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How-to guides

How to Repair a Crack on a Wood Surface

Now is the time to repair the cracks in your wood siding. Before you apply a fresh coat of paint, make sure your surfaces are in good condition.

For best results:

Follow our how-to for the proper steps to repairing cracks in your wood exterior.

Tools & supplies

  • 5-in-1 Tool
  • Vinyl Gloves
  • Ladder
  • Patching Material
  • Protective Apparel
  • Putty Knife
  • Rags
  • Sandpaper

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Using 80 to 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose debris from the cracked area.

TIP:

Use a 5-in-1 painter's tool to widen cracks that are less than ¼" wide. This will remove the paint and other debris from the cracks and will allow the patching material to bond tightly to the damaged area.

Step 2

Using 100-grit sandpaper, lightly sand any raised or rough areas. Remove any dust or debris from the area with a lightly water-dampened rag.

Step 3

Using a putty knife, spread a thin layer of patching material into the cracked area. Allow it to dry.

TIP:

To create an even surface, always smooth out (feather) the patching material 1"-2" beyond the repaired area.

Step 4

Use 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the patched area and make it even with the surface.

TIP:

If shrinking of the patching material occurs, lightly sand and clean the area and apply additional layers of patching material as needed.

Step 5

Remove any final dust or debris from the finished repair.

Find step-by-step instructions in our how-to articles and videos.