Wood fillers

Jeremy Wells <jeremy [at] wells__net>

>I'm working on restoring a wooden window. Much of the exterior of
>the window has moderately deep (.25 inch) checks on the weather side
>creating a rough surface. My goal is to smooth the surface without
>removing the wood by using a filler. ...

This is a common problem that nearly all wood windows have at some
time. Epoxy is the most used and recommended treatment.  Unless I
misunderstand what your requirements are I would recommend epoxy for
this situation also.  Epoxies formulated for wood consolidation are
durable and flexible (these have similar expansion properties to
wood), they don't inhibit vapor permeation if the epoxy is applied
correctly, and can be painted over.

Another technique I use, and as far as I know hasn't been published
before, is filling with glazing compound.  Dap's '33' glazing
compound is similar in composition to historic glazing compound
which would also have been used to fill nail holes and caulk joints.
This is a reversible solution that can be applied to volumes up to
the size you mentioned.

Treatment recommendations can be found at:
<URL:http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief09.htm>

Restoration techniques can be purchased from:
<URL:http://www.historichomeworks.com/hhw/reports/reports.htm>
(Techniques can also be found in old issues of the Old House Journal
magazine)

Epoxy can be purchased at:
<URL:http://www.prginc.com/Epoxies/jp-146.html> (You will also need
microballoons for this type)

I hope this is of some help,

Chris Norman
Norman Preservation Services
Ypsilanti, MI


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 16:34
                 Distributed: Friday, November 22, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-16-34-003
                                  ***