Can't get Elmers WF to fill spirals properly

Hi all,

Sorry - I know this topic comes up a lot. But I just can't seem to get EWF to fill spirals the way I want it too. No matter how heavy I put it on, after sanding I still have spirals after my primer coat. I end up just applying multiple primer coats to get rid of the spiral, defeating the purpose of the EWF fill.

I mix a splash of water with the EWF to get a "frosting" like consistency. Then I use a wood craft stick to apply it. I've tried "light" and that hasn't worked so I've tried "heavy" knowing that I'll have to sand. I let it dry for 24 hours (or more) then sand it down. Am I just sanding too hard? I'm on the verge of trying bondo or titebond, it's so frustrating.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Best,
Mike

What grit sandpaper are you using? Are you using a sanding block? I go over the CWF once with 150, just to knock down the very high spots, and then lightly with 220. Sand enough to feather out the filler, but not so much you expose the spiral.

+1, sanding block.

Sanding by hand and you'll conform the sandpaper to the hardest surface which is the tube. That leaves slight depression at the spirals. You have to use a rigid backing to the sandpaper like a sanding block. I've used an aluminum block by Great Planes for smaller stuff and a power palm sander for bigger stuff. You can also try Bondo spot putty/filler. It fills and sands better than EWF in my experience.

I second Bondo spot putty. Way better than EWF

please note, Bondo spot putty is designed/intended to be used After the primer is applied.
Rex

Rex R said:

please note, Bondo spot putty is designed/intended to be used After the primer is applied.
Rex

Click to expand...

Interesting... I've always used it prior to painting... never noticed anything odd....

Rex R said:

please note, Bondo spot putty is designed/intended to be used After the primer is applied.
Rex

Click to expand...

It can be used before or after. Doesn't matter. I do it all the time. Usually, I do an initial fill before primer, and then do any touch-ups as necessary.

heada said:

I've used an aluminum block by Great Planes for smaller stuff...

Click to expand...

I use a 4" long piece of oak 1×3; works fine.

it could be sanding technique and grit used.i have some various diameter pieces of body tube 4-6" long that i cut into about 3rd. glue a grab block on the od then put some 3m sticky back sandpaper- 150 grit- inside. makes great sanding blocks.
for filler ive been using varathane woodfiller https://www.menards.com/main/paint/...00-c-7959.htm?tid=-4931680905254664149&ipos=1

dries quick and easy to sand. the combo seems to work pretty good for me