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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING CRACKS IN BED WOOD
- Identify location and length of the crack. If the crack goes to the end of the board, flex the end of the board with your hands to observe the extent of the crack.
- Use compressed air to blow out dust and contaminants that may have accumulated in the crack.
- Place a strip of masking tape on each side of the crack, leaving the crack and about 1/16” of the wood exposed on each side of the crack. If the crack goes all the way through the board, place the two strips on
the side which has the widest crack and cover the other side of the crack with masking tape so the glue will not flow through the crack and out the back side. Press all tape strips firmly onto the board.
- Use waterproof glue such as marine grade epoxy, cyanacrolate instant glue, or polyurethane glue.
The glue selected should have low viscosity so that it will flow into the crack and bond to the wood. Pour a small amount onto the crack between the two tape strips so it can flow down into the crack. The glue should cover the exposed wood between the two strips of tape.
- While the glue is still wet, flex the board in the area of the crack to encourage the glue to flow down into the crack. Use a thin strip of metal such as a feeler gage to push the glue into the crack if necessary. Be
sure to pour more glue on the crack if it is not completely filled.
- Remove the two strips of masking tape from the top of the board and allow the glue to dry. This may take from 10 minutes to several hours depending on conditions and the type of glue used.
- Remove the strip of tape from the bottom of the crack and carefully sand the glue as needed to blend with the surrounding wood. When the glue is dry it will not absorb finishing materials. If the wood is still
unfinished be sure to sand the area around the crack which may have some glue remaining on the surface before applying the finish. Refinish the wood as desired.
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