Alexei Volkov
Hiding screws in plastic can be done in a variety of ways, with the main goal of achieving a clean and professional look. One common method is to use pocket holes, which are drilled on the underside or back of an object, making them less visible while also creating strong joints. These holes can be filled with wood filler, plugs, or dowels. Another approach is to use adhesive screw caps or wood plugs that match the colour and grain of the surrounding material. For a seamless finish, wood filler or wood glue mixed with sawdust can be applied to the screw holes and sanded smooth. In some cases, screws can be strategically placed in less visible locations or covered with decals. When working with plastic, it's important to consider the number of fasteners and the design's ability to remain rigid without creating gaps.
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What You'll Learn
Use pocket holes
Pocket holes are a great way to hide screws in plastic or wood while creating a strong joint. Pocket holes are best for joints on the back or bottom of furniture so they are less likely to be seen. Here are some ways to use pocket holes to hide screws:
Drill Pocket Holes
Pocket holes are angled holes that can be created with a pocket hole jig, such as a Kreg jig. A special pocket hole screw with a washer head is then used to bring the two boards together securely. The jig helps to ensure that the drill bit is at the correct angle and depth, creating a consistent and inconspicuous pocket hole.
Fill Pocket Holes
Once you have drilled your pocket holes, you can fill them in a variety of ways to hide the screws. One method is to use a store-bought pocket hole plug, which can be made of plastic or wood. Simply glue the plug in place and apply wood filler or wood glue mixed with sawdust around it to seamlessly blend it into the project.
Another method is to use wood filler or auto body filler alone. Apply the filler with a putty knife or your finger, spreading it flat and allowing it to harden before sanding it smooth to the surface. You can also mix the filler with hardener to activate it and reduce the drying time.
Hide Screws Underneath the Wood Surface
If you want to be sneaky, you can hide screws underneath the wood surface. Use a chisel to peel back a portion of the wood, place the screw underneath, and then glue the wood back together to make it disappear. This method allows you to hide the screws without filling or plugging the pocket holes.
Place Screws on the Inside of the Project
Even if you don't use pocket holes, you can still be strategic about where you place your screws. Instead of placing them on the outside of the project, try to hide them on the inside. For example, in cabinet-making, pocket holes can be placed on the sides or inside of the cabinet, rather than on the bottom, to make them less visible.
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Hide with another board
Hiding screws with another board is a method that works similarly to adding trim around a window or door. You can add another board on top to hide a strip of screws. This is a great option if you're hiding a line of screws on furniture.
First, cut another board or trim piece to the length you need. Apply wood glue to the back of the trim and press it over the line of screws. Secure the trim with a clamp overnight so the glue can set completely. Alternatively, you can use a nail gun with brad nails, which are small enough that they won't be noticeable through the wood.
If you're creating a piece of furniture, you can also hide screws by placing them on the inside of the project instead of the outside. For example, pocket holes work best for joints on the back or bottom of furniture so they're less likely to be seen. You can fill these pocket holes with wood filler, plugs, or wood dowels.
Wood plugs, or wood dowels, are small pegs of wood that cover the tops of screws. To install them, place a drop of wood glue into the hole where the screw rests, then lightly tap the plug into the hole with a rubber mallet or hammer. If you use domed plugs, you can wipe off the excess glue and let the glue dry for 24 hours, leaving the plug protruding from the surface. If you want the plug to be flush with the surface, sand the surface of the wood until the glued-in plug is level, then wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any leftover sawdust.
You can also buy pre-made plugs, but these rarely match the tone of your project. To get a near-perfect match, cut your own plugs from scrap material from your project using a plug cutter in a drill press.
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Use plugs or wood filler
If you want to hide screws in wood, one option is to use plugs or wood filler. Plugs are small plastic or wooden pieces that you insert into a screw hole to cover the nut. You can buy plugs, but they rarely match the tone of your project. You can also make your own plugs by using a plug cutter, which resembles a drill bit with multiple fluted cutting edges. As they spin, they create plugs of wood that you then pop free with the tip of a chisel. Tapered cutters create slightly cone-shaped plugs that wedge tightly into counterbores for a gap-free fit.
You can also use wood filler to hide screws. Mix the filler base with the hardener that came in the package to activate it. Scoop the filler with a putty knife and apply it to the screw holes until they are completely filled. Let the filler harden for about 15-20 minutes before sanding it smooth to the surface. You can paint over the filler, but it won't take up colour from the stain. If you plan to paint your project, wood filler is a common way to cover screws and nails.
If you want to use plugs, you can purchase pre-cut wooden plugs with a domed top, which are designed to sit above the wood's surface. You can also buy pre-cut plugs designed for a flush installation. Whether you buy the plugs or make your own, make sure the size of the plug matches the size of the hole your screw rests in. Place a drop of wood glue into the hole the screw rests in and place the end of the plug in the hole. Lightly tap the plug into the hole with a rubber mallet or hammer. If you used domed plugs and you intend to let them protrude, wipe the excess glue off the wood surface with a moist rag and you're done. If you want the plug to be protruding, but flush with the surface, sand the surface of the wood until the glued-in plug is level with the rest of the surface. Wipe down the surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove any leftover sawdust, then leave to dry before painting or staining.
If you want to use wood filler, you can buy it at any hardware store. Apply the wood filler with a plasterboard spatula or small paint scraper, holding it at a 45-degree angle and moving firmly but slowly across the wood. Make sure the edge is flat to the surface, so you don't scar the wood surface with the corners of the spatula or scraper. Wipe off excess wood filler with a lightly damp cloth.
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Place screws on the inside
If you're working with plastic, you might not have the option of hiding screws on the underside of a cabinet top or tabletop, as you would with wood. However, you can still place screws on the inside of the plastic structure.
One way to do this is to use pocket holes. Pocket holes are angled holes created with a pocket hole jig, such as a Kreg jig. You can usually drill these holes on the underside of your project, where they won't be seen. Then, use a special pocket hole screw with a washer head to bring the two plastic pieces together securely. If needed, you can use a wood plug or filler to cover up the holes.
Another option is to use a trim board to hide a line of screws. Cut another plastic board or trim piece to the length you need and apply plastic glue to the back. Press it over the screws and secure it with a clamp overnight so the glue can set completely.
You can also try countersinking or drilling pocket holes to hide screws deeper into the plastic. To countersink, use a special countersink drill bit to create a conical hole around the pilot hole, so the screw sits flush or below the surface. For deeper holes, use a counterbore bit to create a cylindrical hole. After placing the screw, fill the hole with an adhesive screw cap or wood filler and sand it smooth.
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Use adhesive screw caps
Adhesive screw caps are a quick and easy way to hide screws in plastic. They are an ideal solution if you want your woodworking project to look clean and professional, without any metallic screw heads clashing against the wood.
To use adhesive screw caps, start by selecting caps that match the colour of the wood you are working with. The screw caps should be slightly larger in diameter than the screw's head to ensure that none of the screws are visible. Once you have the right size and colour, simply peel the adhesive screw cap off its backing and press it firmly over the screw head. Rub the screw cap so that it lays flat and smooth against the surface.
Adhesive screw caps are a straightforward solution, but it is important to note that they may not be as secure as other methods, such as wood plugs or fillers. If you need a more permanent solution, consider using wood filler or wood glue mixed with sawdust to fill the screw holes. For deep pocket holes, auto body filler can be used instead.
However, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to hide screws and improve the appearance of your woodworking project, adhesive screw caps are a great option. Just be sure to select the right size and colour to ensure a seamless finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use screws and hide them by covering them with decals, placing them in locations where they are less visible, or minimizing the number of fasteners. Pocket holes are also a great way to hide screws.
Pocket holes are a great way to hide screws while also creating a strong joint. You can usually drill these holes on the underside of your project, where they won't be seen. For more visible spots, you can fill pocket holes in a number of different ways to hide them.
You can fill pocket holes with wood filler, plugs, or wood dowels. Wood plugs are little pegs of wood that cover the tops of screws. The plug fits tightly in the hole and is held in place with wood glue.
You can use adhesive screw caps, countersinking, counterboring, or wood filler. If you plan to paint your project, you can use wood filler, sand, and then paint.
