How to fix dried up wood filler.

Wood filler is great for filling in gaps- cracks- and filling in countersunk holes. But sometimes, we leave the lid off and  it dries up and can not be used. Essentially, all wood filler is glue and sawdust mixed together.

My favorite is this one:

Elmer's wood filler 

But here is what happens when the lid is left off overnight:

(sorry my pics are so bad- I think I had something on my phone lens)

Dried up crumbly wood filler. 

Don't throw it away! Resurrect it!

Here's how:

First, I used my "insta-hot" water filler to add about 2 tbsp hot water to the container.

If you don't have an "insta-hot" you can boil 2 tbsp water and add it. Don't add cold water. The point is to turn the filler back into a "hummus" like texture, cold water won't get the crumbles to move. 

Bad pic- sorry!

Then take a paint stirrer- or knife or scrap piece of wood and scrape and stir the crumbles with the water. 

Scrape dry pieces from side and stir.

Then- Put the container in the microwave and microwave for about 1 minute. Don't walk away watch it through the glass!

Microwave it until small bubbles start to form. Don't let it boil over onto the microwave plate!

Then stir, stir, stir. You want the consistency of hummus or a tiny bit thicker.

Ok-

Voila!

See back to the way it was?

Now get back to work!

You are welcome. Happy Building!

Kristen