Knowledge Builders

what is the difference between wood filler and wood putty

by Prof. Margarete Schuppe IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

The key difference between wood filler and wood putty is that wood filler hardens once dried (so it can be sanded smooth) and wood putty does not. Wood Filler can be used on interior and exterior applications (at least the products I mentioned above), whereas wood putty can be used on interior projects only.

What is the best exterior wood putty?

The Different Kinds of Wood Fillers

  1. Latex Fillers. For small holes and cracks, use latex fillers. ...
  2. Epoxy Fillers. If you want something more durable, consider epoxy fillers . ...
  3. Polyester Paste. The polyester paste is a lot like a two-part epoxy. ...
  4. Powder Fillers. ...
  5. Homemade Wood Fillers. ...
  6. Spackling Paste. ...
  7. Cellulose Wood Putty. ...
  8. Acrylic Caulk with Silicone. ...

Can You stain wood after applying wood putty?

Typically, you can’t stain wood filler until after it is cured, but test it on a few scrap woods to ensure the final impression looks exactly how you want. How Do You Get Stain To Stick To Wood Putty? Make sure your piece is cleaned beforehand. Adding wood filler to a defective area will improve the defected appearance.

How long does it take for wood putty to harden?

Wood putty does not harden, it dries and sets after a while but retains its flexibility when dry so it has the feature to remain unaffected by any expansion or change in wood shape. Wood putty typically takes about 2-8 hours to get completely dried; the drying time is dependent on temperature and humidity.

What is wood putty used for?

Wood putty is intended for covering nail holes and repairing holes, gouges and nicks on finished surfaces. If you want to hide a scratch on a dining room table, for example, you would reach for wood putty rather than wood filler.

image

Which is better wood putty or filler?

Let's clear up the confusion right now: Wood fillers can be sanded and stained and are best used on unfinished woodwork. Wood putty is best for repairing cracks and small holes on finished woodwork.

Can you use wood filler instead of putty?

Both are different and are two separate products. Wood putty is for finished wood. Wood filler is for unfinished wood. Unlike putty, wood filler is good for both.

Is putty and filler the same?

Fillers and putty are DIY products which are used to remove unevenness from surfaces. The fillers are generally used to fill gaps and holes in walls and wood (often decayed wood). Putty is used to smooth relatively small uneven surfaces caused by screw holes, scratches or coarse materials.

Does wood filler harden like wood?

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. Wood filler is applied to repair the wood from the inside. Because it hardens, it helps the wood maintain its integrity.

What's best for filling gaps in wood?

Wood putty: A putty is a good option for fixing up large gaps and holes. For one, it has natural wood! It won't have a problem with shrinkage like other fillers, and wood putty is often oil-based. Wood putty can be used with projects for any type of environment.

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.

Can wood filler get wet?

Wood filler differs from wood putty in that the filler usually consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, while putty is usually a plastic such as epoxy, fiberglass or polyurethane. Moreover, unlike filler, putty doesn't harden. Wood filler isn't weatherproof and won't last outdoors.

Why is my wood filler cracking?

Wood filler cracks because it hasn't dried/hardened enough. The rule of thumb of applying wood filler is to wait for the surface to completely dry before heading into the next step. Also, the wood filler can crack due to insufficient layers applied.

What is the strongest 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.

How long does wood putty take to harden?

Wood filler typically dries faster than putty Hardening wood filler takes only about 30 minutes. And the product can be fully dry in less than two hours. On the other hand, a wood putty will take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to dry. It dries and cures slowly and never hardens in the process.

Do you use wood filler before or after sanding?

A wood filler is usually untinted; it is stained along with the surrounding wood after it is applied and sanded smooth....InstructionsMix the Wood Filler. ... Apply Wood Filler. ... Smooth With a Finger. ... Sand the Wood Filler Smooth. ... Wipe With a Tack Cloth. ... Finish the Wood.

How long does wood filler take to cure?

Water-based wood fillers typically take between 30 minutes and an hour for a single shallow repair to dry. For a deeper repair with multiple layers, you can expect the filler to dry in two to six hours. Oil-based wood fillers take longer.

Can you use wood filler on walls?

Wood filler drys too hard to be suitable on a plaster wall. If the substrate is softer than the filler don't use it. That's why it's for wood. Only use plaster filler on plaster.

Can wood filler get wet?

Wood filler differs from wood putty in that the filler usually consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, while putty is usually a plastic such as epoxy, fiberglass or polyurethane. Moreover, unlike filler, putty doesn't harden. Wood filler isn't weatherproof and won't last outdoors.

How do you use a wood filler to fix a door frame?

3:276:35How to fix an ugly door jamb, repair bad jamb...wood repair . easy!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust fill it all in there you got to bring it up past the surface of the door jamb that's notMoreJust fill it all in there you got to bring it up past the surface of the door jamb that's not damaged.

Can you put screws in wood filler?

Yes, you can drill and screw into epoxy-based wood fillers when dry. However, it is often essential to drill a hole into a wood filler before dragging a screw into it. Screwing directly into an epoxy can cause it to crack since epoxies are generally very dense.

What is wood filler?

Wood filler is a suspension of a sandable material in a solution of hardening resin that has the ability to soak into wood fibers and bond with them. An example the ancients may have used — and one still used by woodworkers today — is a mixture of wood dust (cellulose) and lacquer, varnish or glue. Some contemporary products, such as DAP’s Plastic Wood All Purpose Wood Filler, combine wood fibers with a solvent-based hardening resin while others combine gypsum, limestone or attapulgite (a fibrous clay mineral) in a solvent- or water-based hardening resin.

What are the characteristics of wood fillers?

Wood fillers have three defining characteristics: They harden as they cure, they are sandable and they are stainable. Most wood fillers are uniformly sandable, but stainability varies. Fillers that contain real wood fibers tend to stain better than those high in mineral content, but most fillers are porous enough to allow at least some stain to penetrate.

What Is Wood Putty?

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. You can’t stain it either, although many types of putty, such as the those in the Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit, are colorized to match various wood tones, so staining is unnecessary.

What is one part wood filler used for?

Traditional one-part wood filler is great for patching interior woodwork before staining and finishing. You can use it to:

Can you use wood filler on unfinished wood?

Let’s clear up the confusion right now: Wood fillers can be sanded and stained and are best used on unfinished woodwork. Wood putty is best for repairing cracks and small holes on finished woodwork.

What is the Difference Between Wood Filler and Wood Putty?

You can use both wood filler and wood putty to correct minor cracks and blemishes in your project. But understanding their differences will lead you to more successful result (and help you remedy some major mess-ups!)

What is wood putty?

Wood putty is a malleable compound used to repair small dents and scratches on a finished piece of furniture. It can be found in sticks that resemble crayons, or small jars. They come in a variety of wood colors and tones, so you can choose a perfect match to your project.

What type of wood putty should I use for stained wood?

Before you shop for wood putty, take note of several things: What type of surface are you covering? What is the brand of stain? How much area needs to be filled? I like using Mohawk Fill Stiks for the occasional touch-up on natural wood surfaces, and Minwax putty for stained wood projects.

How to make wood filler with sawdust?

Round up some fine sawdust from your project. Usually I just dump out the dust bag on my sanding tools. Then, mix this sawdust with wood glue until you get an easily workable paste. Apply your DIY wood filler liberally to your project. Viola! A perfect match!

Why putty on wood floors?

Putty is commonly used on hardwood floors to fill gaps or knots, because it can flex instead of breaking apart when it's walked on.

What is the best way to fill in knots on hardwood floors?

Putty is commonly used on hardwood floors to fill gaps or knots, because it can flex instead of breaking apart when it's walked on. Water-based wood filler will return to its soft, spreadable form when it comes in contact with water, so it's not a great choice for outdoor applications.

How long does it take for wood filler to dry?

Wood filler drying times can vary, depending on the amount you use and the climate you're working in. However, many products will dry in as fast as 15 minutes. Some wood fillers change color as it dries, so you know when it's ready for sanding.

What is the difference between wood filler and wood putty?

If you had to reduce the difference to one characteristic, it would be that wood filler is sandable and is intended for unfinished wood, while wood putty is not sandable and is best used on finished wood.

What is the best wood filler?

Perhaps the best-known wood filler is Plastic Wood, manufactured by DAP. It's a solvent-based product, but many similar fillers are water based. Common ingredients in wood filler include cellulose, as you would expect, along with limestone and attapulgite, which are two of the main ingredients in drywall joint compound. DAP also makes a water-based product, Plastic Wood Latex Wood Filler, which contain limestone but no cellulose.

What is the best product to use for exterior repairs?

Because it resists the element better than wood filler, putty is the go-to product for exterior repairs. Because it's sandable, wood filler is the only thing you should use for patching interior unfinished wood. If you plan to stain the wood, choose a wood filler that contains cellulose because it stains better than limestone.

Can you use prestained epoxy for furniture?

No matter which filler you use, especially epoxy filler, it won't stain the same color as the surrounding wood, so most woodworkers use prestained filler for furniture, floors and other woodwork. Advertisement.

Is wood putty oil based?

Wood Putty Is Oil Based and Remains Flexible. Most wood putty products are similar to plumber's putty or window glazing. They are oil based, so they resist moisture, and they may harden, but they never completely lose their flexibility. These qualities make putty most suitable for exterior applications because it won't wash out, ...

Is cellulose a filler or a putty?

It contains no cellulose, but because it cures hard enough to sand, it's closer to a filler than a putty. Neither of these products should be confused with wood-grain filler, which is used primarily by finishers. It's very thin, and you spread it on a tabletop or countertop and sand it flat prior to applying the first coat of finish.

Can you stain putty?

You can't stain putty, but it comes in a variety of wood tones, and you can usually find one that is a reasonably good match. Because putty is oil based, you technically shouldn't paint over it with a water-based product.

What is wood filler?

Wood fillers are typically a combination of wood byproducts as sawdust or wood dust, suspended in a binder, either water- or petroleum-based, that dries rock solid. This is another difference between wood fillers and wood putties. Wood fillers dry into a hard finish, whereas wood putties are more flexible. While most wood fillers turn out hard, this doesn’t actually add to the structural integrity of the wood it is applied on. Another key difference between the two is that wood fillers come untinted, as they are stained along with the rest of the wood after drying and sanding.

What is wood putty?

Wood Putty. Wood putty is often referred to as “plastic wood,” and is typically applied on wood surfaces that have been stained or varnished. The first main difference between wood putty and wood fillers comes in the material it is made with. Wood putties use synthetic materials like epoxy or polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even ...

How long does it take for wood filler to dry?

Wood fillers are perfect as a quick fix, as some kinds available in the market can dry in as little as 10 minutes. Ideal for Porous wood – Wood filler’s consistency makes it terrible for application on finished wood. However, it will take to raw, porous wood extremely well, readily filling holes and cracks.

How long does wood putty last?

Long-lasting – When appropriately stored in a cool and dry place, the wood putty should last you up to 20 years. Even if you only use a small portion of it for your project, you can stow the rest of it for use on another project.

What is petroleum based wood filler?

Petroleum-based wood fillers are useful in sealing the outermost surface, protecting the wood against moisture and humidity, which could cause rotting. These are some of the benefits of using wood fillers:

What are the two basic classifications of wood fillers?

The two basic classifications of wood fillers are water-based and petroleum-based . Water-based wood fillers tend to be more crumbly in texture, but you can modify the consistency by adding water as desired. You can ably identify water-based fillers as water is indicated on the description as a solvent for cleaning up tools used.

What are the problems with wood furniture in 2021?

Published February 5, 2021. It’s not uncommon for woodworkers to deal with minor to more apparent imperfections in their wood pieces. Rotting, cracking, and scratching all pose problems to wooden surfaces, and it wouldn’t make much sense to replace entire furniture or installations just because of problematic portions.

What is the difference between wood putty vs. wood filler

Wood filler is used to “fill” large gaps in wood and maintain the integrity because it hardens as it dries. Think of wood filler as something used to fill a large imperfection in a wood piece. Wood filler is sometimes called plastic wood because it hardens and acts like real wood and can be sanded, stained and finished like real wood.

When to use wood putty

Wood putty is best used for smaller jobs like covering nail holes and small cracks in the wood. The one good thing about it not completely hardening is that it will expand and contract with temperature changes. This makes it a good choice to use on outside wood projects.

When to use wood filler

Wood fillers should be used for larger, indoor wood projects like filling large holes in a wood floor or a decent sized dent in a piece of furniture.

Is Bondo a good wood filler?

Bondo was originally created for auto body repair. That being said, its ability to mold to any shape and dry hard make it a fantastic product to use to repair furniture.

Wood filler products

When looking for fillers for wood projects, there are a ton of products on the market. Here are a few of my favorites.

Why do you put putty on wood?

Because it hardens, it helps the wood maintain its integrity. While wood putty is usually applied only after the finishings are done since it contains chemicals that may damage the wood. Most manufacturers also produce wood putty in various colors that match different wood stains. So it usually just blends in with the wood.

Why does wood filler harden?

Wood filler is applied to repair the wood from the inside. Because it hardens, it helps the wood maintain its integrity.

What is wood putty used for?

Most woodworkers also use wood putty for minor repairs and cover minor imperfections. This includes nail holes, small blemishes, and minor joint mismatches.

Does wood filler break when it is twisted?

Since they are exposed to all kinds of weather, outdoor wood structures are much more prone to such. If you use wood filler, it will break when the wood expands or contract. Wood putty, on the other hand, will remain in place even if the wood gets twisted.

Does Vintage and Specialty Wood cut corners?

Here at Vintage & Specialty Wood we take quality seriously. So when it comes to timber framing or selling and installing reclaimed wood we don’t cut corners. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for your next project.

Does wood filler dries faster than wood putty?

Since indoor structures are protected from the elements, they don’t expand or contract dramatically. Plus, the wood filler dries faster than wood putty. It also contains mostly organic materials so applying them in large quantities won’t cause harm to your wood.

What is the difference between wood filler and wood putty?

The primary difference between wood putty and wood filler is that we add sawdust or wood fibers to a filler, bound with epoxy. Wood putty , on the other hand, is a pre-mixed substance and has waterproof properties. In contrast, wood filler is not weatherproof, and you cannot use it outdoors. Contents [ show]

Why do we use wood filler?

More specifically, we use it to cover up holes, cracks, or scratches on wood. The main goal of using wood filler is to cover up defects, making the surface look blemish-free. Since most wood fillers are water-soluble, we can add a bit of water to get the required consistency.

What is putty made of?

The primary components of this product are boiled linseed oil, calcium carbonate, and a pigment. Wood putty feels like a plastic resin, and it becomes soft and pliable on adding water. You have to use a putty knife. Once applied, wood putty takes a long time to dry, much longer than the drying wood filler.

Is wood putty good for outdoor furniture?

Oil-based putty behaves as an adhesive, so you may not need a wood sealer in many cases. Wood putty is ideal for outdoor furniture as it doesn’t shrink and expand due to changing weather conditions. It comes in a variety of colors.

Does wood putty dry faster?

Once applied, wood putty takes a long time to dry, much longer than the drying wood filler. Some putty comes with a hardener, which helps the putty to dry and harden faster. The extended drying time is by far the biggest drawback of wood putty.

Can you use wood filler to cover nail heads?

You can best use wood filler to fill holes in wood. Wood filler also serves well to cover nail heads after hammering them into wood. You can create a blemish-free surface at the nail head location.

Can you sand wood filler?

You can sand wood filler, and we use it on unfinished wood. Wood putty, however, is used on finished wood, but you cannot sand or file it as it does not harden. Unlike wood putty, wood fillers aren’t weatherproof, so you cannot use them for outdoor applications.

What is Wood Filler?

In simple words, wood filler is a substance that can help you fix broken wooden items.

What is Wood Putty?

Unlike wood filler, wood putty is recommended to be used on stained and varnished wooden surfaces.

image

1.Wood Putty vs Wood Filler: What’s the Difference? - Bob Vila

Url:https://www.bobvila.com/articles/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler/

5 hours ago  · The differences between wood putty and wood filler begin with the composition of each product. Wood filler is made up of a hardening resin solution that contains a suspension of wood byproducts.

2.Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: When To Use Each - Family …

Url:https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler/

22 hours ago  · 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.

3.Videos of What Is the Difference Between Wood Filler and Wood P…

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+the+difference+between+wood+filler+and+wood+putty&qpvt=what+is+the+difference+between+wood+filler+and+wood+putty&FORM=VDRE

9 hours ago  · Wood filler will provide some structural support, although it does not replace serious repair. Wood putty is more pliable like clay. This pliability allows wood putty to be applied to a project after it has been stained and finished. However, due to the softer texture, wood putty is not easily sanded.

4.Wood Filler vs Wood Putty - What's the Difference?

Url:https://www.thehandymansdaughter.com/wood-filler-vs-wood-putty/

32 hours ago Usually, a wood filler is a mixture of wood fibers, such as sawdust, and a binder that hardens. The binder is either water or petroleum-based. A water-based filler is dry, and you may need to add a bit of water to achieve the desired consistency. A petroleum-based wood filler has a smoother texture, making it easier to work with.

5.Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference?

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/woodworking/23189969/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler

16 hours ago To a woodworker, however, there's a big difference between wood filler and wood putty. If you had to reduce the difference to one characteristic, it would be that wood filler is sandable and is intended for unfinished wood, while wood putty is not …

6.What Is the Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood …

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13402680/what-is-the-difference-between-wood-putty-and-wood-filler

5 hours ago  · The first main difference between wood putty and wood fillers comes in the material it is made with. Wood putties use synthetic materials like epoxy or polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even after drying and generally unsuitable for raw wood.

7.What’s The Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood …

Url:https://usvintagewood.com/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler/

33 hours ago  · Wood filler is sometimes called plastic wood because it hardens and acts like real wood and can be sanded, stained and finished like real wood. Wood putty on the other hand, is a non-hardening, pre-mixed putty that repairs small holes and other minor imperfections.

8.Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler; Is there a Difference?

Url:https://repurposeandupcycle.com/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler-is-there-a-difference/

28 hours ago  · 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 …

9.Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: Which Should You Use?

Url:https://usvintagewood.com/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler-which-should-you-use/

6 hours ago The primary difference between wood putty and wood filler is that we add sawdust or wood fibers bound with epoxy. On the other hand, Wood putty is a pre-mixed substance and has waterproof properties. In contrast, wood filler is not weatherproof, and you cannot use it …

10.Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler - Woodworking Trade

Url:https://www.woodworkingtrade.com/wood-putty-vs-wood-filler/

21 hours ago 5 rows · One major difference between wood putty and wood fillers is also their drying times. ...

11.Wood Filler vs. Wood Putty – What to Use for Your Project?

Url:https://painterdoug.com/wood-filler-vs-wood-putty/

12 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9