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Our house has old siding with decorative holes:

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

At first I thought this might be termite damage but a house inspector examined it and confirmed that this is purely decorative style. I'd like to change this.

Is there a wood filler I can use here? Or is replacing the entire plank the only option?

I'm reluctant to replace entire pieces because there is insulation blown in behind the wall and removing the pieces could get messy.

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Those actually look like worm holes or woodpecker damage that was in the tree before it was sawed into boards. – shirlock homes Mar 11 '12 at 21:18

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Wow, not exactly what I'd call decorative, but whatever. You can fill those gaps with Bondo auto body filler. Just be sure to clean out any loose or chipped paint etc. Auto body willer actually works better than wood filler in exterior applications.

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Thanks @ShirlockHomes. After doing this, I'm likely going to want to paint over it. Will I need any special paints to work with both wood and the filler? – Mike B Mar 11 '12 at 22:38
2  
@MikeB - You can use the same paint. Let the bondo cure, sand, prime, and paint it. Sometimes bondo needs a little extra primer (a big patch feels like it sucks it in). Once it's primed well it will take paint without a problem. – Steve Jackson Mar 13 '12 at 12:05
Brilliant. Thanks guys! – Mike B Mar 13 '12 at 19:20
Steve Jackson is right on. Do it pal. – shirlock homes Mar 13 '12 at 23:00

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