Done right, stain-grade crown moldings showcase the talents of the trim carpenter who installed them. Even the best carpenters need to fill a little gap now and then, however. For this task, I use an acetone-based wood filler keyed to the color of the wood. The problem is that these fillers dry quickly, making it a challenge to putty even a nail hole. To solve this problem, I use a glue syringe. If your local hardware store doesn’t have them, a quick search online will turn up plenty of sources. The important dimension is the nozzle. It should be 1/16 in. to 1/8 in. dia.
In a well-ventilated area, I thin the putty with acetone to a density that is a little thinner than peanut butter, then load it into the syringe body. Now I can regulate its delivery to its intended target with a precision unobtainable with a putty knife or a finger. When the syringe is not in use, the putty near the tip will harden, making an easily discarded plug that will keep the rest of the putty workable
Frank Jones, Wilton Manors, FL
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #234
