Wood Putty
Wood putty is a repair material used in furniture restoration and woodworking to fix imperfections in wood surfaces. It's like a paste that hardens to fill holes, cracks, or gaps in wooden furniture. You might also see it called wood filler or wood patch compound. Furniture restorers use it to make damaged wood look like new again. Unlike some other fillers, wood putty stays slightly flexible after drying, which makes it ideal for finished wood that might expand and contract. It comes in different colors to match various wood types and finishes.
Examples in Resumes
Repaired antique furniture surfaces using Wood Putty and Wood Filler techniques
Matched original wood colors using custom-tinted Wood Putty for high-end restorations
Trained junior restorers in proper application of Wood Putty and surface finishing methods
Typical job title: "Furniture Restorers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Furniture Restorers
Professional Networks
Online Communities
Trade Organizations
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle color matching wood putty for historic furniture pieces?
Expected Answer: A senior restorer should discuss mixing different putty colors, using stains to adjust tone, and the importance of testing on scrap wood first. They should mention documenting their color mixing process for consistency across large projects.
Q: What considerations do you take when choosing between wood putty and other filling materials?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they consider factors like wood movement, finish type, location of repair, and whether the piece is antique or modern. Should mention specific scenarios where wood putty is preferred over other options.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Describe your process for preparing a surface before applying wood putty.
Expected Answer: Should explain cleaning the area, removing loose wood fibers, ensuring the surface is dry, and potentially sealing very porous wood. Should mention importance of workspace temperature and humidity.
Q: How do you ensure wood putty repairs will last long-term?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper surface preparation, application techniques, allowing adequate drying time, and appropriate finishing methods. Should mention how to prevent shrinkage and cracking.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic steps for applying wood putty?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic application process: clean surface, apply putty with proper tool, allow to dry, sand smooth, and finish to match surrounding area.
Q: What safety precautions do you take when working with wood putty?
Expected Answer: Should mention wearing appropriate protective equipment like gloves, working in ventilated area, reading product instructions, and proper cleanup procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wood putty application
- Simple color matching
- Surface preparation
- Basic tool handling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced color matching
- Multiple repair techniques
- Knowledge of different wood types
- Complex surface preparation
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert restoration techniques
- Custom color mixing
- Historic furniture restoration
- Training and supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different wood types and grains
- Lack of experience with color matching
- Poor understanding of wood movement and expansion
- No experience with different finish types
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