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what is plastic wood filler used for

by Robyn Ernser Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can use it to:

  • Fill dents, cracks and small holes in finished furniture, flooring and interior woodwork.
  • Fill gouges and cracks in exterior woodwork. When used this way, it usually has to be painted.
  • Repair cracks in decking boards. ...

Wood putty is often referred to as “plastic wood,” and is typically applied on wood surfaces that have been stained or varnished.Feb 5, 2021

Full Answer

What's the best wood filler to use?

Top 10 Best Wood Fillers Reviews

  1. PC Woody Epoxy Paste. PC-woody is the most appropriate two-part wood filler for all types of wood. ...
  2. Abatron WoodEpox Solid Wood Restorer. Rather than replacing the old wood surfaces with new ones, repairs are less costly and very efficient.
  3. Elmer's White Wood Filler. ...
  4. Bondo 1- Quart Wood filler. ...
  5. Famowood Latex Wood Filler. ...
  6. Minwax Paintable wood filler. ...

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How to make and use your own wood filler?

Mixing and applying

  • Collect fines in a container Collecting the sawdust should be done from the workpiece it will be used on as to match the color. ...
  • Mix in wood glue Gradually add glue to the sawdust while mixing until a putty-like consistency is achieved.
  • Apply to hole or crack Using a scraper, apply the DIY filler to the area it is to be used. ...

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How to choose and use wood filler?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Filling the Hole Download Article

  1. Squeeze the filler into the hole. Use the tube to squeeze the filler into the area, making sure to fill in the deepest area by pressing the end down ...
  2. Overfill the hole. When adding the wood filler, you need to fill it a bit more than level with the rest of the wood.
  3. Smooth the filler out with a putty knife. ...
  4. Wait for the filler to dry. ...

Does wood filler need hardener?

Minwax recommends removing paint, dirt and debris, grease, and any loose or flaking wood—and suggests using their wood hardener to treat damaged areas—before filling, which is excellent advice for all fillers. Also, instead of packing the void to be filled, they suggest applying the filler in 1 ⁄ 8 -in. layers.

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What is the difference between wood filler and plastic wood?

But one major difference between wood putty and wood filler is its composition. The former is made of plastic chemicals and oil-based compounds. While the latter consists of wood particles and fibers mixed with a binding agent. This is why wood filler hardens while wood putty doesn't.

Is plastic wood filler good?

Best Overall: DAP Plastic Wood All Purpose Wood Filler Coming in as our number one pick is DAP Plastic Wood. This all-purpose, solvent-based wood filler is formulated with real wood fibers. It looks and acts like actual wood, except once it hardens, it's three times as strong.

What do you use plastic wood for?

The Top 10 Uses of Plastic Wood LumberDecking. If you're looking to relax on your decking rather than be consistently completing maintenance on it then plastic lumber could be the choice for you. ... Fences. ... Window and Door Frames. ... Moulding/Trim. ... Landscaping. ... Parks. ... Outdoor Furniture. ... Cladding.More items...•

Does plastic wood filler Harden?

Wood putty is denser than wood filler, and it's so pliable you typically have to apply it with a putty knife. Like window glazing or plumber's putty, wood putty is a mixture of plastic and oil-based solvents. Because it doesn't harden like wood filler, wood putty won't shrink or crack, but you can't sand it.

Can you screw into plastic wood filler?

Yes, Dap Plastic wood filler can be screwed. It provides strong anchoring to the screws without splitting. Other than that DAP Plastic wood filler can cut, drill, sand, varnish, paint without any issue.

Should I use wood putty or wood filler?

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. Meanwhile, a stainable wood filler is not suitable for fixing exterior damage because filler is prone to shrinking and expanding with changing temperatures.

Is plastic wood filler waterproof?

Despite what the label says (or insinuates) this product will never be waterproof.

Can you use plastic wood on rotted wood?

DAP Plastic Wood is a wood filler that acts like real wood after it hardens. It can be sanded, stained, cut, drilled, and painted just like real wood. Most importantly, it can hold screws like real wood too.

How long does it take for plastic wood filler to dry?

Allow to dry approximately 2-6 hours shallow repairs and 36 hours for deeper fills. Plastic Wood-X will change from pink to natural when dry.

What happens if you use wood filler without hardener?

What is this? The resin which is included in wood filler prevents the hardening by itself without hardener. Once the resin will eventually run out and atmospheric oxygen will participate to harden the wood filler even without the hardener. But this process will take 2-3 years to complete.

Can you paint over wood filler?

Once you're sure that the wood filler is completely dry, you will want to sand over any repaired areas again. Sanding is necessary to create an even surface for painting. Sand the area until you can run your hand over it and feel very little difference between the two surfaces.

Why did my wood filler crack?

The extra water will evaporate, without the volume the wood filler can't stretch across and it will crack. Basically wood filler will always crack unless the gap is tiny or you can keep the room still with the same humidity and temperature.

What is plastic wood filler used for?

Plastic wood filler is used to repair fishing holes, protect electronics in remote-controlled vehicles and other applications.

Why do you put plastic on wood?

You may get a plastic coating for your wood to give it a nice sheen while protecting and strengthening various household objects.

What is a DAP filer?

This wood filer is one that, when hardened it mimics and takes the appearance of genuine wood. DAP Plastic wood filler is treated similarly to genuine wood in sanding, staining, drilling, cutting, and painting. In addition, this type of wood filler can retain and screws just like genuine wood filler. There are two types and two formulas of DAP plastic wood filler.

How to fix a hole in a wood house?

To begin, clean the area and then fill it with wood filler.

Can you use plastic wood x filler?

Plastic wood x filler tends to solidify in the container, so you must mix it thoroughly before using it. You may also need to add a tiny quantity of thinner to get it back to a pasty consistency after using it. Finally, sand it smooth and paint or stain it to complete the repair.

Is putty wood filler synthetic?

The putty wood filler is synthetic and might not solidify when applied to the wood surface; wood filler is composed of wood fibers and sawdust. Therefore, the plastic wood filler has more qualities of a filler than qualities of a putty.

What is the difference between wood filler and putty?

A wood filler consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, whereas a putty is basically a synthetic plastic that may or may not cure and harden. Judging by its name, Plastic Wood could be either, but it has more characteristics of a filler than a putty. Just like wood, its main component is cellulose, ...

How long does it take for DAP wood filler to dry?

DAP wood filler dry time is two to six hours for small holes and up to 36 hours for deeper ones. Shrinkage is minimal, but when making large repairs, you may find it necessary to apply a little more filler after the initial application has dried. Sand the filler flush to the surface before you remove the tape.

Can you overfill a nail hole with putty knife?

If you're using the product from a can, stir the contents thoroughly before removing any. Apply the product with a putty knife, overfilling the hole slightly so you can sand it flat. Overfilling isn't important if you're making small repairs such as nail holes or small cracks.

Is plastic wood good for staining?

Because it's difficult to stain, Plastic Wood isn't a good choice if you need a filling material that exactly matches the color of an already-finished surface. For example, if you want to repair nicks on a dining table, a lacquer-based putty or even a putty pencil would be a better choice than Plastic Wood.

Does plastic wood harden?

The solvents evaporate quickly, and when they do, the filling material hardens. Plastic Wood actually behaves somewhat like drywall joint compound, which isn't surprising because two of its ingredients, limestone and attapulgite, are also found in joint compound.

Is DAP wood a solvent?

DAP brand Plastic Wood is a solvent-based wood filler that has been on the market for many years and has earned a reputation as a reliable if somewhat quirky wood-repair product. It's strong but not as strong as epoxy wood filler, and it's easy to handle but not as easy as water-based products. It's a wood filler as opposed to a putty, which makes ...

What is the best wood filler for oil based wood?

Products designed strictly for filling grain come in two varieties: oil/varnish based and water based. Bartley Paste Wood Filler is a classic oil based grain filler, and a top choice for filling grain under oil based wood finishes. It comes in three shades and when used as correctly, will produce the perfectly flat surface necessary for a “glass-smooth” finished product. Crystalac is a water-borne grain filler, cleans up easily, works under any type of film finish, and has a unique and often desirable property: it dries water-clear.

What is Wunderfil putty?

It comes in putty form, suitable for filling voids, and can be thinned with water to a consistency that works well for filling grain.

Can fillers be thinned down?

Fillers designed strictly for filling voids are thicker, and for one reason or another may not work well for filling grain pores – they may contain particles too large to work into miniscule grain openings, or may not be easily thinned down to a viscosity suitable for the task.

Is Crystalac a grain filler?

Crystalac is a water-borne grain filler, cleans up easily, works under any type of film finish, and has a unique and often desirable property: it dries water-clear. Filling grain requires something of a “knack”, and seems to be the source of the most wood-filling confusion. But it’s not beyond the reach of anyone with average woodworking skills.

Does Wunderfil work with water?

It cleans up easily with water and is available in a number of colors, which can be mixed together or custom tinted to produce a perfect color match. Wunderfil is also heartily endorsed in our customer reviews: "The absolute best filler I have used.

Can fillers be used for grain?

They simply lack the “body” to fill larger voids. Some fillers can be used for both - they are thick enough to span a void, and can be thinned to fill grain pores in an entire wood surface.

What is plastic wood filler?

There are two main types of plastic wood fillers. One has a binder made of nitrocellulose -- the same material that is in lacquer -- while the other has an acrylic binder, as do some latex paints and caulks. Accordingly, the latter is water-soluble until it dries, while the former must be thinned with acetone, lacquer thinner or a similar chemical. The actual filler is usually finely-ground wood chips or wood dust, and because they are mostly wood, plastic wood fillers accept stains. They often come pigmented, however, and some manufacturers recommend staining the wood before filling and using a filler that matches the stain.

Can you use plastic wood filler on wood?

Carpenters reach for plastic wood filler to fill small holes , gouges and cracks in unfinished wood. It doesn't have the structural integrity of epoxy filler, and the bond it forms with wood is weaker, but it does have the advantage of being stainable. Manufacturers commonly claim you can work with plastic wood as if it were real wood, but while it may hold a screw, it won't hold one under stress for very long.

Can plastic wood filler be stained?

The actual filler is usually finely-ground wood chips or wood dust, and because they are mostly wood, plastic wood fillers accept stains. They often come pigmented, however, and some manufacturers recommend staining the wood before filling and using a filler that matches the stain.

Is plastic wood filler stronger than acrylic?

Plastic wood filler is only as strong as the binder holding the wood particles together. Neither nitrocellulose nor acrylic are as strong as wood, and fillers made with either binder will crack if you fill too large a hole or one that extends all the way through the wood. Moreover, filling a widening crack with plastic wood filler won't stop the crack from continuing to widen, whereas filling it with epoxy wood filler may. Finally, although plastic wood fillers accept stain, they aren't as porous as wood and accept it differently, so patches seldom disappear completely.

What Is Wood Filler?

Wood filler is used for repairing wood by filling the gaps between wood chunks or holes. It can be applied directly on the surface of your project, without sanding or first receiving pre-treatment.

What is filler made of?

In addition, the filler can be easily mixed, made out of different materials such as epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane, amongst other materials that are available at your local hardware store.

How to apply filler to a sanding machine?

Using a putty knife or spatula, apply the filler equally on both sides of the project. Be gentle while applying it because too much pressure will cause lumps or uneven surfaces, making sanding difficult later on.

How long does it take for wood filler to dry?

To make the best use of your time, you should wait for your wood filler to be dry within 3-4 hours. If you choose to sand before it has completely dried, the wood filler will be removed in some areas and won’t provide the desired effect. It will also weaken the bond between each layer, leaving you with a soft finish on top of a smooth substrate.

How to make a smooth surface with epoxy?

Following the directions from the package, mix the wood filler. It is a two-stage process; if you are using an epoxy filler, you need to combine equal parts of resin and hardener. The mixing will produce heat, so keep mixing until it cools down and forms a smooth surface.

Is wood filler toxic?

A water-based wood filler is meant to be less toxic to people and the environment than petroleum-based fillers. A water-based filler usually consists of an adhesive agent mixed with sand or crushed granules of glass fiber or walnut shells.

Can you mix wood filler before applying?

Wood filler is easy to use, but it requires some extra preparation steps before applying it to your project. You first have to mix the filler before applying it, and the application cannot be made in a rush. Also, if you don’t follow the instructions correctly, you may end up with a lumpy or uneven surface. Here’s how to use wood filler.

What is wood filler?

The small cans of wood filler you see on the shelves in hardware stores are an emulsion of wood fibers in a mixture of varnish and oil . They are the go-to fillers for lacquered or varnished furniture. Epoxy wood filler. This two-part product is the most structurally strong of all the fillers.

How to remove wood filler from wood?

You can use your finger to dab wood filler into small holes, which will minimize the amount of filler you have to remove by sanding. Fill larger cracks and defects with a putty knife. Draw the knife crossways across the grain to fill holes and cracks, then scrape along the grain of the wood to remove the excess filler. Clean up with a rag.

How to sand off epoxy filler?

Use 120-grit or finer sandpaper to sand off the excess filler after it has dried. A file or rasp may be necessary for epoxy fillers. It's best to sand by hand to avoid wearing a depression in the area you filled. Always sand in the same direction as the grain of the wood to avoid cross-grain scratches.

How many parts of epoxy wood filler mix?

Epoxy wood filler has two parts that need to be mixed.

What is spackling compound?

Vinyl spackling compound. This material is lightweight, inexpensive and fast-drying. It's perfect for small defects in painted interior woodwork and walls. You can often dab it on with your finger, wait 5 minutes, scuff with sandpaper and paint.

How to make a filler last longer?

Coat the filler with a touch-up finish, using a spray can or a paintbrush. This not only camouflages the repair and helps it to disappear, but it also protects the filler and makes it last longer.

How to remove excess wood filler?

You can use your finger to dab wood filler into small holes, which will minimize the amount of filler you have to remove by sanding. Fill larger cracks and defects with a putty knife. Draw the knife crossways across the grain to fill holes and cracks, then scrape along the grain of the wood to remove the excess filler.

Why is it important to protect wood filler?

And this protection is important because the filler wood can turn hard if the air is let in. If your wood filler has a container that can allow air to be let in, then you might have a tragic story like receiving oxidized wood filler.

What is the best wood filler for small holes?

The Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler works well for repairing small splits, gouges, and holes. Also, it can take the strain — you can sand, paint, stain, and drill into this filler without worrying about cracks or splits.

Why is color important for wood fillers?

Color and Consistency. The importance of color for wood fillers is mainly for those who aren’t looking to paint over the fill. Of course, it is also important for others who want a filler that will take coloring or stains well. To make your deck uniform, you have two wood filler options.

How long does it take for wood filler to dry?

Wood filler drying times are between 15 minutes to several hours. If you need a job done fast, pick a filler that’s quick to dry.

How many wood filler options are there for deck uniform?

To make your deck uniform, you have two wood filler options.

What is PC products wood repair epoxy?

It’s a two-part wood filler that is used to repair holes, chips, or rotted wood. It has a high-tack factor that works to reduce sags and dripping when it’s wet, which makes a better finish when hardened.

What is DAP wood filler?

The DAP Latex Wood Filler is our experts’ pick for people in places with occasional harsh weather. This is a solvent-based formula that’s made for heavy-duty surface filling as it provides a repair that is 3x stronger than real wood.

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