10 Best Wood Filler Review and Guide 2020

Related: Best Lawn Weed Killer

10 Best wood filler Comparison Table 

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1. Abatron Wood Epoxy

The Abatron Wood Epoxy is an excellent choice for the serious woodworker or home renovation enthusiast.

• Durable Epoxy System 
• The complete kit contains a 32-ounce resin paste Part A and a 32-ounce hardener Part B, which is all you need to get started on wood restoration and repair jobs.
• This wood epoxy is a lightweight filler that works when part A and B are mixed in equal volumes; the paste becomes easy to use and will fill cracks quickly and easily. Moreover, the cure time of this filler is one to two hours, which is sufficient time for you to mold and sculpt it to your liking.
• When it dries, it hardens to a solid mass that doesn’t shrink and is highly resistant to chemicals, heat, water, and all types of weather.

Indoor and Outdoor Use 

You can use the filler for both indoor and outdoor projects to permanently fill and rebuild furniture, windowsills, columns, and doors. Just like wood, you can sand it, drill into it, stain, and paint over it. Once you are done working on your furniture, it’s easy to clean up using acetone, making it ideal for anyone new to using wood fillers.

Pros

• 2-part epoxy formulation
• Shrink free
• Easy to sand and paint
• Dries rock solid
• Suitable for interior and exterior use
• Easy to clean with acetone

Cons

• Not ideal for filling large holes
• Not designed to use on softwood

2. Donalddurham wood putty

Pros

• Suitable for minor and major repairs
• Can be sanded, drilled, painted and shaped
• Doesn’t shrink
• Can be used on many materials
• Comes in large quantities
• Fast drying

Cons

• Dries white
• Indoor use only

3. Elmer's E887q Stainable Wood Filler

If you have small repair jobs, Elmer’s wood filler is the best wood filler for staining. Elmer is possibly the most popular wood filler in the market. It comes in a small 3.25-ounce tube, but can be bought as a two or three-pack depending on how much work you need to do. 

• Elmer’s indoor wood filler works perfectly for filling in gaps and holes and repairing dents on wooden flooring. It dries fast and hard and resists shrinking and cracking. It is made from wood fibers that have a natural wood texture when cured. 
• The Elmer is a no-mix water-based filler that turns white when dry. Small cracks can take as few as 15 minutes while deeper dents can take up to five hours too fully cure. 
• When it dries, you can sand and paint your furniture on. The filler delivers a natural-looking finish thanks to the wood fibers in the filler. If you happen to make a mess, cleaning is easy because it’s a water solvent formula.
• The Elmer comes in many colors from white, red oak to mahogany and walnut. You will get an exact color match or come very close due to the wide selection. Because it's water-soluble, it’s intended for indoor use only. 

Pros 

• High quality wood filler with wood fibers
• Available in different sizes 
• Comes in six colors 
• Easy cleanup 
• Dries fast into a rock hard surface
• Solvent-free water-based formula 
• Doesn’t shrink or crack 

 Cons 

• Not good for large repairs 
• Not ideal for outdoor use

4. J-B Weld 8257 Kwikwood Wood Filler 

This is the best wood filler for small projects. The quantity is little, so its best used when you need to make minor repairs on your hardwood flooring 

• The J-B Weld wood putty is a fast setting two-part epoxy system that contains a resin and a hardener, which is specially formulated for wood bonding and repairs. The fast drying wood filler sets in 20 minutes, and cures in under an hour.
• The wood putty has a high tensile strength so that it will not shrink or foam. It dries rock hard to create a lasting permanent bond that is stronger than wood. Once it is completely dry, it can be shaped, sawed, drilled, and painted. 
• This putty is easy to apply to any material, but its best suited for hardwoods and other dense materials since it is high-density putty. It’s not easy to stain which may make it unsuitable for some furniture, but it dries to a tan color 
• If you are looking for quality filler that is easy to apply, the J-B Weld repair filler is a great option to quickly and efficiently repair small cracks and gaps around your home. 

Pros 

• Extra Stronghold 
• A great DIY wood filler that is easy to use 
• Doesn’t crack or shrink 
• Cures within an hour 

Cons

• Can’t be stained 
• Not ideal for major repairs 

5. Minwax 42853000

When you are looking into restoring your furniture or antiques that have cracks or dips, Minwax is the perfect wood filler for that job. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. It's highly durable, dries quickly and can be sanded.

• This is a two-part epoxy system. Simply mix what you need and use it in 15 minutes; otherwise, the filler dries quickly and becomes hard to use. It hardens quickly, so you can sand in 30 minutes and finish your repairs fast, so you don’t have to wait a half a day to complete your repairs. The repaired surface can be drilled, stained, and painted on.
• Minwax high performance wood filler is anti-rot and polymer-based. It can be used on rotten wood and can work well on a more extensive repair surface without shrinkage. It also dries into a pink color, so some more work must be done to match the color of the furniture or surface you repaired.
• Lastly, it does not emit the stinging odor that is associated with wood fillers, a great thing because your house won’t smell like wood filler for days.

Pros

• Dries fast
• Can be drilled and painted
• Low odor
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Doesn’t shrink
• Anti-rot
• Versatile applications
• Strong bonding power

Cons

• Not the best for intricate work as it dries very fast
• It can be hard to work with

6. Bondo Wood Filler Quart 20082

The Bondo Wood Filler Quart is general-purpose wood filler that is easy to use and versatile to be an excellent choice for beginners or less confident DIY novices.

• The Bondo wood filler comes in a sizable quart container for all your home repairs, so you don’t run out during a project. This filler produces a durable coating that can be sanded and painted on.
• The filler hardens to a rock material that can withstand the elements. This wood filler is for both indoor and outdoor use.Bondo is  two-part solution that comes with a filler emulsion and a cream hardener. It takes about 20 minutes to cure and dries into a bright tan color.
• The mixture is malleable and easy to apply. It’s able to penetrate deep into the material due to its low viscosity index, thus creating a stronger bond. 
• This all-purpose filler can be used for almost anything that requires filling. It dries into a rock-solid mass that can be sanded and drilled. It’s also easy to stain on wood while preparing for a paint job. You will not go wrong with this filler; use it inside or outside your home. It will work on both soft and hardwood floor filling with equally high performance.
• This filler holds up well over time, it won’t crack or shrink, and it’s also easy to clean.

Pros

• Cures fast
• Easy to apply and mold
• Low viscosity
• Wide range of applications
• Suitable for interior and exterior work

Cons

• It dries too quickly for detailed work

 7. The Famowood Latex Wood Filler

The Famowood filler will solve all your associated wood problems. It can be used on both soft and hardwoods. Whether you are fixing small cracks or bigger issues caused by rotting wood, this timber crack filler is suitable for fixing a wide range of repairs. 

• Famowood is a latex filler that has the viscosity to handle large cracks and fluidity to fill small gaps in the wood.
• The filler is ready to use out of the tub, so no preparation is needed. It’s thick and easy to apply with a putty knife. Once applied, it takes only 15 minutes to dry into a solid surface that can be drilled, planed, stained, or painted. 
• This filler will not crack or shrink, leaving your furniture more durable. For this reason, it’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It is the best exterior wood filler for to repair and fill holes on your deck.
• Famowood is versatile, easy to use, and to clean up. It comes in a large tub giving you value for your money. It’s the only filler you need for a wide range of problems and doesn’t have a strong odor 

Pros

• Fast drying
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
• Can be stained and painted on
• Can be sawed and drilled 
• Low odor 

Cons

• Dries to a bright pink color

8. The PC Products Pc-Woody Wood Filler

The filler is an epoxy system than comes in two separate cans that need to be mixed to form a putty paste that is easy to apply and can work on a wide range of materials. 

• PC Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste is a durable and effective wood repair filler that is ideal for most situations but is specifically designed to offer excellent performance for more challenging wood repair problems. This wood filler can be used either indoors or outdoors because it can withstand harsh weather conditions thanks to its wide temperature range. 
• The filler is resistant to cracking and shrinking, making sure your repairs last as long as the wood. It is also resistant to the sun's UV light and damage from water, fresh or salty. 
• If you are looking for putty that can weather wet conditions, this filler is made to withstand mildew and dry rot.
• It dries in forty minutes, giving you time to make adjustments and details. With a temperature range of f 20 to +200 degrees F, it will go undamaged in the coldest and warmest weather. Once it is fully cured, you can sand, saw, and paint over it
• The epoxy is made from real wood fibers, so it adapts to the characteristics of wood, making it ideal for both small and large repairs. The formulation has a high tack, which is great for specific jobs like carving symbols and letters, as it doesn’t drip or sag, so it will give you time to work before it dries. 

Pros 

• Wide temperature range 
• High tack 
• Made for real wood
• Long working time for detailed work
• Mildew and dry rot resistant
•  indoor and outdoor wood filler 

Cons 

• Takes a long time to cure 

9. Elmer’s E855 Wood Filler

This is the second Elmer product on this list. Elmer offers a quick solution to all your wood filling needs. The Elmer’s E855 is world renowned for its exceptional performance, durability, portability, and longevity. Let’s take a closer peek behind the hood: 

• It comes in a 3oz, seven-inch tube that will easily fit in a small toolbox. No preparation is needed; all you need is to squeeze the tube to let the product out for minor repairs such as filling nail holes or filling gauges on your hardwood floors.
• Once applied and dried, you can sand and paint over the area after curing it, which can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hrs depending on the surface and depth of the repair. Clean the area with water to take off the excess product.
• In addition, the Elmer’s wood putty is formulated to be a crack and shrink-proof solution for sealing small areas. The small tube is easy to carry as it can fit into any tool kit, and comes ready to use out of the tub. If you are looking for a product for small quick fixes, consider getting the Elmer E855.

Pros

• Crack and shrink resistant
• Portable tube
• Easy to clean
• Colored wood filler with a choice of six colors 
• Paintable and sandable

Cons

• Slow dry time

10. Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler

This high performance filler is a great choice for long-lasting repairs and restoration on damaged wood. This two-part epoxy system is great for repairing structural damage to wood as it’s stronger than wood.

• You will certainly complete your work in no time because the wood filler dries in 15 minutes and is ready to sand and paint in about thirty. The result of using this wood filler is a rock-solid surface that won’t shrink or crack with use. You can quickly drill and screw into the putty once it dries.
• This durable filler can be used indoors and outdoors, as it is weather resistant. You can even use it as an adhesive. Use it to repair rotting or destroyed doors, decks, and old furniture. It bonds with wood very well for long lasting furniture.
• Use this Minwax filler to repair rot damage to wood. It’s anti-rot and mildew resistant to protect your furniture or doors protected from further damage.

Pros

• Quality product 
• Permanently repairs and restores damaged wood
• Quick-drying time
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Weather, water, and rot-resistant
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Has a strong odor

Things to know before buying Wood Filler

What Is Wood Filler?

Wood filler is a product used to create smooth surface repairs to dents on wood. Wood filler is sandable and is intended for unfinished wood that will be painted on to seal it. The composition of wood filler is made of a binding agent and a filling substance. Most wood repair products have the consistency of putty, which is easier to work with and offers color options to match the project for even finishing results.

There are different types, including water-based, which can be thinned simply by adding more water, and solvent-based, that need acetone or turpentine to mix. 

 When To Use Wood Filler?

Basically, anytime you have damaged wood in the house. Wood filler is used on both small and bigger repairs from patching minor imperfections on your hardwood floors to repairing a rotting window frame.

Most people think wood fillers are used to fix doors and walls. The truth is wood fillers can be used on a variety of repairs around the house. You can fix dents on your floor or your old furniture or replace parts of rotting wood inside and outside the home.

The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. If it’s superficial, a thin coat of the filler will even out the surface, which can then be stained or painted. A clear wood filler works best for floors. 

If your repair is extensive, for instance, repairing a rotting leg on your patio chair, you will need to do more work by first removing the rotten wood and then use a polymer-based wood putty as it's thicker thus creates a strong bond and is works well for outdoor jobs.

Types of Wood Fillers

There are several types of wood fillers on the market. Before choosing the best wood putty for your project, you will first need to understand the different kinds of Wood fillers that exist. Here is a quick overview.

1. Cellulose-Based Wood Filler

This is the most common type of wood filler in the market, which comes as pastes, and powder that can are mixed with a wide range of solvents ranging from water to alcohol-based ones. You can always find one at your local hardware store; they are readily available.

They have a durable and affordable, and provide a tough and easy to apply surface that is stainable and paintable.

You will require a bit of work to prepare the mixture, which takes a few minutes, but will give a lasting effect when used to repair wood. It is excellent wood filler for staining when applied in thin layers.

2. Gypsum-Based Wood Filler

Gypsum-based wood fillers are made from mineral powders and water to form a crystalline substance that bonds strongly with wood to form a solid surface that doesn’t shrink nor crack. Gypsum wood fillers are best suited for surfaces that will be painted on to because the putty will cause staining. Gypsum Based wood filler is recommended for indoor use because it’s not weatherproof.

3. Latex Wood Filler

Latex-based fillers are also known as vinyl wood fillers. They are made from polyvinyl acetate emulsion, which acts as a binder and a calcium carbonate. They are very malleable, thus easy to apply and don’t require much experience to use.

Latex base wood fillers are quick to set, and when applied in a thick layer, they are prone to getting cracks. Therefore, this wood filler is best used as a thin coating on wood.

The great thing about this filler is it’s made out of plastic; therefore, it’s weatherproof and can be used for outside projects. Although this type of wood filler does not stain, it leaves a white residue that needs to be painted.

4. Epoxy-Based Wood Filler

Epoxies are two-part formulas that are petroleum-based putty that can be used as an adhesive. Epoxies are gaining popularity because they can be used both inside and outside the house for repairs because they are moisture resistant.

This two-part putty needs to be mixed and have a short dry time. Once dried, the filler forms a strong bond that can be sanded and painted on. The caveat, this type of filler doesn’t tolerate wood stains well.

5. Water-Based Wood Fillers

Water-based fillers require water to activate the putty. They mostly come in powder form, and the user uses a small amount of the powder to mix with water before application.

The paste is easy to apply and dries quickly into a solid rock substance that can be sanded, drilled, and painted on. Because it's water-soluble, it’s recommended for use indoors only. Water-based fillers can also be used outside if the area is weather treated.

Wood Filler Applications

Here are a few projects when to use wood filler.

1. Furniture

Use wood filler to fill both small and large gaps in the wood. When your furniture has minor dents on the surface, use a filler to even out the surface, sand, and stain the area for a better look.

If your furniture is rotting, use wood filler that is rot-resistant to repair the damaged area, then proceed to sand and paint your furniture. The type of filler you will need will depend on the wood type. Some fillers work best on hardwood and others on softwoods.

2. Flooring

On floors, you will need to use thin wood floor filler unless you need to fill deep cracks. In this case, you will need to apply it evenly, wait for it to dry before applying the stain. If your floor is made from hardwood, use hard floor filler for the job.

3. Hole filling

When filling holes left by nails and screws on your walls, you will need to use a thick wood filler to fill the gaps and cracks. You need to prep the cracks or holes before using wood filler. Use a sandpaper to smooth out the inside and remove all the sawdust. Use a putty knife to press the filler in and smooth the top. Once it dries, sand the top until it's even with the wood surface. You can also paint or stain over the putty once it has been sanded smooth.

4. Wood Grain Smoothing

Most hardwoods have large pores that need to be filled before staining because the wood absorbs a lot of paint. A thin coat of wood filler closes these pores giving the wood a smooth surface to stain and paint on. After applying the filler, allow it to dry, then sand it and use the stain.

5. Material Bonding

Wood fillers can be use to join two or more piece of wood together. Wood putty can be used instead of glue because it gives a durable and robust hold. The only downside is wood fillers are more expensive than glue, so if you r project is quiet big, use glue. 

How to Wood Fill

Applying wood filler is an easy process as long as you have the right wood filler for the job. You don’t need any technical skill to do it right. Here is how to fill large holes in wood.

You need some basic materials for the job.

#1. Materials

• Wood filler 
• Putty spatula 
• Sanding paper 
• Cleaning clothes 

#2. Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the surface 

Use a rough grade sanding paper to expose the area by removing any stain or paint. This can be done by hand or by use of a rotary sander. Clean using a wet rag to remove all the debris.

Step 2: Choose your wood filler

Your choice f wood filling will be determined by the project you are working on. You have to take into account whether the furniture is used indoors or outdoors when choosing the right filler. To get a proper repair job, you need suitable wood filler that will last long.

Step 3: Apply the wood filler

If your filler is a powder or an epoxy, it will need to be prepared first. Apply the wood filler to the area with a putty knife making sure you don’t apply too much pressure. Smooth it out and take out the excess. 

Step 4: Let it dry

Let the area air-dry entirely. The drying time will depend on the wood filler use. Some wood filler can take only 30 minutes to dry while others take hours. We recommend that you let it sit for at least 24 hours.

Step 5: Sanding

Once the area has cured, use your sandpaper or rotary sander to smoothen the area out. After a couple passes, you will start to notice the area blending with the surrounding wood. When the area is smooth to your satisfaction, use a wet cloth to take clean the area again.

Step 6: Staining and painting

You can apply a wood stain or paint depending on your choice. The repaired area should look like the rest of the wood.

DIY Ideas for Stainable Wood Filler

Here are simple DIY fixes to attempt at home

• If your floor has small dents, get a tube of Elmer’s Carpenters wood filler and a spatula and fix the problem yourself. This should take at most thirty minutes. The filler is stainable so you can get your floor looking all new again
• For your rotting windowsills, here is a solution. Before putting wood filler, make sure you get rid of all the rotten wood. Scrap out every bit of rotten timber you can reach using a chisel and a hammer. Clean the area by using your vacuum cleaner to get rid of small bits and let it dry. Use WoodEpox wood filler for this project. Mix a half a cup and then using a spatula, applying the putty on the windowsill. Let it dry for one day, then sand and paint the windowsill the color of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wood fillers strong?

Wood fillers are strong. When applied onto to wood, it hardens into a solid that is as strong as wood

Can I use caulk instead of wood filler?

Caulk is great for sealing gaps where two surfaces meet and terrible for filling. This is because when it dries, it shrinks, causing divots.

Can wood glue be used as a wood filler?

Glue can be used for filling small holes and cracks, but it’s not strong to cover large holes and gouges. 

Can you put screws in wood filler?

Absolutely. Most wood fillers dry into a solid rock surface that can be sawed, planed and drilled on 

Can you paint over wood putty?

Wood putty is an oil-based wood filler that can be painted on. You will need to sand the area before applying a fresh coat of oil-based paint.

Can you put stain over wood filler?

Most wood fillers are stainable and paintable. Keep in mind that epoxy types don’t accept stain well. 

Does wood filler shrink?

You will not experience any shrinking with wood filler, and should it occur; it's minimal.

How do you fill large holes in wood furniture?

Clean the hole on your furniture before applying any wood filler. Choose a wood filler that matches the grain of the wood if you do not want to paint it.

How long does it take the wood filler to dry?

It depends on the wood filler you chose. Water-based filler can dry as fast as 15 minutes, while the thicker types like latex-based filler can take up to two days to dry. 

Is wood filler as strong as wood?

Wood filler creates a bond with the wood so it will last as long as the wood it was used on.

Is wood filler waterproof?

Some wood filler are waterproof, epoxy and latex wood fillers are water-resistant, making them the ideal putty for exterior use. 

What is the best wood filler for oak?

Oak has large pores that soak up paint. By stain the wood, you close these poles and get a better paint job. The best wood filler for oak would be Elmer’s stainable wood filler.

How do you get wood filler stains out?

For water-based wood filler, to clean stains, use water. Solvent-based filler stains will need acetone and soap.

Conclusion 

Wood filler is an excellent addition to your tool kit. It’s versatile and can be used in many projects around your home. Whether you are repairing small cracks on your floor or repairing rotting furniture, the wood filler will do the job. 

For small repairs such as hiding scratches on your floor, we highly recommend Elmer’s stainable wood filler. For bigger projects in and outside your house, the Minwax stainable wood filler will solve all your wood-related problems.