Fixing a scratch in white oak

[thomp1983]

Hi all,

As the title and the photo shows really, I slipped with a Multitool whilst cutting a newel post.



The oak will will be stained for final finish if that'll help but how do I go about hiding it, or am I better off getting one of those scratch repair companies in?

The bottom rail will cover half of it and help take your eye away from any repair hopefully.

Thanks,
Chris.

 

[foxhole]

Colour matched wax stick .

 

[opps]

As above. Or sand the scratch flat but you will need to remove 1-2mm(?) of timber.

 

[thomp1983]

I'll gently rub the edges smooth then go with the wax stick and hopefully once it's stained it'll not be noticeable

 

[^woody^]

You'll need to use wax after staining as it won't take stain and the stain may alter the oak slightly. Use darker shades for the grain and pores, and indent it too following the grain, as these repairs stand out if left smooth.

 

[Munroast]

yes, you will need to use the wax filler sticks after the finish or it will stick out like a sore bum

 

[Odds]

That's a pretty deep cut. Maybe a decorative moulding would be simpler...and add a touch of je ne sais quoi to your work.

 

[chirpychippy]

You could try epoxy and really fine oak saw dust.

To me that looks like a split, possibly caused by the housing being to tight and the oak splitting when forced onto the string?

Or as Odds has suggested, get a length of small oak beading and mitre it around the newel post, that'll cover it.

 

[thomp1983]

Unfortunately it's definitely a slip with a Multitool.

 

[Justin Passing]

If you're GOOD with a hand plane, you can get a shaving with the same grain pattern and glue it over the slit. You'd sharpen the plane, preferably a 4½, with a razor edge slightly convex. PVA glue is OK but scotch (horses hooves) would be better. Fill first with the colour as close as you can get it, just lighter, rather than darker.
Presoak the shaving and weigh it down so it dries flat.
If you're going to stain it darker, you could use white oak veneer over the whole face, assuming it's not a floor and a half long...
Then use very weak stain and build it gradually to get the tone about right.
It comes on a roll, iron on.