Subject: Wooden Columns
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2001

I used your product two years ago on a home in NJ that I was preparing to sell. Your products worked like a charm and saved me big bucks. I am now restoring an 1800 era Victorian Home in New Orleans and the columns along with their bases are pretty sad. Parts of the bases are completely gone and will have to be filled in. The wood is Cypress, what products do I need?
Thank You
LaRue R.

Well, basically the same first step as you probably used on your earlier repair: Dry the remaining wood, saturate it with CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) at least once, maybe twice, and then make your decision on how to fill. You can use our Fill-It Epoxy Filler, applying it, shaping it, and then after 24 hours (or longer) sanding it smooth, or you can get some new wood to more or less fit, cut it and shape it, treat with CPES for future protection, and then using the Epoxy Filler bond it in place and fill gaps. This is a little less expensive because you're using less Epoxy Filler. Then the whole areas can be painted.

If using the Epoxy filler, it can be helpful to put a piece of kitchen wrap across the final fill for shaping. That way you shape through the wrap and your blade doesn't drag the Epoxy Filler. The wrap will peel away once the filler has cured (24 hours). Some people will also lightly dip the tip of the shaping blade in lacquer thinner as they shape. it helps prevent the blade sticking to the filler.

Come on back if you have additional questions...and thanks for the nice words about our products!

Doc