Conceal Screw Heads

What happens in this clip

After all balusters are securely fastened, use a Mohawk Fil-Stik to fill in and conceal the visible screw heads on the top handrail. Choose a color that matches your handrail. Rub the Fil-Stik directly over the screw head, then use your finger or a soft cloth to blend it into the surrounding wood, effectively hiding the screw and creating a seamless finish.

Goal: Hide the screw heads for a clean, finished appearance.

What's used

Tools

• Finger or Soft Cloth
• Mohawk Fil-Stik Mohawk Finishing Products
• Wood filler
• Stain pen

About the full video

This DIY project guides you through replacing old wooden balusters on a staircase with modern metal balusters. It covers the complete process from removing the existing wooden balusters, cutting and preparing the new metal ones, installing them securely into the handrail and bottom rail, and finally concealing the screw heads for a clean, professional finish. The transformation updates the aesthetic of the staircase from traditional to contemporary.

Step 6 of 6: Conceal Screw Heads (Optional)

For a more aesthetically pleasing repair, you can conceal the screw heads that were used to secure the stair components. If the screws were countersunk, you can fill the resulting holes with a wood filler that matches the color of your stairs. Once the filler has dried completely, sand the area smooth until it is flush with the surrounding wood. If necessary, you can then touch up the area with a wood stain, paint, or a colored pencil that closely matches the original finish of your stairs. This step is purely cosmetic but can significantly improve the appearance of the repaired area.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Stairs from Above

1. Step 1: Locate Squeak Source

   • 0:00–1:23 Identify Squeak Source
   • 2:46–5:26 Identify Squeak Points and Mark Drilling Guides
   • 0:44–1:08 Identify Squeak and Gather Materials for PVA Method

2. Step 2: Access from Above

   • 0:14–0:34 Fix Squeaks from Underneath with Shims
   • 0:03–1:05 Identify and Prepare Problem Area
   • 0:56–1:24 Apply Screws or Blocks for Stability

3. Step 3: Secure Loose Tread/Riser

   • 6:29–7:31 Drive Screws to Secure Tread to Riser
   • 6:13–6:27 Secure Front Treads with Screws
   • 2:05–4:08 Reinforce Risers and Treads with Adhesive and Timber

4. Step 4: Address Loose Stringers

   • 0:09–0:13 Secure Lower Stringer Section
   • 0:56–1:24 Apply Screws or Blocks for Stability
   • 1:24–2:44 Fix Squeaks on Carpeted Stairs

5. Step 5: Test for Squeaks

   • 4:28–5:00 Test the Repaired Stairs
   • 0:46–0:52 Fix Squeaks on Hardwood Stairs with Screws and Putty
   • 11:15–11:37 Final Inspection

6. Step 6: Conceal Screw Heads (Optional)

   • 1:12–1:17 Conceal Screw Holes
   • 0:22–0:30 Fill Screw Holes with Wood Putty
   • 4:26–4:39 Conceal Screw Heads (this video)