Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/30/2007

Question
Hi Eileen,
We have a lovely small barnwood corner cabinet, that we just accidentally burned with candles burning right under the glass cabinet door, leaving two charred semicircular 1" and 2" "dents". I thought of trying to scrape out the charcoal and then building it back up with pine-colored woodputty mixed with charcoal (for the grey patina) and brushed to texture the surface. Or should I try to shred up some barnwood and try to make a putty out of that with woodglue? What do you think? Both pieces that are burned could be replaced, but it looks like they'd be hard to remove.
Cathy

Answer
Hi Cathy
Nice to hear from you.
Personally I would try the wood filler.
You can get wood filler in many colors, and you may get one close to the color and then just a bit of touch is required.
If the color you need is not available, I would get one that clearly states it can be stained or painted.
I would even try mixing a barnboard color craft paint in the filler..do a test first.
The replacement would be only as a last resort.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen