I use pocket hole joinery in just about every project I create. I always try to hide them so that they don’t have to be filled but there are some instances where that cannot be avoided. Pocket hole plugs can be purchased but in reality, they can be extremely expensive especially if there are a lot of holes to plug. Dowel rods can be used to plug the holes also (see this article at The Design Confidential). If I am going to stain a project, I use the appropriate species of dowel (oak or pine) for the lumber I’m using but if I am going to paint the project, I use Dry Dex spackling.
Dry Dex is one of my favorite products to use. It pink when it is applied (and looks like cake frosting – yum!) and turns white when it dries. It is easy to use and sands beautifully making those pocket holes invisible on a painted project. It cannot be stained – I tried it!
Here is my method of using Dry Dex:
After assembly, sand the project thoroughly. I buy the big tub of Dry Dex because I use a lot of it! Use a putty knife to apply the Dry Dex to the holes as well as any other cracks or imperfections in the project.
Let it dry thoroughly. If I am filling holes like this, I let it dry overnight. Sand the Dry Dex using 220 grit sandpaper.
Apply a second coat to completely hide the holes or imperfections. It won’t take nearly as long to dry – maybe 15 minutes depending on the temperature.
Sand a second time, then prime and paint!
I have not been asked or paid to write this article about Dry Dex… I’m just a huge fan (i.e. stalker)!
