• Natural, unstained timber: Wet a small area with mineral turps and choose the Timber Putty colour closest to the wet colour of the timber.

• Stained or filled timber: Choose a colour slightly darker than the stained timber colour

To match special stain colours: mix a little of the stain with "Pine" Timber Putty.

Application: Press the Timber Putty firmly into the hole or crack with your finger or a putty knife leaving a small amount standing above the surface.

Allow the putty to dry for a least 30 minutes before sanding the surface level, using a sanding block and fine grade sandpaper

Sanding the surface

This is an important stage in preparing the timber surface, particularly for clear finishing. Always sand along the grain (sanding across the grain will leave scratches).

Finish sanding with a fine No 320 grade paper or equivalent. If a coarser grade of sandpaper is used, then always follow with a progressively finer grade of sandpaper. The surface smoothness is easier to judge by touch than by sight. Test by rubbing your hand over the surface.

On flat surfaces always wrap the paper around a cork block and sand with a firm, even pressure. Keep the sanding block level when sanding the edges as a rocking action of the block will round the edges.

Never use a disc sander as it cuts across the grain, leaving deep scratches which are extremely difficult to remove

For rounded surfaces such as turned chair legs, sand along the grain by hand, without a sanding block. Tear the sandpaper into strips to reach turned grooves. Fold in half length ways and pull back and forth to achieve the desired finish.

An orbital sander saves time but leaves tiny circular scratches which must be removed by hand sanding if the timber is to be clear finished.

Be sure to remove all sanding dust before applying any stains or clears. A rag slightly dampened with turps will pick up the fine dust. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying the desired finish.

Note:

• An orbital sander is one with a rectangular or square pad that moves in a planetary circular motion. Sanders of this pad shape may also be made to move in a straight back and forth motion, some are able to do both forms of sanding.

• A disc sander has a circular pad and rotates, usually on an electric drill. These sanders will leave deep scratches and should not be used to sand bare timber, or to sand between coats.