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Install Hints
Slate - Filing Seams and Minor Repairs
Filling imperfections, chips, screw holes and slate seams.
Three most common materials to use:
- Water Putty
- Bee's Wax
- Auto Body Filler
Water Putty
Ease of use makes Water Putty the most popular material used. It is sold in powder form and needs to be
mixed with water to form putty. The putty dries in a few minutes but this is sufficient time for filling
and smoothing. No sanding is required if applied properly. However, it can be sanded easily if needed.
Once putty is dry it is almost as hard as the slate.
Bee's Wax
Bee's Wax, the most forgiving but, most difficult to use of the mention materials. The wax stays soft
and usually will not shrink, crack or chip. Bee's wax must be melted with a torch and applied before
it hardens. No sanding is required.
Auto Body Filler
Auto body filler makes an excellent and permanent seam and chip filler. It needs to be mixed,
applied, and smoothed quickly because it dries very fast. It will require sanding and clean up.
General Instruction
Follow the mixing instructions on the material you choose to use. Spread the material as
smooth as possible with a 4" putty knife. If the cracks or seams are large force some filler
material into the seam or crack about ¼ of an inch then continue to smooth. You do not have to
fill holes or cracks that are not in the playing area (under the rails). After filler material
has dried, sand any lumps, bumps, or tool marks out if needed. Brush away any debris from
slate prior to installing cloth. Small imperfections will not be noticed once the bed cloth
is installed.
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