Floorboards - filling gaps after varnishing?

reggie_lampert

Hi there,

we've just had our floorboards sanded and varnished.

Instead of having the gaps between the floorbards filled before the varnish we decided to use STOP GAP as it came recommended by a couple of people. However it is proving difficult/impossible to fit. The gaps vary from 1mm to 3mm and the flipping plastic won't go down the gaps no matter how much I curse and scowl :mad:. So it will have to be returned.

Can anyone recommend a quick non-messy way to fill the gaps without ruining the lacquered finish?

Thanks.

squeekswhenwalking

you could use clear silicone sealant and trim off any excess once its cured with a stanley knife blade,

leveller2911

squeekswhenwalking wrote: »

you could use clear silicone sealant and trim off any excess once its cured with a stanley knife blade,

The problem with clear silicone is once its cured it doesn't stay clear it goes cloudy and will not look good.

As the floor has been "finished" I don't think there is a good solution other than re sand, fill joints with 2 pack filler ,re-sand again and re-finish.

Personally I still think it will look pants as the floor boards will still move with the seasons and the filler crack, each to his own I guess.

squeekswhenwalking

Possibly, but as the gap is only 1-3mm will it really be noticable? especially if it is trimmed down to below the srface of the boards?

muckybutt

I would go with the two pack filler route, sand and restain. Silicone is the bodgers way of doing it if you ask me.

Tall_Tone

You can tape around the gaps and fill with Bona Gapmaster. Smooth it down before you remove the tape.
If you use silicone you will not be able to re-lacquer the floor easily as it repels water based products.
http://www.bona.com/en-GB/United-Kingdom/BonaSystem1/Coatings1/Fillers/Bona-Gap-Master/

reggie_lampert

Thanks for all the suggestions.

There is no way I'm re-sanding!

I've used the StopGap when possible but I think I will use Tall_Tone's Bona Gap master were it won't fit.

nickj_2

if you can get some , use wood dust from a electric saw- you may get some from a carpenter or joiners etc and mix with a bit of wood glue and then pack in to the gaps

drummer_666

i'd leave the gaps that are only 1mm

keystone

Hindsight is no good to OP but if this was what was wanted the gaps should have been filled with a flexible caulking mastic prior to sanding. Remains flexible, can be sanded flat and is black so the image of separate floorboards is maintained but the drafts excluded.

Cheers