Repairing ding in finished black walnut?
rtilghman
| Posted in General Discussion on
Getting close to finishing my built-in project but need to address some damage that happened to the black walnut countertop after it was finished.
In terms of the damage, the counter got a 3/4″ x 1/8″ ding in the top. It’s not terrible, but it’s around 3/4″ x 1/8″ and about 1/16″ deep, so it’s noticeable visibly and when you run your hand over it (photos included). While I’m already planning to resand and refinish the WBP, that won’t address the small indent.
For reference, the counter is black walnut finished with a couple coats of danish oil and then top coated with 4 coats of GF High Perf WBP.
So, anyone know a good solution or trick for this kind of issue?
Thanks!
rt
Replies
If it's a dent, I would first try raising it as much as possible by steaming it with a damp washcloth and iron.
My suggestion is that since you are sanding down the WBP you might want to try using a furniture repair pen to color the spot first (to darken it to match the Danish oil colored wood). Then tape off the area and apply a clear epoxy to fill the depression. After that you can sand the epoxy area flush, while you are sanding the top and then reapply the WBP.
Here's what I learned from taking Mohawk's wood finish repair course on how to handle damage like this when it has cut through the finish and bare wood is showing. First you should take a touch up marker and color in the top edge of the damage so that no bare wood is exposed at the edge after you fill. Mohawk sells various products to fill the damage that I have used and all work well. One option is to use an epoxy fill stick that comes in a walnut shade. You can mix different colors together to get close to the color you want. They also make plane sticks which have a matt finish. You soften the tip with a little heat so it flows in. Lastly, you can use a graining pen to add back grain lines. Then add your topcoat.
I concur with Mr. Hall's comment. Try to raise it back up with a damp turkish towel and steam iron. You will be amazed at how much it can raise the wood back into place.
If the wood was removed -- gouged out -- either planing and sanding, or filling is called for.
If the wood is dented -- meaning it's still there, just pushed in -- steaming to raise the dent is the way to go. You'll need to sand after, because you can't fix the poly.