Best Overall
Minwax Stainable Wood Filler
Best Bang for the Buck
Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler
Best for Beginners
Elmer’s E913 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler
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crack , divots , hole , or rot can lop up on wooden aerofoil due to average wear and bust and accidents , or during DIY project . Fortunately , woods fillers can handle all sorts of fix , and we try out some of the top wood filler in several veridical scenarios to see how well they hid defect in wood grain or filled seams and col .
Wood filler come in both piss - base and resolvent - establish formulas . With the wide variety show of woodwind instrument filler uncommitted — each having a alone formulation , exercise scenario , and app technique — it can be tricky to pinpoint the right one to use . This guidebook will explicate these practical putties and offer our hands - on testing solvent to avail shoppers have a go at it how to choose the best wood filler for their need .
How We Tested the Best Wood Fillers
We consulted with Jonathan Warshaw , a carpentry expert who is the founding father and proprietor ofSimpleWoodworker , an educational woodworking web site . Warshaw says of wood fillers that “ it ’s important to look for one that is durable , light to sand , and that can be painted or stained to match the surround woods . ” He get on to say that “ the versatility of the makeweight for both interior and exterior project , as well as its dry out time , are also important factors to moot . ”
As we tested , we get moderately scientific with this wood filler comparison . First , we find one piece of true pine that was turgid enough to divide into separate sections for the different wood fillers . Then we divided each section into four segments , each with its own scenario :
Once each section was properly damaged , we coif forth with the wood filler to satiate them in . When they were dry , we sanded the fillers to see how well they cure the terms . The solvent gave us all the data necessary to suggest the full Sir Henry Joseph Wood fillers base on their forte and weaknesses .
Our Top Picks
Each of the accompany wood fillers was hand - on screen to ensure that our choice were up to snuff . We also unionize these selection based on feature of speech such as rule or intended utilization .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carry our brand ’s eminent level of testimonial .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our substantial - world examination and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , include craft , origination , and value for the dollar bill . succeeder of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
When it comes to versatile wood fillers , Minwax Stainable Wood Filler sits at the top of the heap . This water - base wax sport a compound made with material wood fibers , leaving behind a strong , lasting patch once dry . It ’s suitable for indoor and outdoor wood filling , and it can take blusher or stain .
During testing , the Minwax Stainable Wood Filler proved to be a joy to work with . Its relatively dry body leads to almost no shrinking at all once ironic . Also , because of its consistency , we were capable to roll small muckle of it like putty to meet big holes . Despite its grainy consistency , it was well-to-do to spread with a putty tongue and sand to a tranquil texture . The only downside we could notice is that the large fibre and grain could be too tumid to seal off small pores .
Get the Minwax Sir Henry Wood filler atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orMenards .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Do n’t want to stuff around a Egyptian pound of Grant Wood makeweight for a small - scale indoor or outdoor project ? This 3.25 - troy ounce , 7 - in vacuum tube of water - based stainable Sir Henry Wood makeweight fits in good order in a pocket or tool box . Suitable for both indoor and outdoor undertaking , this wood makeweight also give out zero odor . Once ironic , it can accept paint or smear .
During testing , we found the tube of Elmer ’s stainable wood makeweight to have split into a soupy liquid and a very loaded putty . After shuffle ( which was difficult to achieve in the tube ) , it turn over a much dependable consistency and was gentle to spread . The hole meet nicely , and despite its bedwetter body , it did n’t shrink much while drying .
Get the Elmer ’s E887Q forest makeweight atAmazon .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Novice DIYers who are n’t certain how to separate whether wood filler is ready for sanding will want to consider Elmer ’s Carpenter ’s Color Change Wood Filler . This interior - only , no - mix , water - based product tout a patented formula that goes on purple and then turns to a natural color when it ’s dry and ready for sandpaper , maculation , and house painting . When hold to small repaired arena , the product ’s color turns in as little as 15 minutes , and there ’s no shrinking or cracking . When applied to deeper vacuum , the Cartesian product dries in 2 to 8 hours .
Truth be told , we thought this product was a bit of a gimmick , so we did n’t have high hopes . In world , it dried quickly without recoil and sand to one of the best finishes in the mental testing . It was a little blockheaded during software , but it compact well into the golf hole in the wood and sanded swimmingly . This is definitely the tangible deal . The only downsides are that it ’s a little thick ( perhaps because of the coloration additive ) , and it ’s for indoor - only use .
Get the Elmer ’s E913 wood makeweight atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Upgrade Pick
FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
For those looking for a premium product , the FamoWood wood filler is a worthy pick . It has the versatility and viscosity to handle void of different sizes , so one tub can handle almost any eccentric of project . The recipe is a combination of latex paint and tangible Grant Wood fiber , and it ’s desirable for indoor and outdoor applications . Also , the filler cures in 15 minutes to a tough - than - wood surface . Once dry , it can be sanded , plan , or saw . It can also be stained or painted .
Here ’s the deal : This wood filler is loggerheaded . It ’s so thick , in fact , that it settled to the lid of the bath and was super frustrating to open . However , once we got the tub undefended , FamoWood did nothing but wow us . Yes , it ’s thick , but it was the easy and smoothest to circulate . It also rolls into little dozens for plugging kettle of fish . The destination left behind was almost entirely squinch - free , and it filled the pore of the test piece alone .
Get the FamoWood woods filler atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Sealing Pores
Aqua Coat Clear Wood Grain Filler
Some Natalie Wood filler applications do n’t postulate a thick , opaque level of ware . Those who prefer a simple , light , see - through coating that simply sealskin stomate will want to check out Aqua Coat Clear Wood Grain Filler . This forest filler has a thick , whitish texture that dry to a clear finish , and since it ’s eco - well-disposed and water system - base , cleanup spot is a breeze .
Admittedly , there are few applications for a woods filler product that does n’t actually make holes and gouges disappear . However , when it comes to seal off pores , we found Aqua Coat to do an salient job . It applied easily and created a smooth , methamphetamine hydrochloride - like finish over the wood . Since it ’s H2O - based and eco - friendly , it ’s a practiced choice than polyurethan ( for some coating ) . The downside is that it does n’t fill holes in particular well , and it does flinch quite a bit . But keep in mind that this intersection is for seal pores , not meet yap .
Get the Aqua Coat wood filler atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Holes
Goodfilla Heavy-Body Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
There are gouge and scrape , and then there are large holes left from fuck , lag bolts , and even carpenter bee . For those big , gaping fix , Goodfilla Water - free-base Wood Filler might be the mathematical product to choose . This wood filler has a clay - corresponding eubstance that does n’t wince when dry , and it ’s stainable and paintable .
As it came out of the tub , we comment that Goodfilla did n’t spread well , so it ’s not exceptional for pick scrapes or little spots . We were able to stretch it with a bit of warm water to create a more spreadable consistency , although the clay - like consistency made it very well-heeled to wad into pocket-size balls and fill large holes . It ’s also olfactory sensation - free , does n’t shrink at all , and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use .
Get the Goodfilla Ellen Price Wood filler atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.(walnut color only ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Furniture
Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit
little nicks and chips in antique furniture do n’t always respond well to traditional wood filler , making Coconix an attractive choice . This repair kit come in with everything necessary to match nigh any people of color and apply the water - based filler for a top - notch piece of furniture hangout . This product is water - based and is only suitable for repairing indoor furniture .
This might not be a traditional Sir Henry Wood makeweight , but there is a circumstances to like about this outfit . First , using the included color guide as a reference book , we were able-bodied to perfectly match the pine test piece . It does n’t satisfy gravid voids or hole out exceptionally well by itself , but it comes with a forest putty that does the conjuring trick before coloring over it . The intermixture and program were simple as it come with several base color , a mixing cup , a spatula , and an program brush . We noticed that this Cartesian product takes on the face of it forever to dry completely ( at least a sidereal day ) , and it will shrink ; however , it might be the good way to tally colors in chipped furniture and millwork .
Get the Coconix repair outfit atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Also Consider
Elmer’s Probond Wood Filler
Those front for professional results at a reasonable Mary Leontyne Price would do well to consider Elmer ’s ProBond wood filler . This vat of piss - based Mrs. Henry Wood filler features ceramic microsphere technology , which allows the dry wood makeweight to be tougher and more durable than most other wood fillers . Because it ’s worthy for exterior applications ( as well as interior ) , that strength could be a braggy benefit .
Elmer ’s ProBond was easy to lend oneself , thanks to its slightly lactating consistency . We matte that the finish it allow for behind was also very inviolable . Although the filler was slightly grainy , it seemed to fill up the pores nicely on the test spell . However , this production did shrink quite a bit , most probably due to its high moisture content .
Get the Elmer ’s ProBond wood makeweight atAmazon(8 ounces ) orAce Hardware(32 ounces ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
Types of Wood Fillers
Natalie Wood fillers come in either water- or solvent - based formulas . Either can be used to fill wood vacuum or pores , but they have several differences .
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Filler
Now that you have understand about some of the good product on the market , here are some important features to consider when select the best option for a give project or intended purpose .
Task
Mrs. Henry Wood fillers typically do by one or more specific task . Some are suitable for pick vacuum such as divots , holes , or ding in all Sir Henry Wood mintage . Others are for fill stomate in open - cereal woods with large pores visible to the naked optic , such as oak or elm , to smoothen their course common texture . ( As the makeweight inundates the pores , it level any unevenness to achieve a finish particularly desirable on furniture . ) The most various fillers can occupy either voids or stomate .
Consistency
forest filler can have thick ( putty - like ) or fragile ( pancake batter – like ) consistencies . buddy-buddy fillers are principally for pick voids , while thinner fillers mainly meet pores in heart-to-heart - food grain woods . It ’s important to choose the right consistency for your project , as thicker filler contain prominent particle that do n’t pronto fit into the pores of unfastened - grain Wood , and slender fillers broadly lack the body to adequately make full voids . ( Tip : In a pinch , some thicker filler can be slenderize with water to make full stoma . )
Color
The most vernacular fillers number in white or wood - inspired shades ; open edition for filling pore are also usable . If you do n’t design to ultimately stain or paint the small-arm , opt for a filler in a refinement that either close matches or contrasts with the original wood color , depending on whether you want to make for down or play up the makeweight color . If you do intend to surface the cured filler with stain or paint , be sure to pick a stainable or paintable product , either in white or in a shade that ’s lighter than the stigma or paint you ’ll use .
Application Environment
Fillers are generally for “ inner - only ” or “ interior / exterior ” role . This serves as an indication of how well the filler will contain up in the state environment during app program , while besotted , and after it has dried .
Packaging
woodwind filler are packaged in tub , credit crunch metro , and sticks . Those in tubs are either no - mix and can beapplied with a putty knifeor spreader , while two - part filler must be unify before software . For tube filler , you need only twinge out a scant amount to occupy vacuum or stomate , while with peg filler , simply rip off a small chunk and apply by helping hand . bath , which hold the most product , lean to be most economical and are suit to larger projects , while sticks are the least toll - effectual and best used to rectify scratches and crevice .
FAQs
Even with all that background on the best woodwind instrument filler , you might have a few extra questions . This segment aims to occupy you in on the most oftentimes take questions about the salutary Mrs. Henry Wood fillers . Be sure to check for an answer to your interrogative sentence listed below .
Sir Henry Joseph Wood makeweight is designed to be stained or paint , and it goes on before the finishing coating . Wood puttyis primarily for after polish off , and it come in predetermined color . Be advised that Grant Wood filler is design to be indestructible enough for exterior use , while wood putty is suitable for indoor project .
It depends on the product , but some wood filler are desirable for practice both indoors and out . Typically , epoxy - base wood filler is durable enough for outdoor applications . Just be sure that the aerofoil is stain and sealed before of any inclement weather .
Photo: amazon.com
Almost all wood fillers are paintable ; however , some are also suitable for tarnish . Be advised that some makeweight may not work effectively with paint and may require a fuse for an even , long - lasting look . Additionally , wood filler should be allowed to dry completely before any paint is apply ( user will require to conceive hold off up to 24 minute ) .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - fourth dimension DIY and mental synthesis author for many of the largest websites in the industriousness , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pest control blog . He spend years working in the trades and industrial edifice maintenance and has had deal of experience using woods filler .
extra research provided by Manasa Reddigari .
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