The size of the hole or gap being filled will affect drying time and the degree of patience you must show. The product you’ve used will recommend a drying time and a curing time between 15 minutes to 24 hours, respectively. You might need to use a rasp or file if you’ve used an epoxy filler. Then, sand lightly by hand to smooth out the surface. Allow plenty of time for the chosen filler to dry. Epoxy wood fillers are not stainable, so avoid them but, plastic (latex) and any filler with wood (sawdust, shavings) as a component will work as they are stainable. If you intend to stain, use a stainable filler. Wipe any lingering filler away with a rag. Apply a little pressure when doing so, and then use the knife to scrape away any excess. Use a putty knife to apply and push the filler into the hole or gap. So, be patient and let it dry thoroughly. If the wood has become discolored as a result of moisture, the filler will lock in the discoloration. How To Apply Wood FillerĪ few tools, a little patience, and some common sense govern the application of wood filler. Holes that go all the way through a board can even be filled with the right filler product – putty, homemade, for instance. How large, though? Beyond the ⅜ inch size mentioned earlier, but smaller than a well-measured and cut board replacement could cover. It dries hard, contains wood (so it can be sanded, stained, or painted), and does not shrink. They do not dry out quickly, dry hard, and can be drilled into for further joinery. Powdered fillers can also be used effectively for large holes and gaps.Įach of them can be sanded, stained and painted, and are long-lasting. However, large holes and gaps can be best filled from an epoxy or acrylic caulk with silicone filler or a latex-based filler. You can sand and finish with paint or stain, too, and it will match the wood it’s been applied to. You get to choose the sawdust and can match the wood you are applying the filler to, so color becomes a non-issue. To be honest, a homemade wood filler is one of the easiest, least expensive, and effective choices for even large holes. Water-based, petroleum-based, putty or homemade fillers will all do the job. This is an easy question to answer if it’s just a nail or screw hole to be filled. Its gypsum constitution of calcium sulfate and glue dries hard and can be sanded and painted.īut, most of us are more comfortable using a wood filler with actual wood (in the form of sawdust) to match the color of the wood being filled and take a stain to match. It’s a good product for filling holes and gaps in drywall, although it can be used on baseboards and trims. You’ll notice, too, that Spackle is not on this list. In applying these considerations, and the type of gap or hole being filled, to the list above, and the advantages/disadvantages noted for each type of wood filler will help you make an informed decision on which type to use. Is the piece needing wood filler, an outdoor piece of furniture, or an indoor piece? Is the location of the piece subject to environmental fluctuations in temperature or humidity? Nail hole, screw hole, knothole, scratch? A larger gap? Where is the gap – a joint? A glue-up? Crack in the wood? Damage to the wood? All of these will determine a good choice for which wood filler to use. When it comes to using wood fillers, there are several factors to consider: Most of these will have an application size of about ⅜ inch, but beyond that, hole or gap size will not have the best effect or longest life. Home-made fillers: A little Elmer’s glue and sawdust, mixed together well, and it’s ready to use if you use sawdust from the wood being filled, the mixture blends in perfectly. It will cover and fill in scratches, too. It can be sanded, finished with stain or paint, and improves the surface upon which it is applied. It’s not structurally firm, and therefore not suitable for filling holes. When mixed with water, you’ll have a paste to apply to the surface. Powdered Fillers: Good for wood surfaces, powdered fillers are comprised of sawdust and wood shavings. Wood putty: More flexible stands up well to changes in both temperature and humidity good choice for outdoor projects not a good choice on raw wood, as it contains a chemical that can cause harm.Įpoxy fillers: Comes in putty and liquid forms quick-drying, sandable in as little as 15 minutes fills holes, gaps, and cracks a good choice for wood that has a little decay or has been damaged. Petroleum-based wood fillers: Already smooth, stands up better to moisture and humidity. Water-based wood fillers: A bit crumbly, but can be smoothed with a little water cleans up easily easily applied, and has a quick drying time.
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