Best way to fill when using clear coat only.

rocketdoctor

I am trimming out 4x4 columns by ripping pieces of left over Cedar Siding I have. After I am done I plan on putting a clear seal on them. I am not a proffesional finish carpenter so I have a some small gaps in where they meet, whats the best way to fill that to make it look good. I see I can get that colored putty to match but its not sandable. would rather beable to fill , sand and seal. Also is the colored putty ok for external use?

Bob Mariani

sanding putty is not the way to go, since the putty and the wood will not accept the finish the same way. Thus the putty shows too much. Matching a finishing putty that is simply filled with a putty knife to the finished job is the correct way.

rocketdoctor

If I am just putting a clear polyurethane or sealer on the wood do I fill with the putty before or after.

kwikfishron

You might add another thin piece of trim like 1/4" x 1" to make little cedar corners to cover the gaps and give it a little more detail.

Bob Mariani

fill after