They both deserve a place in the workshop for different applications. This repair stands out from minor nicks and scratches because you have to actually mold and shape the wood filler to match the surrounding undamaged edges of the furniture before the wood filler hardens. Youll find an overview of each as well as a discussion of their differences below. If you are a professional woodworker or one of those hobbyists and DIYers that tackle a lot of different projects, it is a great idea to have both wood putty and wood filler in the workshop. House Grail is reader-supported. Wood putty isnt made for large cracks and that sort of thing. Wood putty might look like it costs more upfront, but you use it way less than wood filler. What are your thoughts on caulking? Generally, wood filler hardens to a sandable consistency. Ive a cracked tread on my stairs its been cracked well before I lived here the previous occupiers covered it with carpet but Im having natural treads Ive ordered a hard wax oil for treads and white gloss for the risers I need to fill the crack it goes the full length of the tread And all the way through but movement in the tread is minimal it doesnt creak and is sturdy enough to only move slightly when an adult jumps on it I dont want to have to come back to it In a few months should I just embrace the crack Im going for a more rustic vibe anyway or fill it I dont think Im experienced enough to fit a new tread Im just worried about fire safety and holes being present its an old mid 1920-30s built in situe staircase The under side of the staircase isnt boxed in and is located in a cupboard in my kitchen I was going to silicone all the gaps from the underside in the hope it might limit airflow in a fire for even an extra few minutes or am I overthinking this. so found your notes excellent. What's the difference between wood filler and wood putty? Hence, it will not be very suitable for use on outdoor projects. However, this isnt really the case. All outside colonial style home. Wager, the problem of using putty for that job is that it may crack as the wood expands and contracts through the seasons. Do you think this would be the best thing to use or can you suggest anything else? Fast-drying options are available if time is of the essence. Hi Andy, Look for Intumescent fillers, they swell up when heated filling any gaps and sealing better. Because of this, we do not recommend that you consider costs very heavily in your decision. Wood putty is not stainable, but it does come in a range of wood colors. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Wood putty is also what many seasoned woodworkers and experts like to refer to as plastic wood. I am refurbishing an old wooden rocking horse. Wood putty and wood filler are often used interchangeably by woodworkers to mean the same thing. Id really appreciate some help. By Timothy Dale | Published Dec 23, 2021 2:12 PM. Latex is one of the most common types, as it is water-based for easy cleanups. If you can answer the following questions, you should be able to make the right decision just by reading the product labels. Also, exposure to direct sunlight will make it shrink by drying it out. What would bee the best way to fill in a small, narrow gap that occurred when adding mitred trim edges around a tabletop? Coat the decking with a protective stain soon after installation. And the primary ingredients in most as are boiled linseed oil, some calcium carbonate and a universal colorant. It feels like soft clay and can often be quite stiff. Wood filler drying times can vary, depending on the amount you use and the climate you're working in. Since it hardens and does not remain flexible, wood filler is an option for repairing damaged interior walls but not a good choice for exterior repairs. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between wood putty and wood filler, as well as when to use each product. And this can affect the appearance of the workpiece. Sand the painted surface and the transfer will work Id go with something that was marked as exterior use. These holes can be a result of defects or inconsistencies in the wood or where the nails go in. A perfect match! Both wood putty and wood filler do the job of a wood hole filler, but there are limitations to both. Fill the holes, then sand it down flush with the surrounding surface and paint it to disguise the patch. Apply multiple layers of wood filler and allow each layer to fully dry before adding the next one. It will resemble a plastic resin and will feel like soft clay when you add some water. . :-). Or perhaps borrow an idea from the world of wooden boats and look into oakum which is a tarred fibre? A filler primer paint or fine surface filler would be best. Putty should only be used on finished or stained surfaces because the chemicals that are part of its composition can be harmful to exposed wood. It reminds us of plastic resin. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. It is designed to be used in small amounts, which is exactly what wood holes call for. This typically isnt something you want to do with a small amount of damage. One of the first distinctions to keep in mind is that wood filler is prone to shrinking and cracking when its exposed to fluctuating temperatures, so it shouldnt be used outdoors. There are also kinds of liquid wood filler products that fill narrow cracks and slivers by soaking into the wood fibers and binding with them in order to repair the damage. Char, That could work or mix some sawdust from the same kind of wood in with some PVA. Wood putty doesnt cost very much, and it lasts forever. Thank you in advance. If you end up with a split in your project during construction, you can use your wood filler to patch the crack. You can get wood putty in a variety of colors and hence making it a versatile filling agent. These are good projects for wood putty. You should use wood putty for small imperfections, like nail holes. Round up some fine sawdust from your project. It is made of pieces of timber and some of the joints have developed cracks over time. Wood filler is often the better option when you want to fill large holes and cracks on the workpiece. Once dry wood putty will harden but this takes a long time or at least longer than wood filler. Putty sticks, which resemble fat crayons, make simple repairs on furniture easy. Thank you Vineta, for that clear article on wood fillers and putty. Usually, a wood filler is a mixture of wood fibers, such as sawdust, and a binder that hardens. Check out this article for more clever uses for sawdust! In most cases, even a large glob of wood filler will start drying in as little as ten minutes. With wood putty, you should just be using a tiny bit on a small imperfection. Privacy policy. Look for a solvent-based filler that is labeled for outdoor use, or stick with putty. The modern solution is a plastic v shaped strip. Most contain calcium carbonate as well. This maple board cracked along the grain. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Typically, the best wood filler for stains contains a high amount of natural wood particles. I am refurbishing my pool table and was wondering it would be a better end product if I sanded the whole table back then used filler before staining rather than using filler-sanding-stain? Making and repairing in a shed at the bottom of the garden, Key DIY Timber & How to Identify your wood, Learn Embedded Design with the ZUBoard 1CG. You cannot always be sure what you will need for a particular project. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. And so, wood filler is a better choice for those that are looking for something versatile that will be useful for various projects. I'll typically do this in areas where the corners and edges will be rubbed frequently, like the top of this entryway bench. Due to the similar purpose, these two products are often used interchangeably. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Here are a few examples of the best uses for wood filler: Wood putty is an oil-based compound with other natural or plastic ingredients. Although most wood fillers will come in a neutral color it is possible to add tints or dye so that it can match the colors and grain of the wood. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. And it is one of the most common wood filling compounds in many workshops. This can be used after you have finished the furniture, which makes it perfect for repairing furniture that has already been sitting around for a while. You should sand them before you add a finish. Posted on Published: June 8, 2021- Last updated: July 7, 2022. Instead, either stain before applying the wood putty to create a barrier between the chemicals and the wood or simply use wood putty on finished products that already have a sealant or stain applied. I am still confused. On the other hand, the wood putty has a more pliable texture even after it dries. However, it is not as durable, meaning you have to do more repairs over time. If youre repairing furniture, wood putty may be your best option because of this. The choice between wood filler and wood putty can be confusing. Copyright 2022 House Grail. Fillers that have a higher concentration of minerals may not hold stains as well. To help you out, weve written this complete guide on wood putty vs. wood filler. Furthermore, this material is usually used for large cracks, so youll probably use more. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Read this DIY guide to hinges, their design, style, and purpose. Here are some handy tips for getting a great result with wood filler: Want to know a clever way to make DIY wood filler that matches your project perfectly? The wood filler or wood grain filler is a putty-like compound made from a combination of materials such as epoxy, lacquer, clay, and polyurethane. Use wood putty for pieces with a natural wood finish that requires a small repair. Thats why its recommended for wood already stained or varnished. Depending on the exact formula, as well as the humidity and size of the repair, wood putty may take as long as 72 hours to dry. Although the ingredients of wood putty can vary from one manufacturer to the other, all are oil-based compounds. You can confidently repair holes, cracks, or scratches in your woodwork when you know which product to use for the job. However, the more putty used for a repair, the longer it will take to fully set. All rights reserved. It is not the easiest filler to use because of this. [/su_tab] [/su_tabs] Review Summary We will be reviewing the DeWalt. You can find tons of different brands and many different colors. It is sectional. Can anyone tell me if that is a sensible or stupid idea before i take the plunge? This type also mixes well with dyes, allowing you to use it for larger holes without making the wood piece look two-toned. Laid some new flooring in the bathroom screwed them down need to fill where the screw heads have pulled down below floor level. Wood putty is the best filling agent for use on outdoor furniture as it not only resists shrinkage but is also less prone to the effects of the natural elements like sun and rain. You will find yourself turning to these products again and again - they're like a magic eraser for woodworking! I have 20high fluted column in closers. Before repainting. This allows the putty to shift with the wood, potentially avoiding cracks and separation. Wood filler is not suitable for exterior use. If you need to add a chemical hardener to your chosen wood putty, you have to take those chemicals into mind as well. If you used wood filler, you would have to refinish the wood. You can use both wood filler and wood putty to correct minor cracks and blemishes in your project. Use wood filler on a project that needs a fairly large repairbeforepainting or staining. While wood putty has similarities to wood filler, there are vital differences you need to know so you don't use the wrong one for your project. Inside a home, wood putty can repair cracks, chips, and small holes in finished furniture, flooring, and some interior woodwork. Our Favorite Wood Putty: QuikWood 471050-24 Putty Stick, Our Favorite Wood Filler: Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler, Our reviews of the best epoxy for wood this year, Best Stainable Wood Fillers Reviews & Buyers Guide, 16 Job Satisfaction Statistics and Facts 2022 Update, 7 Best Pool Clarifiers in 2022 Reviews & Top Picks, Xyron Multi-Stick Glue Gun Review 2022 Pros, Cons, & Verdict. But, it is more versatile than wood putty and you can use it on various finishes. However, this substance isnt the best for every situation. Required fields are marked *. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Epoxy and polyurethane may also be handy to have in your workspace. If youre repairing furniture or building wooden products from scratch, you will likely find yourself needing to refill holes. I was thinking to use wood putty (I know Ive got a long job coming up!). For example, say you're building a project that called for countersunk screws. Wood putty is used after you stain or varnish your workpiece. Though both of these products are meant to fill holes and cracks in wood, they're used for different purposes. Wood filler is made with various products, including epoxy, lacquer, and clay. We expect that you can find a matching putty for even the wackiest-colored products. Polycrylic vs Polyurethane - Which Should I Choose? However, if you plan to leave the piece of wood natural and just apply a clear coat, you can tint wood filler with a wood dye to match that natural color. This means that you may need to color them to match your wood. The long drying time if the greatest shortcoming of the wood putty as it means that lighter colors can accumulate dust and darken once the patty is dry. Also, if it dries in the container, a few drops of acetone will soften it and make it usable again. Hi Larry, like most of the use cases for putty you need to look for a flexible material to allow some wood movement. Since wood filler lacks adhesive properties, it will be necessary to apply some seal on top of it. For larger defects, it might be best to sand everything down and use a hardening wood filler. If you need to patch an unfinished project, use wood filler. Hi David, you might just want to cut out the problem areas and replace them. These two terms are often used interchangeably by experts and newbies alike. Some two-part putties harden; however, these will need to be painted, as they won't typically match the surface of the wood. Thank you However, other brands harden by themselves. However, due to the softer texture, wood putty is not easily sanded. Wood putty is a malleable compound used to repair small dents and scratches on a finished piece of furniture. While this isn't commonly recommended, you can screw into some types of wood filler. Will you paint or stain the wood after repairing it? Find out more atWoodworkingtoolkit.com. Because wood putty is so popular, there are a lot of options currently available on the market. Many people will point out that wood putty often costs more than wood filler. However, petroleum-based fillers will require a chemical solvent for clean-up, whereas water-based filler cleans up with soap and water. And it comes in various types which are formulated for different uses. Here's how. Or just take the plunge and replace the broken part with real wood. Wood putty isnt as popular as wood filler because it can take a long time to dry, but this perceived shortcoming actually makes wood putty an excellent option for outdoor work. For this reason, wood putty will often come in many different colors so that you can match the tones with your stain. You can also use wood filler to cover up exposed plywood edges. It is also more cost-effective than wood filler because it lasts longer. Instead of using a suspension of wood byproducts in a binder, wood putty is made with plastic-based and oil-based compounds including boiled linseed oil, calcium carbonate, and universal colorants. In most cases, youre going to use wood putty for all small imperfections. Thats really nice post. Thank you! Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Filler, Frequently Asked Questions about Wood Putty, How to Make a DIY Wood Filler That Will Perfectly Match Your Project (https://youtu.be/lHmlvi9tQDk), Check out this article for more clever uses for sawdust, Wood Filler & Putty for Furniture Repair | Woodworking How to (https://youtu.be/d9KC36yZdZs), How to Use a Speed Square [7 Different Ways], How to Choose the Best Wood Glue for your Project. This texture allows you to apply wood filler to large cracks in a project. How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet - Beginner's Guide. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. What is the brand of stain? This guide will help you understand what makes wood putty and wood filler different, and when to use each so you can restore damaged trim, molding, or even furniture to its original glory without fear of doing harm. A petroleum-based wood filler has a smoother texture, making it easier to work with. The QuikWood 471050-24 Putty Stick comes in an easy-to-use stick form, making it perfect for small holes. Your stain may interact differently with the filler than the surrounding wood, leading to a blotchy finish. Beginner's Guide to Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. When you use wood filler, youre probably using it on a large surface. Latex fillers also mix well with dyes and they will be a great choice for sealing large cracks and holes in unfinished wood. Please advice whether to use timber putty or filler to patch the holes before sanding. 9 Building Materials with the Biggest Pandemic Price Increaseand Bob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide for Woodworkers, Get a Grip: 8 Clamps to Help You Handle Any Project, 12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Moving Underground, 8 Pest-Control Myths You Shouldnt Believe. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. It is stainable, so it will resemble the surrounding wood after you complete your project. The best wood filler is the one that works foryourjob. Now, let's go over some commonly asked questions about wood putty: Generally, no. Youll need something that copes well with moisture. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Right now I am filling in the rotted wood with layers of Zar wood patch. Using wood putty is similar to using wood filler, with a few tweaks. I am repairing my cedar deck. Due to the composition of wood filler, it can be mixed with a wood stain in various concentrations to customize the color of the filler. I have several pieces of stag furniture in my bedroom, but recently I knocked a hanging plate down and it had left a couple of indented marks. You need to either get a caulking that can be painted over or use several coats of primer. Could you answer a question for me please? Due to the chemicals in wood putty, it isnt recommended to use putty on exposed raw wood. Wood putty should not be used on raw wood because it often contains chemicals that can be potentially damaging.

Sitemap 11