I learned how an experienced carpenter masks self-tapping screws in a tree. I didn't even think it was that simple.

Creating author's pieces of furniture and home decor from wood is not complete without the use of self-tapping screws. Metal fasteners are able to give a wooden structure high strength and durability in use, but metal hats do not paint products made from expensive wood. Each craftsman has little tricks that he resorts to to hide the unaesthetic metal caps of self-tapping screws and give the product a more sophisticated appearance.

Method 1: wood putty

If the self-tapping screw is already installed, unscrew it and, using a special nozzle on the drill, deepen the hole for the self-tapping screw by 0.7 cm. Then install the self-tapping screw in its original place.

To decorate the hole, you will need a ready-made wood putty of the desired shade. Apply it with a spatula on a wooden surface, trying to fill the hole where the screw is hidden as tightly as possible.

After complete drying, process the wooden surface with a grinder.

With the right shade of putty, finding the location of the hidden metal fastener will not be easy.

Method 2: wooden plug

In the place where the self-tapping screw will be attached, drill a hole with a thin drill almost to the full depth of the fastening. Deepen the upper part of the hole with a special nozzle on the drill.

Connect the necessary parts with a self-tapping screw, installing it in the socket.

Pour PVA glue, universal glue or polymer glue for wood products into the resulting hole.

A ready-made wooden cork of the desired diameter is suitable as a plug, and if it is not available, you can cut such an element from wood scraps yourself. Insert the wooden element into the hole filled with glue and leave to dry completely.

When done well, use a thin file to remove the protruding wooden part.

The last step will be sanding the wooden surface.

Method 3: epoxy glue and sawdust

Using a thin drill and a special nozzle on the drill, form a nest in which the self-tapping screw will be installed.

Connect the parts and secure them with a metal element.

Fill the remaining recess with sawdust left after drilling. From above, fill the resulting structure with epoxy glue or a quick-drying universal adhesive.

After grinding the surface, the metal head of the self-tapping screw will be securely hidden under the decorating layer.

Method 4: Finished plastic plug

After installing the self-tapping screw, its cap can be covered with a finished polymer cap, choosing it by color, size, texture.

For a tighter fit, the plastic part can be knocked out with a hammer.

Method 5: decorating with a layer of wood

A product in which the self-tapping screw is hidden under a layer of wood will have a high aesthetics. To do this, with a wide chisel at the location of the self-tapping screw, you need to raise the layer of wood without cutting it off to the end. So that the product does not lose its appearance, it is better to make an incision in the direction of the fibers.

After moving the chips, place a self-tapping screw under it, drilling a hole for it and deepening it. Connect the necessary parts with a self-tapping screw.

After that, the chips must be returned to their original place, securing it with PVA glue or a universal adhesive.

To prevent wood shavings from sticking out after drying, the part must be clamped in a vise. Attach another wooden block pasted over with adhesive tape to the place of gluing. This will avoid sticking the finished part to the vise, and it will easily fall off the surface of the adhesive tape.

After the final drying, the part must be polished. The amazing look of natural wood with this type of connection will not be disturbed by foreign inclusions.

Method 6: dry putty

Using a thin drill, prepare a nest for placing a self-tapping screw and deepen it using a special nozzle on a drill. Place the self-tapping screw in the recess and connect the wooden parts.

From dry putty and PVA glue, prepare a thick mixture with which to fill the resulting recess.

After drying, sand the wood surface.

The head of the self-tapping screw will remain securely hidden under a layer of putty.

Using these simple methods will help you create unique author's furniture and household items, decorative crafts made of natural wood.