Projects Using Wood Filler. It will not shrink or crack up to an 18 mm (3/4”) application. Sand any rough edges in the work area. Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free. Wood putty is very common and widely used wood floor filler. With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to paint in no time. This filler: Step #4 - Install the Cabinet. Stainable wood fillers are designed to be stained so you can match them to the rest of the wood. Its tough formula means it won’t shrink or crack. Wood Filler is used to fill very large gaps or holes in wood and needs to be sanded after it is dry to a flat surface. Sure, they might all get the job done for awhile, but each of these patches has a special purpose and a best place to use them. Wood putty and wood filler are often used interchangeably by woodworkers to mean the same thing. It's the filler to use for finished wood and exterior woodwork. [2] X Research source Another option is epox… Wood Filler Customer Favorites For filling voids, many woodworkers swear by fillers composed of a nitrocellulose lacquer binder and wood flour (very fine wood particles). Make Joints in Woodworks DISSAPEAR!! You can apply it with your finger or with a small putty knife if you prefer. Use wood filler for large holes. For interior, painted wood, Tom recommends products like spackle or water-based paintable fillers. The best way to use wood filler is to identify the area that needs to be filled, sand it down and clean it. Add the wood primer. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. You can also test stain on a piece of scrap wood. Wood filler can easily fix minor surface damage to furniture, floors, and more. Follow this quick guide and you’ll never be wrong in applying it. Filling small holes. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! It must be drilled for screws or milled for joinery. Wood Putty. Always use a clean knife or scrap of wood to get more filler out. This also includes cleaning up any chipping paint or loose pieces of wood. It’s easy to use for DIY projects, provided it's the right tool for the job. There are different types, including water-based, which can be thinned simply by adding more water, and solvent-based, which has a thicker consistency and is usually used for jobs that require a thicker layer, such as patching holes or cracks. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Finally, smooth it out with sandpaper and paint or stain to finish the repair. The hardener on your knife can trigger your full jar of filler to harden, sometimes VERY slowly but your filler will eventually be ruined. You may the damp cloth to clean the area. Although these terms are used interchangeably, however, they differ in regard to their use and consistency.Wood fillers contain a greater amount of binders and hence are harder as compared to the wood putty which remains pliable even after it is completely dried. Scarred flooring, rotted window frames, chipped furniture—common problems like these can be time-consuming and expensive to repair. This post contains a few affiliate links to help you find the products I use. Finish the Project . Wood fillers can be blended in with a wooden surface to create a smooth backdrop for painting. Applying primer enhances the outlook of the area. Wood fillers are often used on wooden furniture and walls. Depending on the size of the wood repair, scoop desired amount of wood filler from the can into the plastic lid and squeeze in a small amount of wood hardener from the tube, using approximately a 16:1 ratio of wood filler to wood hardener. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Lacquer-Based Wood Filler. I get a lot of furniture with wood damage. Using a wood filler is an easy way to repair those small issues with veneer damage that has been loosened by time. This post contains a few affiliate links to help you find the products I use. How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House - YouTube Another amazing DIY wood filler for hardwood floor that you can make with sawdust is the lacquer-based filler. Step By Step Instructions On How To Use Wood Filler. Step By Step Tutorial On How To Use Bondo Body Filler On Wood. Prepare the surface Step 1: Purchase the wood stain that matches the color of your wood. Wood fillers are easy to use as long as you follow a couple of simple guidelines. Cabinet makers and expert woodworkers use wood filler to fill nail holes and open cracks in wood … Or they can be dealt with quickly and affordably by homeowners who know … For larger holes use, Minwax® High Performance Wood Filler. It’s a good question to ask. Does wood filler need to be primed before painting? Trust me! Wood filler is basically a mixture of glue and gypsum or sawdust. Remember, wood putty is faster to get hard in just a few minutes. Overfill the hole slightly, then wipe away the excess filler with a clean cloth. Wood Glue vs. Wood Filler Wood filler vs. wood … Wood fillers contain a greater amount of binders and hence are harder as compared to the wood putty which remains pliable even after it is completely dried. Discard unused wood filler; it cannot be saved. Never use this filler under water based polyurethane. It will inevitably look a little different to the surrounding wood but the difference is minimal. Some fillers, though not stainable, are pre-tinted so you can select one that matches the wood you're working with. Usually, the wood or epoxy glue used fillers will only lend you a few minutes until it hardens. But, both work. Use wood fillers to repair small holes before they get larger. Discard unused wood filler; it cannot be saved. Wash off the putty knife right away with warm water and soap. When using both wood filler and wood putty, just in case you don’t have the sandpaper to scrub off the surfaces, you can opt for a burlap or microfiber rag. It’s a good question to ask. We should prepare the surface, then fill in the hole and finally finish or coat the area. Though it won't tackle large repairs, filler can make scrapes, scratches, and holes disappear, especially when you apply paint or stain to the area after filling the hole. Screw holes can be filled by using a wood filling, plugs, wood glue, and wooden scrap. For interior wood that will be stained, Tom recommends \"stainable\" wood fillers, either water or solvent based. Choose a filler stick that closely matches the color of the wood. Wood fillers can be used for shaping or sanding as well. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-wood-filler/#.WfALqohrzIU, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-choose-and-use-wood-filler, https://www.familyhandyman.com/carpentry/how-to-use-epoxy-on-wood-for-repairs/view-all/, http://www.designsponge.com/2010/09/before-and-after-basics-wood-filler.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. With the amount of overlap between wood filler, wood glue, and wood putty, it can get a little confusing as to when to use one over the other. The best substances for plugging holes and filling cracks, with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouseUp in the loft, Tom and Kevin discuss different types of fillers used for filling small holes and cracks in both wood and PVC trim. Look for good adhesion. If you're not coating over this filler with polyurethane, you will need to wash off the oil smudges that will appear on the floor around the filled areas. APPLICATION: Squeeze a liberal amount of Minwax® Stainable Wood Filler into the area to be filled and press firmly into place, using a putty knife. Aside from wood fillers, you'll need to decide what type of wood-stain to use. Credit Source: howtocleanthings.com. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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. How do you fix a screw hole that’s too big? Then you will want to use a putty knife to place the filler inside the space carefully. Tips on Choosing and Using Filler Compounds. You can use a thicker wood filler to fill up cracks and holes in your wood products. To use a wood filler, start by sanding down the surface you want to repair and removing any debris, which can prevent the filler from sticking. This will ensure that you do not have to use … Overfill the hole slightly, then wipe away the excess filler with a clean cloth. Start by prepping the area, then move on to filling it with the wood filler. Choose a filler stick that closely matches the color of the wood. You may use the spatula or just the putty knife to mix the filler and the hardener. Make sure to overfill the hole a little bit, since wood filler shrinks when it dries. It is often applied not only with a spatula, but also with syringes or brushes, in order to achieve greater accuracy in the work. It’s just the nature of the business. Use crayon-type filler sticks to fill holes and cracks on wood that's already stained and finished with a clear topcoat. By using our site, you agree to our. You may also use a wood filler that matches your wood color. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 56,558 times. Use sandpaper to smooth out the inside as much as you can, and make sure to … They are however vulnerable to getting cracked but being a plastic-based wood filler, it makes it weather resistant and suitable for use outdoors. This article has been viewed 56,558 times. … The interior surface of the crack or hole needs to be prepared before you can push the wood filler in. Some water-based wood fillers are also stainable, but they are specifically meant to be used indoors. Depending on your circumstances, you need to pick a suitable wood filler for the job. Using a stirrer and disposable paper plate, mix the wood filler according to the directions of the manufacturer. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The filler is difficult to remove from tools once it dries. Lacquer based wood floor filler is a mixture of lacquer and very fine wood … Your chosen wood filler. 1. Wood filler, also commonly known as plastic wood, wood jam, and grain filler, in a spreadable compound, filler, or grout used to fill imperfections in wood before finishing. For larger holes or gouges, you may need to used one of the plastic-based fillers. Screw holes can be filled by using a wood filling, plugs, wood glue, and wooden scrap. It is a ready to use paste like consistency. Photo: suemartinteam.com. It's also used for bigger holes in wood. Can I use wood filler instead of wood glue? Then let it dry for one hour. Flooring contractors use it primarily between coats of oil based polyurethane. Wood filler typically comes in beige color (similar to the color of unstained wood), but you can also buy white wood filler. Knowing the difference between a wood filler and putty is vital for every woodworker as it makes it easy to pick the right product for a project. Use epoxy filler … Epoxy wood filler 2K is often mixed with wood flour to increase its strength. Working quickly, use a putty knife to flatten the wood filler and scrape away excess. If you’ve ever come back to your filler jar / tin and found the whole lot … Good filler will not shrink when dry or pop out of repairs. Use a dutchman patch when… You’re replacing up to 50 percent of the element. Use 150-grit sandpaper to prepare the wood for the filler product. Sand by hand along the grain of the wood for the smoothest results and wipe off the wood when completed. Step By Step Instructions On How To Use Wood Filler. Osmo Wood Filler will accept wood finishing products such as Osmo Wood Oils. Finish the Project . Wood fillers are usually formulated with wood byproducts such as sawdust or wood dust suspended in a water- or petroleum-based medium. Wood filler is commonly used to hide many deficiencies in a wood surface before any home repair work takes place. Next Up. I prefer spackling over wood filler because it sands smooth quickly and with less effort than wood filler. The wood filers mostly target the blemishes and cracked joints since they are not very flexible and are unable to reach hollow areas. How do you fill screw holes? For trimboards that are made from PVC, Tom suggests a two-part acrylic adhesive that also works well as a filler for small nail and screw holes.Tom demonstrated a variety of wood fillers manufactured by Minwax [https://www.minwax.com/], Dap Products, Inc. [https://www.dap.com/], 3M Bondo Corporation [https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/bondo-us/], and Elmer's [https://www.elmers.com/].Tom also showed a two-part architectural epoxy for repairing rotten wood manufactured by Advanced Repair Technology, Inc. [http://www.advancedrepair.com/]The filler that Tom showed for PVC trimboards is available at professional lumberyards and is manufactured by Bond\u0026Fill [http://www.bondfill.com/].About Ask This Old House TV:Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Wood fillers and wood putty are commonly used in order to fill the cracks and nail holes. References. Once it dries completely, you can then sand over the fill and stain it if necessary. Using Lacquer for Filler. Wood filler is handy for repairing surface damage on wood, including furniture, cabinets, molding, trim, and floors. Pick the Right Wood Filler. Alternatively, for minor scratches and cracks the Wax Filler Sticks from Morrells are a good option and easy to use. Scarred flooring, rotted window frames, chipped furniture—common problems like these can be time-consuming and expensive to repair. One way to tell the difference is to open the can and smell. Use a cloth to remove the sawdust and other small debris. How to Use Wood Filler. It works much the same way as two-part epoxy, but the application is different. Note: Wood filler/wood putty comes in two types: Acrylic-based and nitrocellulose-based. This means the wood filler conforms to the shape of the wood profile. This will ensure that you do not have to use excess layers to hide holes and bumps. Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Knead it together and apply. Use crayon-type filler sticks to fill holes and cracks on wood that's already stained and finished with a clear topcoat. There are quite a few types to pick from. 1. [1] X Research source You can also make your own wood filler by adding sawdust to carpenter's glue to form a paste. Sand the filled area very lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. 4. It can fill to any depth and dries in just 30 minutes. Painters use it to fill nail holes between coats of paint and on stained wood work. For my projects, I like to use a GRK trim head screw, which you can learn more about in our guide to cabinet screws. At the first sign of holes on your wooden floors, repair them immediately. Mix thoroughly for approximately 30 seconds or until you no longer see the white color of wood hardener. After the filler strip is clamped to the cabinet, use the guide bushing and a LONG 1/8″ drill bit to drill a pilot hole into the filler. You may also use a wood filler that matches your wood color. So, knowing the right technique and having the correct idea is important. Vinyl Based Wood Filler – User friendly and malleable are the two keywords that can be used in describing this sort of wood filler and one thing that makes this wood fillers ideal is the fact that they can be set easily. Wood filler hardens and is sandable and stainable. The craft sticks will act as a support for the wood filler. Fixing floorboard gaps . Use wood filler to repair scratches, chips, gouges and other surface imperfections in the furniture and trim work around your home, effectively and efficiently. Some wood filler needs to be mixed with water, but most wood filler comes already mixed and ready to use. Does wood filler need to be primed before painting? Applying primer enhances the outlook of the area. For tips on how to paint your wood after applying the filler, read on! Apply the filler to the craft sticks using another craft stick or a putty knife. Trust me! Interior/Exterior Wood Filler can be sanded, stained, painted, varnished, drilled, nailed and screwed. Fill in any size hole; Can be used indoors and out; Dry in only two hours; Stain, varnish or paint over; Can be sanded, paned, filed, nailed and screwed; Available in tubs, tubes or cartridges ; Suitable for any size hole; FIND A STOCKIST. The filler should be level and even with the surface of the wood. Step One - Sand Holes. Polyester filler is used to repair holes in car bodies. Quick Fixes for Broken Furniture . Using wood filler is quite simple. Should you use caulk or wood filler or spackle? The wood filling is a great way to do away with the stains on your wood surface. In just a few easy steps, you can repair surface damage to wood surfaces in and around your home. Wood filler, also commonly known as plastic wood, wood jam, and grain filler, in a spreadable compound, filler, or grout used to fill imperfections in wood before finishing. Then, squeeze the filler out of the tube into the affected area, beginning at the deepest part of the hole or crack. Prime. In this tutorial, we are going to divide the steps into three parts. Wood filler is commonly used to hide many deficiencies in a wood surface before any home repair work takes place. However, avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool likely to damage the texture of the surface. Wood filler typically comes in beige color (similar to the color of unstained wood), but you can also buy white wood filler. Buy or make an appropriate filler. The hardener on your knife can trigger your full jar of filler to harden, sometimes VERY slowly but your filler will eventually be ruined. Wood filler is a substance that can be used for a multitude of different purposes to repair your wood products. Use wood filler to repair scratches, chips, gouges and other surface imperfections in the furniture and trim work around your home, effectively and efficiently. All wood fillers, whether solvent- or water-based, are not equal. Cabinet makers and expert woodworkers use wood filler to fill nail holes and open cracks in wood joints that require filling before finishing. Photo: suemartinteam.com. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Wood filler products are also used as wood grain fillers. Working quickly, use a putty knife to flatten the wood filler and scrape away excess. Last Updated: June 11, 2020 Let’s dive into it. Once the wood filler is dry, sand it using 120-grit sandpaper. Since you will be painting on the wood, choose the wood filler that accepts paint and stains very well. For wood that has already been stained, Tom showed wax crayons and putties that are tinted to match a variety of wood stain colors. Learn more... Wood filler is a great way to make small repairs around your house. Use this product when you need to patch unfinished interior wood prior to staining or painting. Use this guide to filler compounds to pick the best one for the job. On the other hand, wood filler repairs by filling up the gaps, holes, scrapes, or scratches. While they serve an almost similar purpose they are still different products and suitable for different wood filling projects. It will not shrink or crack up to an 18 mm (3/4”) application. A wood hardener is applied with a brush to strengthen the wood, followed by a resin. When cured, good filler sands with minimal effort to a satiny finish. This is your third epoxy fill on the same piece of wood. 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