Filling a screw hole

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Raman, Aug 6, 2021.

  1. Raman

    Raman

    Feb 19, 2003
    Montreal, Qc
    I searched but didn't find.

    Say, you've got a screw hole in the body of a bass that you want to fill and hide. What's the best filling material and finish?
    A luthier friend of mine suggested nail varnish as a finish. (The bass is black.)

    Thanks for any input.
     
  2. Last Rebel

    Last Rebel Lone Wolf - No Club Supporting Member

    Mar 11, 2011
    Ontario Canada
    ... if it's a wood body I would try wood filler and then a black gloss magic marker and then maybe a little bit of clear nail polish that's what I would try
     
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  3. RSBBass

    RSBBass

    Jun 11, 2011
    NYC
    How big is the hole? For small holes wood putty works well. For bigger ones, not so much.
     
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  4. ihixulu

    ihixulu Supporting Member

    Mar 31, 2000
    South Shore MA
    I'd use the end of a toothpick and wood glue to fill, marker to stain, clear nail polish to top off.

    But I am a hack so...
     
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  5. Lownote38

    Lownote38

    Aug 8, 2013
    Nashville, TN
    You're not a hack. They way you do yhis fix is a good hack.
     
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  6. Chop11777

    Chop11777 Supporting Member

    Jul 22, 2016
    South carolina
    Depending on the size hole I would drill it to closest standard dowel size
    Glue in dowl just below the paint surface seal the end grain with superglue ... go to autoparts store
    And get touch up blacknpaint
    Add light drop fill coats ...every couple days until surface is flush
    Polish it out about 2 weeks cure time
    Patience is the key
    Chop!!!
     
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  7. 96tbird

    96tbird PLEASE STAND BY

    The problem with adding wood to a hole is the glue. You get a ring of glue that doesn’t sand down as easily as the wood around it. Getting that level in an area that is exposed and glossy finished is a night mare.

    Ypu sand the area and wood is removed but the glue remains leaving high and low spots.

    if you insist, then use hide glue which sands better than common modern wood glues.

    Wood filler gives an even surface that sands well to go under a glossy exposed. finish.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2021
  8. Toothpicks or small dowels depending on hole size. Wood glue. Pack the wood in as tight as you can without damaging or splitting the surrounding wood. Let dry, clip and sand, maybe some wood filler, then paint the area or finish.
     
  9. Chop11777

    Chop11777 Supporting Member

    Jul 22, 2016
    South carolina
    Yes I agree
    I did use the word patience
    Which means don't make a mess
    Lol
    I would use CA glue and immediately wipe it off
    The touch up pens at the autonparts store are the way to go
    I didn't think he would want to get
    Black gluboost and use scrapers
    I don't know his skill level
    Wood filler is good even used spackle on small holes ..but you have to seal it well
    Rock on my brother !!!
    Chop!
     
  10. personally I would use epoxy. you can get black epoxy, or just mix a dot of rit dye into it. even black acrylic paint will work. mask around the area with blue painters tape first. work the epoxy right down into the hole with a toothpick for good bonding and wipe away any excess. when well cured, you can slice across the face of the glue with a brand new razor blade to remove any remaining blob - keep the blade very flat to the tape to avoid any chance of damage.