my opinion

[@chris-C8]

I don't think you understand how much I HATED trim work until I found this channel. Thanks for making my life a lot easier when doing trim! I mean, I still avoid it, but it's not as bad if I'm forced to do it.

[@rclarite7]

Looks AWESOMETACULAR!!!!

[@MrTresto]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Spanxxxy]

Phew! Glad I was already using what you recommended. I like to keep the small cup to refill with the larger cup, so I don't end up drying out too much product. Between uses I clear out the little remnants from the small cup, let it dry, then scrape clean with a chisel.

[@echoewest2685]

This is a very informative, useful video, thanks for sharing.

[@bennym1956]

painting works great for me !!!

[@waltk9492]

Excellent work my friend!

[@adamkirkland4348]

I love famowood, found it by accident at hardwood dealer and haven’t looked back since. It sands supper fast and smooth.

[@impi3]

Dang it, i have been filling with the Spackle and rubbiing it smooth, since i watched your Wainscot videos. and back filling with the 3M bondo.(the red stuff). it has been working great. i will try this method next time. glad you are showing this part.

[@tjh_8913]

Works well for me too! Always good info from this channel

[@TruePatriot76]

Sherwin Williams sells a 3M hole filler product that I use on a daily basis as a painter. Drys fast and doesn't shrink. They also have a large hole filler that has fibers in it witch is good for wall repairs. Best product I have found so far. 👍

[@russdee333]

I can back this 3m is great

[@rogerweaver7686]

Was going to point out the holes that you missed but realized it is dirt on my screen...Also, I like Durhams, it's a powder so you can mix as much as you need and make it as wet or dry as you want. It gets harder than woodpecker lips in just a few minutes.

[@JT_70]

I had the same problem with my screen!

[@kevinoneill41]

Thanks. Great vid. I've been using an acrylic caulk. Seems to hide all these DIYer's imperfections. But I'm going to try your product.

[@pauldershem]

I always set up a work light shining tangent to the surface when filling and sanding. The raking light makes it MUCH easier to see the surface texture.

[@AB-nu5we]

Very nice finish on the mantle. I often use raking light when it comes to filling nail holes and looking for dings. I can often get everything filled on the first pass. Still, your method produces great results.

[@TrisGarage]

I've tried a bunch of different filler products like DAP and Bondo, but Bondo is 2 part and it hardens like a rock making it difficult to sand. Famowood gave me the best results for a smooth surface finish. The product itself is a fine paste and quickly dries making it easy to sand and paint.

[@joeyjohnson9765]

I love famowood, I’ve also watered it down even thinner to fill grain better

[@wchops7578]

Oh hey, just what I was asking for!!

[@jelsner5077]

Looks great!

[@spilleradam]

Very good Richard , I like watching your videos. 👍

[@carl3500]

Big fan of elmers wood filler. Strick not soft sands very fine

[@Mr1fingersalute]

Great video and the mantle looks amazing! I’m in the process of pulling my hair out filling nail holes now lol. The Dap wood filler (natural color) was working fine for me but I would have to fill twice. I got some of the same in white ( except that one came in a tube instead of a tub… but said basically the same stuff on it ) thinking it would save me a step since the trim was painted before installing and the s*** is flashing! It seems grittier than the natural colored one also and doesn’t sand as nice. Stuff sucks and I won’t use it again. I’m going to see if I can find the famowood and give it a shot. Thanks!🙌🏻

[@dougdiplacido2406]

When I first started using a nail gun I found that I was using way too many nails. Being that I am the finisher also I was way more careful to use only the amount of nails that were needed. Great video.

[@rxcalvosa]

Glazing putty and a very flexible knife. Push into hole with thumb then shizzle between thumb and surface. Try it - you might be surprised

[@71organicmusic9]

Durhams/rockys......water putty...my favorite....yellow powder..just add water 💧

[@hmtrimworks7148]

I used to use Dap 88 Painters Putty. •Now I just use 30min spackle/drywall compound mixed in a plastic cup and apply with my finger. It costs next to nothing, very easy to sand and leaves a great finish.

[@Nan_cc]

Quickset 30? Like hot mud or regular green lid joint compound? Thanks! :)

[@FortressFineWoodworks]

That will be a fun one! I also use famowood filler but I wouldn't dare use 120 grit on primed trim. Those scratch marks are hard to sand out, and they would translate through into the satin topcoat. But maybe your last coat of primer does the trick.

[@kellysingle1278]

Looking forward to trying this one! Been on a search for years for the best filler. Recently been trying our JB wood putty for larger holes which makes a decent base fill. Also been testing out timbermate which looks similar to this. Painter here that appreciates your videos! Mantle is looking amazing!!!

[@russdee333]

Check out the 3m fillers

[@Lib3x]

I use wax with matching color code, in sweden we have two standards in white NCS s0500-N (neutral white) and NCS s0502-y (warm white, or Ikea white - it matches that yellow hint that ikea uses on their cabinets and furniture). just rub it in the hole and wipe/"sand" the access with a paper towel. can even be painted after. if needed. works for deep scratches, dings, cracks or splits, beats waiting for fillers to dry, if you''re on the clock :) wont crumble or leave a small indentation. as the tip of the stick replicates the surface it rubbs agains. plus you dont have to paint or risk compromize any details on the trim. if you're unhappy with the result it's more or less reversable, just add heat and wipe it off

[@jeromestsauver]

After sanding but before priming do you wipe down with a wet cloth? vacuum?

[@luisvega1294]

I use a bondo spreader cut it to any size and feather fill the holes so not to waste any product may have to hit holes more than once but dries fast because your not overloaded and you dont have to sand all that excess..i also apply caulk same way

[@peterdeans4635]

Try filling at the end of the day with a tiny flashlight in your spare hand, this will hi light all dents and scratches. Use the shadows to your advantage👍😊

[@katenicholson-pole3957]

Best results. Overlay delicate tape, nail, add the wood filler, pull the tape off. If you need to sand...probably not...and then paint. I lot of overhead however, the end result is awesome.

[@Cerceify]

Thanks. I have a beautiful sunken cypress beadboard porch ceiling that my late partner put in during the heat of summer 2019. He would only use finish nails! I now have a few boards coming loose and am afraid I'll mess up the wood using a larger nail and filler. Got to get something to stay as the original ceiling behind the cypress is greenboard.

[@chammer171]

Great Video, this is top quality. I had a question about caulk, I don't think you mentioned it anywhere in the video. Curious to know what joints you would caulk, which ones you would not caulk and why. How do you avoid paint cracking along joints. Great video thanks!!

[@rickcimino5483]

so clean

[@explicittruth1471]

Painters should take note. 90% of them done care to put in the effort for this task

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Great job. Patience pays off. I’ll try your preferred filler. You may want to try Timbermate filler. It’s my favorite stain-grade filler , especially if you can find a close color match to the species you’ve used.

[@Cerceify]

Thanks. I'll check that out for my Cypress ceiling.

[@ryannahodil8971]

Absolutely love Famowood! Been using it exclusively for 3 years and I’ve yet to get a call back for a crease, nail hole or fill cracking!

[@TroyStevensStelzerPaintingInc]

Would've been nice to have reflective light to see the "after" shots, but it looks like it turned out well. One step not mentioned is airing out the holes of dust before filling also ensures optimum adhesion of the wood filler. I've seen lots of filler crumble during the sanding when people try to fill dusty holes.

[@Dazza19746]

Thank you 🙏 I thought for a second you were going to recommend the two part stuff! ( golf ball to pea). But 100 percent agree it’s great for repairing stuff ups etc. especially selleys heavy duty bog, green tinge not the pink crap. Just orders some of this, not cheap 👍🏻

[@AdanFrausto-bm2bn]

Great job like always. Where do you buy the Famowood wood filler? Thanks

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

I know it gets mixed reviews but my go-to is still the drydex in the tube. I cut the tip ~3/16 and press it directly on the nail hole and squeeze pretty hard until it splooges out the sides and then I lighten up and let it overflow the hole a bit. This ensures that the hole is completely jammed with filler and the excess allows for the shrinkage. The shrinkage seems to be the open loose grain of the wood created by the nail hole just pulling the moisture out of the filler and drawing it into the hole. The method I use with a bit of excess accounts for that. One pass of filler chased with some 220 grit and you couldn't find the heads with a spotlight and magnifying glass. It's reliable and efficient just pressing the tip to the nail holes and squeezing. It's also very clean because you don't need to use your finger to work it in. I'm still going to give your product a try but I figured I'd throw this out there because I've had really good luck with drydex using this method.

[@PaulMikna]

I've also had good results.... Use it all the time and then I typically paint over it within hours of filling the holes and I get great results. I do use the wood fillers on some repairs, but waiting hours for setting/drying is a real downside to working with them.

[@ignacio5283]

drydex in a tube, really? sounds perfect. never seen it with the tubs, then again I wasn't looking for it.

[@victormanzella933]

I'm a huge fan of that stuff

[@brilog69]

I like your advice!

[@franciscogutierrez357]

Thanks for the tip

[@martinkingphotography]

It would be interesting to see this done on stain grade work.

[@stevekarnes3071]

Your videos are so informative, excellently executed, and professionally done!

[@louisgaccione7794]

I really like your channel.. your so talented!! I'v learned a lot from you and your techniques, I wish I had your scene of calmness and level of patience, (so good). My question is what kind if palm sander are you using here..... Thank you for sharing your craft w/ the world.. Lou

[@electricalron]

Wow, so much better watching this at home on my 30" iMac thabnq my iPhone. Great work, Richard.

[@AW-yv9sq]

Just watch it on your tv

[@scottyee707]

I like that 3m stuff, it swells, drys hard and is still easy to sand, but it dries a little too quick.

[@johnfarrell3171]

Greetings and hope all's well. Thanks for another recommendation, I'll be starting a trim work project soon and It'll be a new venture for me so I'm sure there'll be a few blems to correct LOL. Just watched your vid on the CA glue as well and wondering if it would be effective repairing the stretchers that pulled apart from the legs on my oak dining room chairs. The Elmer's & clamping I tried previously obviously didn't do the trick (Easter dinner crash & burn here and it wasn't pretty). Any thoughts from you or folks in the group would be appreciated . . .

[@ddutton0]

Famowood is great! 🤠

[@davemeiser521]

I prefer MH ready patch for filler as for me it dries hard and sands flat but to each their own During the renovation of our 100+ year farmhouse, I had custom millwork made to match the original in the house. the trim carpenters didn't cut off areas of snipe and at least to me it was glaringly visible. I ended up using the glazing putty to fill in the snipe as wood filler didn't stick when sanding. Took several layers with sanding between to get it so the snipe was gone

[@joshuareed3999]

I recommend MH to everyone after trying just about every filler imaginable! I'm glad to know someone else shares my affinity for that product!

[@CHenry1951]

I was wondering what you use on nail holes....................... thanks for sharing

[@ajdonally1522]

I haven't tried Famowood..I'll give is a go. One I do like is Shur..non shrink and applied in the same manner as Famo. I also ..where able..do the painters tape trick before I nail it. You get the little build up..and reduce sanding .

[@Luissanchezisunza]

My father used the same type of wood filler since like the 1960's

[@DrumzRool1]

Hey, love your content. You inspired me to do an accent wall, ceiling feature, and wainscotting in my home! :-) Can you tell me what sander you are using? I don't see it in your list of equipment below. Thank you.

[@eggsoups]

MH Ready Patch is my putty of choice - give it a shot👍

[@joeysawdust]

I thought for sure that he'd show MH in the product shot! Surprising!

[@toonybrain]

I’ve never seen that brand wood filler in my local stores. My local hardware store carries Zar brand wood patch. I think it’s the best available to me here.

[@shawnosaurus1]

Thank you!!!!

[@gl5986]

Red glazing putty is fine for nail holes as long as you overfill (which you should be doing with any filler anyways) and wait until it’s completely dry to sand

[@Bobtrain007]

I use a 23 gage pin nailer and some glue. You don’t need a heavier gage nailer.