Instead of using a suspension of wood byproducts in a binder, wood putty is made with plastic-based and oil-based compounds including boiled linseed oil, calcium carbonate, and universal colorants. The chemicals can damage the wood, defeating the purpose of the repair. Then you need A Little Saw, See how I got on with the Enchanted Objects Design Contest, Melting and casting aluminium in a charcoal powered flowerpot furnace, Welded sculpture in steel with welding rods for ribs and cast aluminium for eyes. You will find yourself turning to these products again and again - they're like a magic eraser for woodworking! The crew discusses pocket doors and advises on painting. The latex filler is one of the common types and it is water-based for easy cleanup. Im planning to fill in the gaps using wood putty. You should use it after you stain the piece, however. Fill the holes, then sand it down flush with the surrounding surface and paint it to disguise the patch. Learn when to use the right one to repair and preserve the beautiful wood in your home. Check out these other woodworking tutorials! Choose the wood color that best matches the piece you are repairing. I have just read your article, and what would be my best filler to use to fill in and shape the wood. You can find tons of different brands and many different colors. Both wood putty and wood filler do the job of a wood hole filler, but there are limitations to both. Wood filler is not suitable for exterior use. Epoxy and polyurethane may also be handy to have in your workspace. Rather than try to match via paint mixing, i was wondering if putting a layer of stained wood filler on top of the cured putty would work? You can also use wood filler to cover up exposed plywood edges. I appreciate your skills. It is sectional. With most deep holes you are best off filling them in stages to give the material time to set before adding the next layer. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Predrill your hole and test to see if the filler crumbles before adding screws. While they serve an almost similar purpose they are still different products and suitable for different wood filling projects. Here are some handy tips for getting a great result with wood filler: Want to know a clever way to make DIY wood filler that matches your project perfectly? Youll need something that copes well with moisture. Many people will point out that wood putty often costs more than wood filler. These are good projects for wood putty. Despite some wood putties being advertised as fast-drying, all of these products take a long time to harden. Even after it dries, the putty remains flexible so it can be used for exterior repair jobs. Privacy policy. However, wood putty willcurein a sense - this can take up to 24 hours or more. Helpful instructions to let your patriotic spirit fly from your front lawn with this DIY weekend project. To help you out, weve written this complete guide on wood putty vs. wood filler. I'll typically do this in areas where the corners and edges will be rubbed frequently, like the top of this entryway bench. While the chemical formula of wood putty can damage exposed wood, wood filler is made to bind directly to the natural wood and doesnt need stain before application. I need a really fine wood filler (or whatever you suggest) to do this. It reminds us of plastic resin. One of the first distinctions to keep in mind is that wood filler is prone to shrinking and cracking when its exposed to fluctuating temperatures, so it shouldnt be used outdoors. If youre repairing furniture or building wooden products from scratch, you will likely find yourself needing to refill holes. Putty should only be used on finished or stained surfaces because the chemicals that are part of its composition can be harmful to exposed wood. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing. Coat the decking with a protective stain soon after installation. Required fields are marked *. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, which is typically sitting out in the elements. Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Filler, Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Putty, How to Make a DIY Wood Filler That Will Perfectly Match Your Project (https://youtu.be/lHmlvi9tQDk), Check out this article for more clever uses for sawdust, Wood Filler & Putty for Furniture Repair | Woodworking How to (https://youtu.be/d9KC36yZdZs), How to Use a Speed Square [7 Different Ways], How to Choose the Best Wood Glue for your Project. All wood putty is oil-based, but the exact oil varies widely. I dont expect a lot of movement, but Im wondering if something with a little give or flexibility would be appropriate. I edged with 3/4 x 1.5 inch oak using dowel pegs and wood glue. Achieve longevity and preserve the original beauty of your woodwork by choosing the correct wood filler or wood putty for the job. There are also kinds of liquid wood filler products that fill narrow cracks and slivers by soaking into the wood fibers and binding with them in order to repair the damage. The wrong one can easily result in more damage than you currently have. It will crack and break because it cannot expand and contract like wood. Once the wood filler is applied it will dry and harden within just a few minutes. Latex is one of the most common types, as it is water-based for easy cleanups. It may be better to opt for a wood filler when it comes to larger interior repairs. Check the label first, and do a quick test on a scrap of wood. They even make patching pencils made of wood putty for this exact reason. Knowing the difference between a wood filler and putty is vital for every woodworker as it makes it easy to pick the right product for a project. And it will be dry completely in about 24 hours which makes it a great choice when working on a short deadline. You can leave them visible, or you can hide the screws in the wood. Lastly, wood putty also has some adhesive properties and this makes it a great masking glue but it works best with oil-based finishes. Old chalkboards are restored at the Dracut Centre School. Patch cracks and holes in woodwork that may be prone to expand or contract due to exposure to humidity. Be sure the filler has fully dried and cured first. It can also be used to hide nail or screw holes, so your painted project looks flawless. Exterior wood putty can help repair holes in deck boards, fencing, and even siding without shrinking, expanding, or cracking due to temperature changes. Laid some new flooring in the bathroom screwed them down need to fill where the screw heads have pulled down below floor level. It is much more of a putty-like compound, which can make it very easy to use. Hi Andy, Im repairing corners of a drawer. Once youve applied it, you have to let it dry for an extended period. Knowing when to use wood putty instead of wood filler helps you accomplish a successful restoration project. Check out this article for more clever uses for sawdust! You can get wood putty in a variety of colors and hence making it a versatile filling agent. Minwax, Elmers, andDAP are all quality brands that I've used in the past with great success. But understanding their differences will lead you to more successful result (and help you remedy some major mess-ups!). Knowing the differences in the chemical composition and the various color options is key to deciding where, when, and how to use wood filler or wood putty. Difficult to adhere to stained or painted finishes. Timothy Dale, The 10 Best Woods for Woodworking (According to a Pro). :-). The choice between wood filler and wood putty can be confusing. However, for large breaks, you may have to use wood filler and then refinish the whole piece. Repairing gouges and scratches in unfinished furniture is another great task for wood filler, but one of the most impressive uses of this product is repairing damaged edges on wood tabletops, countertops, and shelves. Most contain calcium carbonate as well. But you should only use epoxy fillers on an unfinished wood as they require a lot of sanding which can ruin the finish. Usually I just dump out the dust bag on my sanding tools. Please visit my disclosures page for more information. Latex fillers also mix well with dyes and they will be a great choice for sealing large cracks and holes in unfinished wood. Paintable wood filler is also commonly available. The repair is almost invisible because it blends in with the surrounding wood. Id really appreciate some help. The many color options make it easy to find something that matches your wood stain. Wood putty is often referred to as plastic wood. It is one of the most popular wood filling compounds in many workplaces and seems to be the default option whenever you need to fill a hole or fix a defect. Here are some guidelines for applying wood putty: Here's a great video onwood putty and wood filler and how they work. This typically isnt something you want to do with a small amount of damage. Even when the putty dries in the container you only need to use a little acetone to restore it. Before repainting. Wood filler drying times can vary, depending on the amount you use and the climate you're working in. Wood putty does not harden to a sandable surface. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. However, since it takes just a few minutes for wood filler to harden, it is an excellent choice for quick interior repairs of nicks, holes, and scratches in hardwood flooring. I'll put wood filler and wood putty to the test in a head-to-head comparison so you can see the difference! A water-based filler is dry, and you may need to add a bit of water to achieve the desired consistency. There is not one that is always going to be better than the other. Generally, wood filler hardens to a sandable consistency. What would bee the best way to fill in a small, narrow gap that occurred when adding mitred trim edges around a tabletop? Wood putty is the best filling agent for use on outdoor furniture as it not only resists shrinkage but is also less prone to the effects of the natural elements like sun and rain. This texture allows you to apply wood filler to large cracks in a project. However, other brands harden by themselves. Unlike wood putty, you should apply wood filler before doing any staining or finishing on the workpiece. Sometimes, you have to mix the putty with hardening chemicals to get it all the way dry. Time of application is one of the main differences between wood putty and filler. All rights reserved. Look amazing but the draught to your feet is a nightmare. When restoring an older home, you want the renovations to stand the test of time. Putty is commonly used on hardwood floors to fill gaps or knots, because it can flex instead of breaking apart when it's walked on. Wood putty isnt as popular as wood filler because it can take a long time to dry, but this perceived shortcoming actually makes wood putty an excellent option for outdoor work. This pliability allows wood putty to be applied to a project after it has been stained and finished. By Timothy Dale | Published Dec 23, 2021 2:12 PM. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. Any help would be appreciated. However, if you plan to leave the piece of wood natural and just apply a clear coat, you can tint wood filler with a wood dye to match that natural color. All outside colonial style home. However, the more putty used for a repair, the longer it will take to fully set. Most paints wont adhere to it and stains will not color properly. Any advice gratefully received. Make sure you dont have an underlying cause such as leaking gutters or standing water. However, you do apply them before your stain, so this is less of an issue. Wager, the problem of using putty for that job is that it may crack as the wood expands and contracts through the seasons. Some two-part putties harden; however, these will need to be painted, as they won't typically match the surface of the wood. However, they require a bit more sanding. Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: Whats the Difference? Just re used an old tongue abd groove decking laden with nail rusts and old nail holes. . Wood putty doesnt cost very much, and it lasts forever. While wood putty has similarities to wood filler, there are vital differences you need to know so you don't use the wrong one for your project. You can patch nail or screw holes, gaps between boards, or fix a dent with wood filler! Here's how. Thank you in advance. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a40254b1c53266c7105d898e071bb6be" );document.getElementById("he6e11ff00").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Learn Embedded Design with the ZUBoard 1CG2 months ago, DIY Table with lamp attachedabout an hour ago, 3D Printer Review: Mingda Magician Pro20 hours ago, 25 Ways Wood Offcuts Can HELP you!21 hours ago, Learn about setting up a workshop in a small shed, Want to chop things up but not sure which hand tool you need? In order to make a strong repair that lasts, its important to use the appropriate product. If it is not finished then dampening the wood might cause it to swell back to size. Water-based is suited for indoor applications, while solvent-based filler will be more resilient outdoors. This is a much messier process than edge banding, but works in a pinch! Wood putty can take a long time to fully dry and set. What is the brand of stain? And you can mix them to attain a better color match. And so, wood filler is a better choice for those that are looking for something versatile that will be useful for various projects. What's the difference between wood filler and wood putty? Although the ingredients of wood putty can vary from one manufacturer to the other, all are oil-based compounds. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Furthermore, this material is usually used for large cracks, so youll probably use more. Wood filler is a bit different from wood putty and designed for very different circumstances. It is highly recommended to mix the filler with sawdust from the wood youre using, as this will make it look more natural. Wood filler comes in two main forms: water-based and solvent-based. You can use masking tape to create a form or dam to shape a dented corner or edge, similar to pouring cement. Choosing a wood filler with cellulose can help it stain a bit better. Also, exposure to direct sunlight will make it shrink by drying it out. In this article, you'll learn when to use wood filler or wood putty and why! Look for Intumescent fillers, they swell up when heated filling any gaps and sealing better. And it comes in various types which are formulated for different uses. Apply wood filler before you paint or stain. Or just take the plunge and replace the broken part with real wood. Also, the relatively faster drying time gives wood filler advantage over wood putty because no one wants to waste an entire day just waiting for a filling agent to dry. It spreads nicely and stays put easily. You can use both wood filler and wood putty to correct minor cracks and blemishes in your project. Instead, youll end up with cracks. Wood putty is the type of filler that you apply after staining or varnishing your workpiece, and this is because most types will contain chemicals and other ingredients that can damage the raw wood. I'm a carpenter's daughter and so it's especially fun to have found you here! Thank you very helpful i am planning to patch a 60 year old floor with differing woods used due to the changes within the house.I am no pro. Look for a solvent-based filler that is labeled for outdoor use, or stick with putty. Like really, thank you! Featured Image Credit: Mabeline72, Shutterstock, We give the DeWalt DWS709 Miter Saw a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Due to the chemicals in wood putty, it isnt recommended to use putty on exposed raw wood. Since wood filler dries hard and doesnt flex with the expansion and contraction of wood during temperature changes, it isnt suitable for exterior applications. Typically, the best wood filler for stains contains a high amount of natural wood particles. Wood filler is often the better option when you want to fill large holes and cracks on the workpiece. Wood filler will not stain the same as wood, even if you mix it with sawdust. You cannot always be sure what you will need for a particular project. Fast-drying options are available if time is of the essence. In the end, youre going to be spending the same amount of money on either option. [/su_tab] [/su_tabs] Review Summary We will be reviewing the DeWalt. Similarly a steam iron (with a damp cloth to protect the wood) might work. Also, if it dries in the container, a few drops of acetone will soften it and make it usable again. Thats really nice post. You need to either get a caulking that can be painted over or use several coats of primer. The long drying time if the greatest shortcoming of the wood putty as it means that lighter colors can accumulate dust and darken once the patty is dry. The stiff dough texture of wood putty means that you need a putty knife to apply it. I have old hardwood floors on my ground floor that have varying gaps of a few mills between them. Polycrylic vs Polyurethane - Which Should I Choose? However, wood putty wont receive stain the same way wood does and will dry a different color, making the spot noticeable. Use wood filler on a project that needs a fairly large repairbeforepainting or staining. Because the top is a veneer (I think) I need to be able to use a tiny brush to paint them when finished to try to hide the marks. However, when it comes to wood putty vs. wood filler, its important to know which situations are better suited for putty and when a filler is an ideal option. Using wood putty is similar to using wood filler, with a few tweaks. Putty sticks, which resemble fat crayons, make simple repairs on furniture easy. Sunlight can also make this material crack and dry-out, which may lead to more repairs. A perfect match! For example, say you're building a project that called for countersunk screws. In most cases, youre going to use wood putty for all small imperfections. It can be found in sticks that resemble crayons, or small jars. How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet - Beginner's Guide. This long drying time can seriously affect the color of your final results. Here are a few examples of the best uses for wood putty: When shopping for the perfect product to fill the holes in your woodwork, you may get overwhelmed by all the options. It is made of pieces of timber and some of the joints have developed cracks over time. Thanks for sharing. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. However, wood putty can do this, which is exactly why it is best for this purpose. Kayleigh, you can get fire retardant fillers but you may not get much of a choice in colours. Its more cost-effective than wood filler because it lasts longer. However, due to the softer texture, wood putty is not easily sanded. It will resemble a plastic resin and will feel like soft clay when you add some water. You can use sawdust to make it look more natural and use it across a large area. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. For larger defects, it might be best to sand everything down and use a hardening wood filler. Wood filler also dries very quickly. Id go with something that was marked as exterior use. The best wood filler is the one that works foryourjob. By submitting your email, you agree to our. It also can be used inside or it can be painted over after it has fully cured. It is stainable, so it will resemble the surrounding wood after you complete your project. Either way, youre going to want to choose either wood putty or wood filler to cover up these defects. Its a good idea to arm yourself with the details of your project beforehand. It is also important to note that wood filler is not expandable as it will break when the wood expands or contracts. What are your thoughts on caulking? Wood filler dries faster that wood putty and most types will start drying in as little as 10 minutes after application. I have 20high fluted column in closers. The Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler is perfect for cracks and small gorges. When repairing furniture and other wooden items or building them from scratch, there are many instances where you will need to fill holes. Because of this, you will usually need a putty knife to apply it. My goal is to teach people how to fix up their homes and decorate them with DIY projects that are perfect for their space. They are not interchangeable in the least. Wood filler is like the first aid kit for your wood projects. They are designed to be worked into a small defect and can expand and contract with wood movement. I have used hosepipe to bed each layer of sleepers on and now have to fill the gaps between the sleepers.The gaps vary from a few mm up to 3cms. If you need to add a chemical hardener to your chosen wood putty, you have to take those chemicals into mind as well. Wood filler is unusable for outdoor furniture. I like using Mohawk Fill Stiks for the occasional touch-up on natural wood surfaces, and Minwax putty for stained wood projects. These may be knicks and cracks from wear-and-tear or the holes made by nails. Apply wood puttyafterthe stain. Apply multiple layers of wood filler and allow each layer to fully dry before adding the next one. These two terms are often used interchangeably by experts and newbies alike. Wood putty is also what many seasoned woodworkers and experts like to refer to as plastic wood. I purchased Woodsculpt putty to recreate the corners. I'm Vineta, otherwise known as The Handyman's Daughter! With wood putty, you should just be using a tiny bit on a small imperfection. Plus, this brand makes many different colors, so you can choose one that matches your workpiece the best. Also, it has limited uses. I thinkj I will opt for a good filler. Now, let's go over some commonly asked questions about wood putty: Generally, no. Can anyone tell me if that is a sensible or stupid idea before i take the plunge? If the dents are not too large and finish is a varnish then you might try wax. This allows the putty to shift with the wood, potentially avoiding cracks and separation. Whether repairing fine wooden furniture or filling nail holes in the wall, its likely that either wood putty or wood filler can help fix minor damages and improve the appearance of the project. Though both of these products are meant to fill holes and cracks in wood, they're used for different purposes. Hi Mark, for strength an epoxy filler may be the best choice. I am still confused. Still, the nuances between these two products can be difficult to understand. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between wood putty and wood filler, as well as when to use each product. And, if you dont find the perfect match, you can always mix different colors to achieve the best results. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. On the other hand, the wood putty has a more pliable texture even after it dries. Will you paint or stain the wood after repairing it? Maybe you've got tiny gaps in your hardwood flooring, or the mitered corner of your picture frame has started to separate. Thats why its recommended for wood already stained or varnished. A petroleum-based wood filler has a smoother texture, making it easier to work with. Then, mix this sawdust with wood glue until you get an easily workable paste. Meanwhile, a stainable wood filler is not suitable for fixing exterior damage because filler is prone to shrinking and expanding with changing temperatures. However, many products will dry in as fast as 15 minutes. I have several pieces of stag furniture in my bedroom, but recently I knocked a hanging plate down and it had left a couple of indented marks. The QuikWood 471050-24 Putty Stick comes in an easy-to-use stick form, making it perfect for small holes. Thank you! Since wood fillers arent tinted and dont readily adhere to some finishes, theyre recommended for unfinished wood in your homes interior that you plan to stain or paint. Some wood fillers can be stained, and almost all are designed to be painted. I would like to know what would be the best to fill these cracks both to fill them and give maximum strength to the joint before painting. Hence, it will not be very suitable for use on outdoor projects. Filler can crack as it shrinks and expands in response to significant temperature changes. Thank you Vineta, for that clear article on wood fillers and putty. Wood putty comes in all sorts of colors to match different species of wood or stain colors. So the question is: Should you reach for the wood filler or the wood putty to fix that crack in the baseboard? However, you may want to consider using a prestained filler for areas that are going to be visible. You should use wood putty for small imperfections, like nail holes. Then, you can sand, paint, and forget it! Many wood putties never fully harden. And this can affect the appearance of the workpiece. I understand that wood putty cant be stained. Repair dents and cracks or fill small holes in finished wood furniture, flooring, or interior trim. You do not have to worry about this product coming off or decaying any time soon. Char, That could work or mix some sawdust from the same kind of wood in with some PVA. It comes in various colors to easily match the woods finish. Most wood fillers come in a neutral color. Wood filler will provide some structural support, although it does not replace serious repair. 9 Building Materials with the Biggest Pandemic Price Increaseand Bob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide for Woodworkers, Get a Grip: 8 Clamps to Help You Handle Any Project, 12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Moving Underground, 8 Pest-Control Myths You Shouldnt Believe. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. This type also mixes well with dyes, allowing you to use it for larger holes without making the wood piece look two-toned. Update Privacy Preferences The formula allows it to take a soft and pliable form thats relatively easy to apply. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. For decking, the key thing is that it is hard-wearing and waterproof. And it is one of the most common wood filling compounds in many workshops. All types of wood filler will be dry in less than 24 hours, though many types dry long before that. It remains pliable, making it preferred for woodwork that expands and contracts when subject to humidity, like in a bathroom or basement. And what about the trim around the basement door? You can also add dyes and tints if the filler does not look like your wood. How much area needs to be filled? Below, youll find some common uses for both of these materials. Wood putty is not stainable, but it does come in a range of wood colors. Is wood filler stainable is a common question asked by DIYers that are having difficulty color-matching wood putty. Other types such as the epoxy and polyurethane fillers are also quite handy to have in the workshop. For this reason, wood putty will often come in many different colors so that you can match the tones with your stain. Our Favorite Wood Putty: QuikWood 471050-24 Putty Stick, Our Favorite Wood Filler: Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler, Our reviews of the best epoxy for wood this year, Best Stainable Wood Fillers Reviews & Buyers Guide, 16 Job Satisfaction Statistics and Facts 2022 Update, 7 Best Pool Clarifiers in 2022 Reviews & Top Picks, Xyron Multi-Stick Glue Gun Review 2022 Pros, Cons, & Verdict. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Here are a few examples of the best uses for wood filler: Wood putty is an oil-based compound with other natural or plastic ingredients.