Replies

1. 
   Mike2165 | Nov 15, 2020 09:33am | #1

   I have a similar problem with a pie crust table Ive built. As I was dishing out the recessed top I gouged a circle in the top which is now extremely unsightly as I try a filler that is now much darker than the rest of the top! Hopefully a reply to both our questions can be of value.

2. 
   geedubbee | Nov 15, 2020 09:41am | #2

   The gouge will be tougher than the ding. You will be amazed at how well a dent can be recovered with a damp paper towel and a clothes iron. For deep dings I will put a drop of water or two on the ding, lay a dampened piece of paper towel over it and apply a steam iron. If so equipped I may even give the spot a blast or two of steam from the iron.

   The surrounding area will get rough similar to grain raising while sanding. Let the area dry THOROUGHLY before sanding. Otherwise you may sand away swelled material and leave a dish when things really dry. A little patience goes a long way. I have recovered some serious dents and avoided remaking parts this way. This is most effective if fibers have not been torn or cut.

3. 
   john_c2 | Nov 15, 2020 11:40am | #3

   Exactly what GeeDub said.

   For the pie crust top, if the gouge actually sliced away wood, it's gone, and the steam won't help. If it's not deep, I would maybe scrape around it to lower the area gradually and blend it in.

   No filler will really match. Best approach is fill it level, and use artists oil paints to blend in tiny lines to simulate grain.

1. 
   Mike2165 | Nov 15, 2020 02:32pm | #4

   Thanks for your suggestion! I will try that!

2. 
   user-7227183 | Nov 15, 2020 02:42pm | #5

   Thanks - as the cherry ding is pretty deep, I may opt for the filler then play artist ... I also read somewhere to mix actual wood dust (from sanding) with glue and use that as a filler ... just sayin

1. 
   fivebirdscustom | Nov 15, 2020 05:57pm | #6

   Try the steam first. You might be surprised.

   Just make sure the iron is hot, and move whatever wet cloth around to keep getting cooler water over the repair.

   My theory is the less I have to fill, the better it will look in the long run.

4. 
   Beasley7 | Nov 15, 2020 06:22pm | #7

   I sounds like you are in the process of making the chest? Have you looked at the possibility of flipping the top over?

   If that'snot possible, do what GeeDub said. If it doesn't work, you can still fill afterwards.