Wood filler for outdoor use

Md woodworker · May 20, 2015

Can someone recommend a good filler for repairing damaged porch columns. They appear to be made out of white pine or possibly pressure treated lumber that has been painted. Once repaired they will be topcoated with new paint. Thanks in advance.
-Jon

GarryMartin · May 20, 2015

In the UK, a lot of the top-tier painters and decorators I follow on Twitter swear by Repair-Care products. I would assume there is something very similar in the US - you might be able to pick up a few key words from the site to help you find something.

http://www.repair-care.co.uk/

abgoto · May 20, 2015

I've used Minwax High Performance Wood Filler. It worked very well on porch columns, although it did not stain very well. Paint would probably work better.

Here is some more information: link

tjbnwi · May 20, 2015

Bondo.

Tom

FOGNewbie · May 21, 2015

tjbnwi said:
Bondo.

Tom

+1 I applied Bondo to some trim boards, and after one Minnesota winter, so far, so good.

Also used a Abatron product on a bracket. Worked well, but spendy. The end of the bracket rotted out, so I used that product to fill it. The end of the bracket was all end grain, so it made sense that it rotted out the way it did.

http://www.abatron.com/shop-online/woodepox.html

stillwaterBR · May 21, 2015

How bad is the damage / how big is the area in need of filler?

Advanced Repair Technology Epoxy http://www.advancedrepair.com and Abatron's products depending on the individual situations for column repairs.

tjbnwi · May 21, 2015

MD woodworker said:
Can someone recommend a good filler for repairing damaged porch columns. They appear to be made out of white pine or possibly pressure treated lumber that has been painted. Once repaired they will be topcoated with new paint. Thanks in advance.
-Jon

I should have asked if there were structural posts. If they are depending on the amount of rot replacement may be the proper solution.

Tom

leakyroof · May 21, 2015

I use Abatron as well. I can use Bondo for interior work but am worried about it 'popping' out if used long term on exterior work. I've heard more than one person complain of Bondo failure on exterior work if water can get into it over a few years cycle. [blink]

Md woodworker · May 22, 2015

Nothing is structural, but after looking closer I think it may be easier to replace than repair. I am going to order some of the Abatron epoxy though... It looks like good stuff. Thanks for all the replies.
-Jon