Repairing a window ledge with wood filler

-BA- · 13 Nov 2017 at 09:23

Another one for you guys, if you don't mind please

The window side of this window ledge is really badly damaged (I assume by the guy who installed them years ago).

I have dug out old filler/sealant and wonder if I can just fill these gaps with a wood coloured filler? My intention is to sand down and stain rather than hide with gloss paint.

Thanks again

Hagar · 13 Nov 2017 at 09:44

You need to get some wood hardener and apply that first, but yes, I have done that in the past. Needs some elasticity to allow for the changes in temperatures and also to be water resistant.

-BA- · 13 Nov 2017 at 10:26

A friend has recommended just putting sealant in the gap and then covering over with quadrant (either UPVC or wood); reckon that could work?

Skiddley · 13 Nov 2017 at 11:05

-BA- said:
A friend has recommended just putting sealant in the gap and then covering over with quadrant (either UPVC or wood); reckon that could work?

That would be the standard formula to bodge it. I wouldn't personally, as the quadrant would stand proud of the bevel on your window frame.

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 13 Nov 2017 at 11:14

Fill gap, buy some really nice oak or something and hidden tack it (or glue if you prefer) over the top
Thats not great wood and not it great nick

Or even rip the lot out and renew, window sills etc are not that expensive

mattyg · 13 Nov 2017 at 11:30

Yep Rip out an renew.

toprock · 13 Nov 2017 at 16:06

I'd use a similar colour Unica silicone sealant, tape if off with frog tape for a nice smooth line and no overspill. Before this i'd get a random orbital sander on the sill itself which will bring the grain out nicely, and should look great once varnished, done many with that sort of condition.

Should give a lovely rustic look

-BA- · 14 Nov 2017 at 09:58

Appreciate the feedback guys. Would love to rip out and renew but I have recently had the walls plastered and skimmed, I think it would damage the wall underneath the window ledge. Fairly happy with a 'rustic' look to be honest and have got a couple of strips of flat beading that will cover it nicely.

-BA- · 14 Nov 2017 at 10:14

toprock said:
I'd use a similar colour Unica silicone sealant, tape if off with frog tape for a nice smooth line and no overspill. Before this i'd get a random orbital sander on the sill itself which will bring the grain out nicely, and should look great once varnished, done many with that sort of condition.

Should give a lovely rustic look

Will Unika sealant be stable across such a wide gap; in the first image, the gap is around 1cm?

toprock · 14 Nov 2017 at 13:07

I usually pack out any large crevices with thin strips of cardboard, sealant then goes on and stays in place perfect.

-BA- · 15 Nov 2017 at 08:20

Great thanks