As a natural material, wood is constantly “working” and can crack over time. These can be filled with different materials and methods depending on the size and depth of the cracks and, with a bit of luck, made almost invisible.
How can cracks in a tree slice be filled?
To fill cracks in a tree slice, you can use wood filler or use suitable wood filler pieces for larger cracks. Liquid epoxy resin is also suitable for superficial damage. The repair areas should then be sanded and, if necessary, painted or oiled.
How can cracks in wood be filled with wood filler?
Probably the easiest way to repair cracks in the tree disk is with wood putty (€9.00 on Amazon). This is available in different colors. Choose a color that matches the wood and proceed as follows:
- Clean the wood and crack carefully with a hand broom and a damp cloth
- Fill the crack thoroughly with wood filler
- fill in enough wood putty so that it overflows
- smooth with spatula
- let it dry thoroughly (approx. 8 to 12 hours)
- then sand with fine sandpaper
- polish thoroughly with a dry cloth
Alternatively, you can also use white glue and (for concealing) sawdust.
When and how do I use epoxy resin for wood cracks?
Epoxy resin or synthetic resin can also be used instead of glue. However, use liquid resin for casting, which is particularly important for deeper cracks: the agent does not penetrate particularly deeply and is therefore particularly suitable for superficial damage. How to proceed:
- Clean the wood and crack thoroughly with a hand broom and a damp cloth
- then sand the crack
- Tape off the edges so that the epoxy resin doesn't stain the rest of the wood
- Fill resin into the crack
- Allow to harden according to manufacturer’s instructions
- finally sand and seal with clear varnish if necessary
Synthetic resin smells unpleasant, which is why you should keep the window open while working.
What options are there to repair large cracks in wood?
Large cracks in the tree disc can only be inadequately filled with wood glue or synthetic resin. The best way to work here is to use suitable wooden filler pieces that are placed in the gaps and close them. And this is how it works:
- make filler pieces from wooden strips that match the crack
- Fill wood glue into the crack
- Insert the filler and carefully hammer it in with a wooden hammer
- Let the glue dry thoroughly
- Remove unevenness and protruding wood with a hand plane
- fill any gaps that are still visible with wood putty or paste
- let it dry thoroughly again
- smooth the repaired area with sandpaper
Finally, you can paint or oil the window if necessary.
Tip
Let the tree disc dry thoroughly before use
Cracks in the tree disc often occur when the wood has not been dried insufficiently. Before each use, tree slices should be carefully dried, for example in a carpenter's or carpenter's drying chamber for several weeks. This reliably prevents later crack formation.
