Tried using a heat gun to pop a dent out of a table leg and it actually worked

Had this old oak table leg with a deep dent from a hammer, and my boss said to just fill it. I put a wet rag over the spot and hit it with my heat gun on low for about two minutes, and the wood swelled back up almost flush. Is this a legit fix or will it cause problems later, like cracking the finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_viola1mo ago

My grandpa taught me that trick.

olivia2481mo ago

Always thought you had to sand or fill dents like that. Saw a cabinetmaker do the wet rag trick once and it blew my mind. The steam gets into the wood fibers and plumps them back up. Should be fine long term if you let it dry fully before touching the finish.

lane.morgan1mo ago

Wait, so you're telling me I've been sanding for no reason? That's like finding out you can just unplug something to restart it. Honestly feels like a life hack they should teach in school.