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Before buying wood filler, know that there are different types to choose from, including water-based and epoxy.
The Spruce
We love the strong adherence this forms that won’t shrink, crack, or crumble.
This 8-ounce tub is perfect for DIYers looking to repair wooden surfaces inside their homes quickly and easily.
It doesn’t shrink and bonds well to the wood once applied, which is perfect for small repairs.
PHOTO: Amazon
Keep in mind this wood filler isn’t suited for holding nails or screws.
Sand it withmedium-grit sandpaper, but avoid apower sander.
To use, you only need a small putty knife to fill the hole.
PHOTO: Amazon
The filler’s consistency is similar to thick toothpaste, so it’s easy to spread.
Wait 5 minutes, then wipe away the excess filler with a clean, damp rag.
If you do this carefully, you won’t need to sand the repair any further.
PHOTO: Amazon
Once it’s completely dry, you might sand the repaired area if necessary.
you might also paint it or stain it.
This wood filler should only be placed outdoors in spots protected from weather extremes or rain.
PHOTO: Amazon
If it’s too wet, give it a good stir.
Once dry, it won’t shrink, crack, or sink, and it bonds well.
Like other wood putties, it can’t be sanded, stained, or painted.
PHOTO: Amazon
It’s versatile, tooyou canpaint this woodfiller instead of staining if that’s your preference.
This extremely durable wood filler dries strong and hard without cracking or shrinking.
It applies easily with a putty knife.
PHOTO: Elmerâs
It dries to a natural color that’s ready for staining, but no other color options are available.
Thanks to its high level of wood flour, it takes paint like a champ.
Once dry, it will be hard to tell that damage was ever there.
PHOTO: Amazon
This can result in repairs that appear cracked or uneven.
Our best paintable pick,Famowood Wood Filler, contains wood flour, so it accepts paint very well.
Paintability and Stainability
Of course, you want your repair to be as hidden as possible.
you’re free to paint over all wood fillers and stain most of them.
Wood filler and wood puttyare not exactly the same thing.
Wood putty remains flexible and doesn’t dry entirely, making it suitable for outdoor wood repairs.
Wood filler hardens when it dries and can be sanded, stained, and painted, unlike wood putter.
It’s more applicable for woodworking, interior projects, and repairs.
Opt for a wood filler that specifically notes its resistance to cracking or splitting.
What Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce who specializes in home improvement products, including tools and landscaping supplies.
