In the world of home improvement and woodworking, mistakes are inevitable. Just as pencils come with erasers, there are ways to correct errors in your DIY projects.
When faced with a hole too large or a gap that ruins your wooden masterpiece, you don’t have to throw it away. Instead, solutions like wood filler and wood putty offer an inexpensive and effective fix.
Understanding the differences between these two products will help you choose the right one for your needs. This guide will analyse the uses, differences, and benefits of wood filler and wood putty, ensuring your next woodworking repair succeeds.
Whether working on a small weatherboard repair or patching up a larger wooden surface, Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Wood filler and wood putty are essential for fixing woodworking mistakes, but they serve different purposes. Wood filler is ideal for repairing unfinished wood, hardening quickly for sanding and staining, making it best for filling large holes and cracks.
It works well on porous surfaces and outdoor projects but lacks flexibility. Wood putty, on the other hand, is perfect for touch-ups on finished wood surfaces.
It’s oil-based, flexible, and in various colours to match stained or varnished wood. Wood putty is better suited for minor repairs and can act as a sealant, lasting longer than other repair options.
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right product for your project.
What Is Wood Filler?
Wood filler is used to fill holes, cracks, or other imperfections in wood. It is commonly used in woodworking projects to fix surface defects before finishing the wood.
The primary advantage of wood filler is that it can be sanded smooth and stained or painted to match the surrounding wood. Below, we’ll explore the various types and uses of wood filler.
Choosing The Right Wood Filler For Repairs
When selecting a wood filler, it’s crucial to consider the type of wood and the location of the damage. Not all wood fillers are created equal, and some are unsuitable for outdoor use due to a lack of weatherproofing.
Factors To Consider:
- Weatherproofing: Some fillers are unsuited for exterior projects and may degrade when exposed to the elements.
- Flexibility: Different fillers offer varying degrees of flexibility. While some work well for cosmetic repairs, they might not be durable enough for structural fixes.
- Consistency and Strength: A good wood filler should match the texture and strength of the wood it is repairing.
Types Of Wood Fillers
There are various types of wood fillers, each with unique properties. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used ones.
1. Latex Or Solvent-Based Fillers
These are ideal for small holes or gaps in interior projects. They come pre-mixed with added colour, which makes them easy to apply with a craft knife. However, they aren’t strong enough for larger repairs, as they tend to crack or sink when used for holes larger than half an inch.
2. Epoxy-Based Fillers
Epoxy-based fillers are your best bet for structural damage like a spreading crack in a wooden floor. Available in tubes or cans, they are extremely strong and can even hold screws. However, because they are tough to sand, epoxy fillers are best for areas where aesthetics are secondary to functionality.
3. Exterior Wood Fillers
Designed to withstand the elements, exterior wood fillers are elastomeric, meaning they can expand and contract with temperature changes. These fillers are excellent for outdoor projects like weatherboard repairs. They can be applied with a putty knife and painted over after drying.
4. Homemade Wood Fillers
Some woodworkers create their filler by mixing sawdust with lacquer or carpenter’s glue. This method is typically reserved for minor cosmetic repairs, as glue-based fillers can be difficult to sand and may darken the wood, making the patch noticeable.
Benefits Of Wood Filler
Now that we’ve covered the different types of wood fillers let’s examine their key benefits:
1. Quick Drying Time
If you’re in a rush, wood filler is the ideal choice. Depending on the type and material, some fillers dry in as little as 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Ideal For Porous Surfaces
Wood filler excels when used on porous surfaces. Sanding the wood before application can improve its performance, ensuring a smooth finish once the filler dries.
3. Suitable For Large Holes
Wood filler can be used to patch larger holes or cracks, preserving the integrity of your project. After drying, sand the area and apply paint to complete the repair.
4. Best For Unfinished Wood
When working with unfinished wood, the wood filler can easily patch holes and cracks, creating a smooth surface ready for sanding and finishing.
What Is Wood Putty?
Wood putty, often called plastic wood, is used primarily for filling in holes or cracks on finished wood surfaces. Unlike wood filler, which hardens and can be sanded down, wood putty remains flexible for an extended period. It is typically oil-based and ideal for minor touch-ups after a piece of wood has been stained or varnished.
Advantages Of Wood Putty
Wood putty offers several advantages, particularly smaller repairs on finished wood surfaces.
1. Easy To Apply
One of the major benefits of wood putty is its ease of application. You can use a putty knife to spread it over larger areas or apply it with your fingers for minor repairs. If you accidentally get it on the surrounding wood, wipe it away with a damp rag.
2. Variety Of Colours
Wood putty comes in a wide range of colours, allowing you to choose a shade that closely matches the stained or varnished wood. This ensures the repair blends in seamlessly with the rest of the surface.
3. Doubles As A Sealant
Wood putty also functions as a sealant, saving you the need to apply additional adhesives. This is particularly beneficial when working on surfaces exposed to moisture or environmental changes.
4. Cost-Effective
Wood putty lasts longer than many other repair products, meaning you can store it for future projects. Even a small container can be used multiple times, making it a cost-effective solution.
Key Differences Between Wood Filler And Wood Putty
Though wood filler and wood putty serve similar functions, the two have significant differences.
1. Material and Composition
Depending on the type, wood filler is made from wood fibres, clay, or epoxy. It is designed to bond with the wood and can be sanded and painted once dry. In contrast, wood putty is oil-based, and its composition varies between brands. It has a clay-like consistency that remains flexible over time.
2. Best Use Cases
Wood filler is best for unfinished wood that requires sanding and staining. It should be applied before the wood is treated or finished. On the other hand, wood putty is perfect for finished wood surfaces. Since it remains flexible, it can expand and contract with environmental changes, making it ideal for outdoor use.
3. Drying Time
Wood filler dries quickly, often within minutes, depending on the product. It hardens to create a solid surface ready for sanding or painting. Wood putty, however, can stay malleable for longer, making it a slower repair option.
Choosing The Right Filler For Your Project
Selecting the correct filler depends on your project’s specific needs and the type of wood you’re working with. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice:
1. For Unfinished Wood
- Use wood filler before sanding and finishing your project. It’s perfect for filling large holes, cracks, and gaps, and it hardens quickly, allowing for a smooth finish.
2. For Finished Wood
- Choose wood putty to patch small imperfections in finished wood surfaces. Its flexibility and wide range of colours make it ideal for touch-ups on stained or varnished wood.
3. For Outdoor Projects
- Use an exterior-grade wood filler or elastomeric caulk for outdoor repairs. These products can expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing cracks and ensuring long-lasting results.
Additional Types Of Fillers
In addition to wood fillers and putties, other fillers can be useful for different surfaces:
1. Powder Fillers
Powder fillers are cost-effective and versatile. They come in powder form and can be mixed with water to fill cracks in interior and exterior wood.
2. Lightweight Fillers
Pre-mixed lightweight fillers are ideal for small cracks and holes. They are easy to apply, dry quickly, and can often be painted without sanding.
3. Caulk
Mastic caulk is another filler option, particularly for areas between boards or along edges. However, it may crack under certain conditions, so following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential.
Conclusion
Both wood filler and wood putty have distinct uses, and understanding the difference is key to choosing the right one for your project. Wood filler is ideal for unfinished wood, offering a durable solution for patching holes before sanding and staining. Wood putty, on the other hand, works best on finished surfaces, providing a flexible solution for minor touch-ups.
Whether repairing an outdoor weatherboard or finishing a delicate woodworking project, selecting the appropriate filler will ensure a seamless and long-lasting finish. With the right tools and products, you can confidently tackle any wood repair.
FAQs About Wood Fillers And Wood Putty
What To Use To Fill Large Gaps In Wood?
Wood putty: Wood putty is a good option for fixing large gaps and holes. For one, it has natural wood! It won’t have a problem with shrinkage like other fillers and is often oil-based. Wood putty can be used with projects for any type of environment.
What Is The Difference Between Wood Filler And Wood Putty?
While the chemical formula of wood putty can damage exposed wood, wood filler is made to bind directly to the natural wood and doesn’t need stain before application. Patch holes inside the home with this quick-drying, paintable, stainable, sandable wood and grain filler.
How Do You Fill Rotted Wood?
Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mould and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won’t rot.
Can You Paint Over Wood Filler?
Once you’re sure that the wood filler is completely dry, you will want to sand over any repaired areas again. Sanding is necessary to create an even surface for painting. Sand the area until you can run your hand over it and feel little difference between the surfaces.
Can You Use Expanding Foam On Wood?
Ideal for large cracks and holes in stone, wood, brick, and metal, it expands on contact to fill any shaped gap and hardens to form an airtight, weatherproof seal. It can be cut, sawn, painted, and sanded.
