If you're looking for a reliable solution for exterior wood projects, we highly recommend using Bondo Wood Filler. Its two-part formula blends seamlessly to create a natural-looking medium-brown shade that can restore and reconstruct damaged or rotted wood. It's also versatile enough to be used to fill in missing pieces. After curing, which typically takes only 30 minutes, it forms a strong bond with the wood, creating a long-lasting and waterproof repair that won't warp or shrink. Those looking for professional results at a reasonable price would do well to consider Elmer’s Probond Filler. This tub of water-based wood filler features ceramic microsphere technology, which allows the dried wood filler to be tougher and more durable than most other wood fillers. Because it’s suitable for exterior applications (as well as interior), that strength could be a big benefit. Regular Updates: Our recommendations stay current with any changes in product performance or availability. A range of ready-for-use waterbased wood fillers developed for filling pin holes, nail holes and other small imperfections on wood for internal use. They are formulated to be applied by either knife or scraper and are available in a variety of colours.

Wood fillers are either water or solvent based. Either can be used to fill wood voids or pores, but they have a number of differences. Wood filler is designed to be stained or painted, and it goes on before the finishing coats. Wood putty is primarily for after finishing, and it comes in predetermined colors. Q. Can you use wood filler on items that are meant to be left outside? This solvent-free product comes in various colors to match real wood species. You can also stain or paint over it in virtually any color, as it's formulated to accept different types of paint just like solid wood, and it dries with smooth and even results. It comes in sizes up to 1 gallon, making it a good choice if you are facing a large project, as well. Deep holes should not be filled with the one part wood filler in a single operation due to the risk of excessive shrinkage and crumbling of the dried fillerAdmittedly, there are few applications for a wood filler that doesn’t actually make holes and gouges disappear. However, when it comes to sealing pores, we found Aqua Coat to do an outstanding job. It applied very easily and created a smooth, glass-like finish over the wood. Since it’s water based and eco-friendly, it’s a better choice than polyurethane (for some applications). The downside is that it doesn’t fill holes particularly well, and it does shrink quite a bit. But this product is for sealing pores, not filling holes. Comprehensive Research: Our team dedicates extensive time and effort to research and analyze products, so you can make informed decisions. Within 15 minutes of application, you can sand it by hand or with a power sander. Wait another 15 minutes, and it will be ready for you to stain or paint as you desire. The acrylic-based wood filler requires lacquer thinner for cleanup. It should be used in an area with good ventilation, whether indoors or outside. Wear gloves while working with this product, as it can irritate your skin. We got pretty scientific with this wood filler comparison. First, we found one piece of pine that was large enough to divide into separate sections for the different wood fillers. Then, each section was divided into four segments, each with its own test:

However, in many cases, the user isn't entirely sure where they will need to use the wood filler, so it may be more beneficial to opt for a light-colored, general-purpose wood filler that is resistant to water, dirt, and dust. This makes it possible to apply the wood filler almost anywhere and have it be suitable for the task. In addition, the light color means that it's easily paintable to match the wall, ceiling, or baseboard, or any other surface. Industry Connections: We maintain close ties with manufacturers and brands, offering insights into trends and upcoming products. During testing, the Minwax Stainable Wood Filler proved to be a joy to work with. Its relatively dry consistency leads to almost no shrinking at all when dry. Also, because of its consistency, we were able to roll small wads of it to fill large holes like putty. Despite its grainy consistency, it was easy to spread with a putty knife and sanded to a very smooth texture. The only downside we could find is that the large fibers and grain could be too large to seal off small pores.The product is a water-based, low-VOC, and low-odor filler, so you can work in the kitchen comfortably. It dries within an hour or so, after which you can apply another coat if needed, or go ahead to sand the cabinets lightly, apply primer, and then paint as desired. The Aqua Coat product itself is white, which makes it easier to see how effectively you're covering the wood grain, but it can be painted any color you choose once dry. It cleans up with soap and water once you're done. For hand application the softer 47 – Hand Stopper is recommended. This one-part wood filler cannot be used for repairing damaged edges, corners and other more significant damages, however Morrells Two-Part Wood Filler can be used for such repairs. For those looking for a premium product, this FamoWood Latex Wood Filler is a worthy option. It has the versatility and viscosity to handle voids of different sizes, meaning one tub can handle almost anything. The formula is a combination of latex and real wood fiber, and it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Also, it cures in 15 minutes to a harder-than-wood surface. Once dry, it can be sanded, planed, or sawed. It can also be stained or painted after staining. It depends on the product, but some wood fillers are suitable for use both indoors and out. Q. Can you paint wood filler?

Once each section was properly damaged, we set forth with the wood fillers to fill them in. When they were dry, we sanded the fillers to see how well they cured the damage. The result gave us all the information necessary to suggest the best wood fillers based on their strengths and weaknesses. FAQs A screwdriver point driven into the wood both with and against the grain, meant to simulate the holes left by finish nailers Water-based wood fillers are generally a mix containing cellulose, wood fiber, or gypsum. They tend to have a less potent odor, as they emit few, if any, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some water-based wood fillers are more versatile than their solvent-based counterparts because they can be readily diluted with water and used in projects requiring thinner filler. Water-based fillers typically dry in about 15 minutes, and cleanup requires only soap and water. DAP Plastic Wood also has a low odor, which makes it ideal for indoor projects in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. You can work with this product safely and comfortably, knowing that it won't produce any unpleasant or harmful fumes. And when you're finished, cleaning up is a breeze with just soap and water. Overall, we highly recommend DAP Plastic Wood for anyone looking for a top-quality wood filler that is versatile, easy to use, and highly effective. DAP Plastic Wood is the best wood filler overall. This heavy-duty, professional-grade formula looks and performs like actual wood, only stronger, and it can be sanded, painted, or stained just like the real thing. That said, Minwax Color-Matched Wood Filler is a close runner-up on account of its ultra-strong, multi-purpose formula that is very easy to use, whether indoors or outside. What to Look for in Wood Filler Types of Wood Fillers

Independent: We will tell you exactly what we think of a product and we would never recommend anything we wouldn't use ourselves. When it comes to versatile wood fillers, Minwax Stainable Wood Filler might be top of the heap. This water-based wax features a compound made with real wood fibers, leaving behind a strong, durable patch once dry. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor wood filling, and it can take paint or stain. Solvent-based fillers tend to consist of vinyl or epoxy. They have a higher VOC content and are correspondingly smellier. Solvent-based wood thinners take about an hour to dry, and cleaning up after use calls for acetone or turpentine. Cost-wise, solvent-based fillers are pricier than water-based fillers because they’re more resistant to water, humidity, extreme heat and cold, and rot, making them best suited to exterior wood projects and applications.

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Task: Wood fillers typically handle one or more specific tasks. Some are suitable for filling voids such as divots, holes, or gouges in all wood species. Others are for filling pores in open-grain woods with large pores visible to the naked eye, such as oak or elm, to smooth their naturally coarse texture. (As the filler inundates the pores, it levels any unevenness to achieve a finish particularly desirable on furniture.) The most versatile fillers can fill either voids or pores. If you’re looking for the best wood filler overall, it’s our opinion that you can’t go wrong with Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. However, if you’re OK spending a little more for an excellent finish, consider FamoWood Wood Filler for its top-notch quality and smooth finish. How We Tested the Best Wood Fillers Application environment: Fillers are generally for “interior-only” or “interior/exterior” use. This serves as an indication of how well the filler will hold up in the stated environment both during application, while wet, and post-application after it has dried. Elmer’s Probond was easy to apply, thanks to its slightly wet consistency. The finish it left behind was also very strong. Although the filler was slightly grainy, it did seem to fill the pores nicely on the test piece. However, this product did shrink quite a bit, most likely due to its high moisture content. One of the key benefits of DAP Plastic Wood is its no-mix formula, which allows for effortless spreading and results in a smooth, even layer. This makes it easy to achieve a professional-grade finish, even if you are not an experienced woodworker. Additionally, the filler is available in multiple finish colors, including natural, golden oak, red oak, walnut, and white, so you can choose the perfect shade to match your project.