Is it compulsory to sand wood flooring after using Timbermate?

[redglue]

I am trying to patch up an accident on my engineered wooden floor with Timbermate. My questions are:

(1) Is it compulsory to sand it after applying Timbermate?  I do not want to scratch any surfaces of the wooden floor.

(2) Do I have to applying other coating (like varnish. Currently it is coated with matt lacquer) if the colour of the putty of Timbermate is very close to the wooden floor?  In other words does Timbermate need another top coating to protect it?

Is it possible to fill up the 4mm wide hole with just Waxstix without using Timbermate?

Thanks in advance!

[JacobZ]

Hi @redglue,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

It is not compulsory in the sense that you have to sand fillers or they won't work, but it tends to give a much better finish, and I would generally advise doing it.

I wouldn't worry too much about scratching your flooring. As engineered timber flooring uses real timber, sanding will not so much scratch it as it will remove a small amount of timber and smooth it. I would just use a fine-grit sandpaper such as 240 grit and make sure you are precise.

It would be worthwhile applying a coating over the top of your repair, both to blend it in and to seal it that little bit better. It's best to use the same matt lacquer that was originally used in a small quantity. 

Yes, you could also use Waxstix to carry out the repair. There is no need to use Timbermate if you are using Waxstix.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob