Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jul 14, 2010 09:09am | #1

   I'd think burn in sticks would be your best bet for cosmetic repairs.  However, if cracks are not stabilzed you will have to do that first, perhaps with dutchmen on the inside, etc. 

1. 
   Inboard | Jul 14, 2010 12:49pm | #2

   Not familiar with burn in sticks. Can you give me some more info on these. Thanks

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jul 14, 2010 04:14pm | #3

   These are stick of material, typically shellac or lacquer, that come in a wide variety of wood shades.  They can be melted with fairly low heat.  A spatula warmed over an alcohol lamp, a low powered soldering iron or even specialized tools made for the purpose.  Melted into the defect and smoothed with a warm spatula plus some very fine finish sanding.  They are typically applied when the basic coloring and the first of the top coats have been applied. On woods where grain hasn’t been filled, a warm needle can create the appropriate texture. 

   There is a learning curve and some meaningful practice is a good thing before working on a project, but once you get the hang of it really professional results can be obtained.

   It is a mail order product.  You aren’t likely to find it at a local paint store. They are something like the putty sticks that you do see, but finish hard, and can take just about any finish on top.