How to make this filler better match the cabinet?

shaz26

 Hi everyone! so i filled my cabinet with a gloss filler, then sand it with 1200grit wet&dry sand paper. i then wipe the cabinet with damp cloth, and now it doesnt look white. it looks a bit “dirty”. am i doing things wrong? how can i minimise this?

thank you so much in advance!

shaz

MitchellMc

Hi @shaz26,

It sounds like the gloss filler you're using may not be perfectly flush with the surrounding cabinet surface, which is likely contributing to the "dirty" look. If you haven't already, try applying a thin skim coat of filler over the area to achieve a smoother, more even finish.

As for the sanding, wet and dry sandpaper is black, and using it on a white surface can leave black residue behind, which might be making the filler look dirty. Try wiping the area clean after each sanding pass to see if the residue comes off. It’s a bit tricky because the fine grit is necessary for a smooth finish, but it does leave the residue on the white filler.

To minimise the issue, work in smaller sections, sand gently, and keep wiping with a damp cloth to remove the black residue as you go. That should help improve the look and bring it closer to a clean, white finish. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell