A proven way to repair wood defects: you only need two components and a couple of tricks
I have been using this method for over 10 years and it suits me completely. It's about putty, or rather about homemade putty.
For its manufacture, only two components are required - PVA glue and wood dust or very fine sawdust.
It would seem that the composition is known and the story can be finished on this, but there are several nuances on which a lot depends.
First, why PVA glue, and not say epoxy or varnish.
I have tried both epoxy and different varnishes. It works well with epoxy glue, but it takes a long time to dry. Varnishes, on the other hand, do not always give a predictable result. But PVA is well controlled and does not take very long to dry.
Second, PVA glue is needed for construction, putty made on its basis is easily sanded and in the future it takes dyes and varnishes well.
PVA glue, which I use in construction, is of different quality. The cheapest one I came across was pretty liquid and almost transparent. On its basis, the putty was not very strong and crumbled.
But the strength of the putty on such a "weak" PVA glue is easy to increase, you just need to add a little "strong" glue, which is used for gluing wood. For example this.
A small amount of such glue (up to 5% of the volume of construction) is enough to significantly increase the strength of the putty. At the same time, the ease of sanding after drying is maintained.
Third, it is better to knead and apply such a putty with a wooden or plastic spatula. When using a metal trowel, the putty darkens very quickly. Perhaps the glue reacts somehow with the metal.
These are the main points in the manufacture and use of putty. Now for the pros and cons.
pros
This homemade putty is very inexpensive to make. A small jar of glue is enough for a large amount of putty.
You can mix it immediately before use and in the required amount. Even if you mixed a lot, then this putty retains its properties for at least another day, if you put it in an airtight container or wrap it in polyethylene.
The color of the putty always matches the wood on which it is applied, because wood dust is used precisely from this wood.
She also sticks well to the tree.
Also, such a putty is almost invisible when painting or varnishing.
Minuses
This putty can dry for quite a long time - up to 12 hours. It depends on the thickness of the putty layer.
Also, this putty shrinks and sometimes you have to putty on the second time.
Alternatively, a thick layer of putty can be applied immediately to allow for shrinkage.
Considering these pros and cons, for me personally, this method of sealing wood defects is the most optimal.
Thanks for reading. I would be glad to have your support in the form of a like and a subscription to the channel. And see other publications on the channel.
Alexander.
P.S. I also invite you to your site.