The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Wood fillercovers seams, cracks, ornail holesin wood.

It extends the life of cabinets, shelves, trim, and anything else made of wood.

Learn how to use wood filler properly to achieve a polished and flawless wood finish.

how to use wood filler

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Before You Begin

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Determine if the project requireswood putty or wood filler.

Wood putty is stronger but requiresmineral spiritsoracetonefor clean-up.

Wood filler is weaker, but paint adds strength, and it can be easily cleaned with water.

Wood Filler

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Keep it away from heat and flames.

Ventilate the project work area.

Wear a dust mask when sanding.

materials for wood filler projects

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Water-based wood filler may not need to be stirred, but solvent-based wood putties usually need a thorough stirring.

Mix the material until it is a smooth, peanut-butter-like consistency with a uniform color and texture.

Wood putty hardens quickly, so work fast.

Spreading Wood Filler with putty knife

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By contrast, water-based wood filler is creamy and stays wet much longer.

To remove the filler from your finger, quickly wipe it off with a dry cloth.

Move the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain.

smoothing wood filler

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For large filled areas, use an oscillatingsander, starting withmedium-grit sandpaperand following with fine 220-grit or 320-grit paper.

Finish the Wood

Stain or paint the wood.

Once the area is clean, the filled crack or patch is ready for a protective finish.

Sanding Wood Filler Smooth

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Because wood filler absorbs stain differently than unfinished wood, the color is rarely a perfect match.

It is not designed to bear heavy loads and should only be used for non-structural areas.

Before applying the wood filler, sand away any sharp or jagged edges until smooth.

Wiping wood filler with a tack cloth

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Deep sections of wood filler can even take a day or two to cure.

Wood filler should be primed after it has dried and cured.

Primer helps to seal porous wood filler and make it ready for paint.

finishing wood with stain and a cloth

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly