Filling around solid wood edging

[J4m3sg]

Hi brain trust

Quick question re solid wood edging on plywood. I’m about to do this and I’m anticipating having some hairline gaps to fill when done. I’m going to paint over everything so a colour match isn’t important, however getting a glass flat finish is.

I’ve had a look through previous posts, and seen a lot of people seem to be recommending car body filler, so I’m assuming this is the way to go in this instance too (could well be wrong though??). If so is there anything special I need to do to it for this application, for example as it’s likely to be a hairline gap, should I dilute it so it flows in a little easier

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

[RobinBHM]

I would use 2 pack wood filler (like isopon metal filler but a softer version for wood)

Dont smear it over the plywood or you will fill the grain in those areas which may show through the paint (definitely if its to be sprayed).

Hairline gaps could also be filled with a single pack filler like brummer.

 

[J4m3sg]

Thanks Robin - any particular brand of 2 pack wood filler you'd recommend?

Jim

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If you want a "glass flat" finish, you'll probably need to fill the grain of the whole sheet anyway unless it's birch, so you could a fine plaster type filler or dry lining filler. Everbuild is as good as any if you use two part.

 

[Adam9453]

Is there a reason for using plywood for this project as opposed to using moisture resistant MDF?
What is the project?
Moisture resistant MDF is generally regarded as the best material option for attaining a glassy smooth paint finish (ask any of the sprayers on here)

 

[J4m3sg]

No reason for not using MDF other than I wasn't aware it would be an issue from a finish perspective. From what I've read elsewhere plywood is a little better for cabinet making (which is what I'm attempting - a media centre).

To be fair, glass like finish might be overegging it a bit - I just want to avoid any seams or gaps when the finished job is painted.

 

[RobinBHM]

Hi Jim,

I think 2 pack fillers are all pretty much the same. Everbuild, ronseal.

I remember reading the mixing ratio in some instructions that made me laugh; "golf ball to a pea"!

 

[mailee]

2 part body filler is perfect for this job. mix it and use it quickly while it is still very soft. The golf ball to a pea ratio is spot on but the more hardener that is added the quicker it starts to set. Apply it diagonally to the gap with force and it will force it into the smallest of gaps. It may also take two applications as it has a capillary action from the gap. HTH. A single pack filler will shrink back as it dries hence using the 2 pack is better for this job. HTH.

 

[CHJ]

How are you attaching the solid edging, why not fit it with an adhesive such as Cascamite ?
It's gap filling and would be a good bond so won't move and any squeeze out can be trimmed and sanded flush, and will provide some resistance to edging movement in relation to ply carcase due to moisture level changes.