Review Of Top Wood Fillers For Large Holes & Gaps
1. Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler
Woodwise Powdered Wood Filler can be used on a budget. It is also environmentally friendly. You can sand and paint over the surface without the worry of cracks forming on the surface.
It is also very easy to mix and does not require a complex solvent. The company of powdered wood fillers allows you to make refills to lessen packaging waste.
It has a very long shelf life so it is safe to store it for long periods of time. Woodwise powdered wooden filler can be stored for up to one year.
2. DAP 543 Series 000543 Qt Natural Plastic Wood – X W/ Dryden
The DAP 543 wood filler is made up of real wood fibers making it easy to paint and sand on. It is also compatible with concrete, iron and wood materials.
Once completely dried down, this filler is harder than the original wood resulting in a stronger and more durable wood.
It is easy to clean, easy to use, highly durable, and spreads easily. Furthermore, it is resistant to natural elements and can be used for materials found indoors and outdoors.
What We Like
- Does not shrink over time
- Has a long shelf life
- May be applied to different surfaces
- Can be sanded
3. PC Products PC-Woody Repair Epoxy Paste
ThePC Woody Repair Epoxy Wood Fillercan be applied indoors and outdoors. It works excellently to repair missing, deteriorated, and rotting wood. This epoxy paste formula successfully resists outdoor elements such as UV light and fresh and saltwater.
During our tests, it efficiently filled out large holes. It filled the hole in the rotten wood and was seamless.
Since the finish is tan, the paint that was applied to it coated the filler very well. With these features, this is the best wood filler for large holes and gaps if youre tight on budget.
What We Like
- Can be applied on outdoor and indoor repairs
- Can withstand outdoor elements Good for exterior wood
- Budget friendly
4. Goodfilla Water-based Wood & Grain Filler In Walnut
Goodfilla Water-based filler is a wood grain filler that can be used to save you both time and money. It’s easy to use and delivers consistently outstanding results.
This wood filler has good adhesion to surfaces. It is non-toxic and will not shrink or crack. To achieve a perfect finish, you will only need one coat. That said, you can rely on it for either big or small projects.
The formula is easy to use and is specifically designed for woodworking professionals and early career workers. Goodfella has an unlimited shelf life because it can be easily reconstituted by adding water.
What We Like
- Water-based
- Easy application
- Excellent adhesion to many surfaces
- Has 1-year money back guarantee
5. Famowood Latex Wood Filler
The Famowood latex wood filler gives a wonderful finish with minimal effort. It can be drilled, planed, and sanded. You can paint it and stain it to match the wood grain you are using.
After application, it completely dries in about 15 minutes. It is solvent-free and considered a professional quality filler.
This latex wood filler is suitable for indoor and outdoor furniture. It is highly recommended that you will proceed to paint over it. You will need to use more latex filler to fill in large holes.
What We Like
- Solvent-free
- It will not crack with time
- Can be painted and sanded
- Simple application
6. Elmer’s Carpenters Woodfiller
Elmers is known for its white wood glue, but their wood filler is as easy to work with, too. It has a smooth finish that dries fast and can be sanded over like a wood putty.
It can also be painted and used to fill in plywood edges or other difficult-to-reach places. It comes in a handy tube that can be resealable and is ideal for small jobs.
The Elmers Carpenters Wood Filler is water-based and great for beginners. One downside is that this product needs time to sit before staining it.
What We Like
- You can sand with different grits of Sandpaper
- Color changing throughout the process
- Recommended for beginners
- Naturally dries
7. Bondo All-Purpose Wood Putty
TheBondo All-Purpose Wood Puttyis a two-part product that utilizes a hardener to initiate the curing process. This product bonds well to a variety of surfaces and won’t shrink or crack over time.
It cures fast and can be painted, stained, and sanded. This short curing time is one of its advantages. It is also waterproof.
Make sure to mix it well and apply it by using a plastic spreader. Wear gloves to protect your hands. This item is a wonderful addition to your DIY kit.
What We Like
- Can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Can be sanded
- Can be stained
8. Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler
The Aqua Coat Wood Filler is designed for filling holes for your cabinetry. This wood grain filler is water-based and has a gel-like consistency. This wood grain filler is versatile and can be used on many surfaces.
It is simple to use and only a little bit of it will be required to apply. Furthermore, it is also non-combustible, non-flammable, and eco-friendly. Once the filler is set, you can lightly sand the surface.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour to completely set. Make sure to set enough time before sanding it. It is best to make 2-3 coats to get excellent results.
Wood Fillers For Large Gaps Buyers‘ Guide
These wood fillers are the best for repairing large gaps and holes in furniture and surfaces. While they are all versatile, you need to consider a few things when buying this product type of product.
Based on the furniture and setup of your home, these are our top tips for finding the best wood filler to fill large gaps and holes.
The Amount
The project’s size will determine the amount of fillers required. Take into consideration the volume and type of project before buying them.
A small filler paste tube is enough for small holes, whereas cans of the product are necessary for bigger holes and gaps.
Packaging
It is also worth considering the packaging in which the product comes. You may find it in tubes, cans, tubes, or squeeze tubes. In larger packages, such as cans or tubs, they come with an applicator.
Read the instructions before application since some fillers must be mixed before using. Tubes, however, have none since the product is only squeezed out.
Cans and tubs are cheaper than their tube counterparts. Some companies offer to refill the product when necessary as an environmentally conscious decision to save on packaging costs and waste.
Time It Takes To Dry
Before you fill in wood gaps or repair holes, it is a good idea to check the drying times of each product. Wood fillers are not all the same. For small projects, it takes between 15-30 minutes to cure.
It is highly recommended to completely allow the filler to dry out for a couple of hours. This will allow the product time to cure, and ensure the best possible results.
Paste Or Powder
There are pros and cons when using paste or powdered fillers for repair jobs. If you need to repair the hole at once, the paste is your option. The paste is easy to mix and can be applied as you wish.
However, one thing to remember is to apply wood filler as quickly as possible since it tends to dry out quickly.
You have plenty of time to work with powdered wood fillers. Powdered wood fillers are not quick drying and can be left in place for a long time.
Price
Always factor in the budget when buying items for home repairs. If you fix nail holes and small scratches, 16-850 gm canned wood fillers should be enough.
If you do repair jobs on the regular, its best to purchase them in bulk. It can save you money, and you have fillers on stock when a repair is required.
Fillers are a great product for wood repairs. It can fix large holes and gaps. Wood fillers that are natural and cost-effective will save you money.
The right wood filler will help you achieve your desired result. It can also preserve the integrity and beauty of your material.
Different Types Of Wood Fillers For Large Holes
Different kinds of wood filler options are available in the market. It is important to research and learn about them in order to fix your house.
Powder
Powdered fillers consist of equal parts of wood shavings and sawdust. Once water is added, the mixture turns into a paste.
These types of fillers cannot hold out against drilling.
Furthermore, they lack structural integrity since they are made of wood particles. Powdered wood can be used to fill large holes.
Latex
Latex fillers can be used to cover and fill holes, refinish wood cabinets, and wooden trim. However, latex fillers are mainly used for cover-ups since they do not possess structural integrity. Latex fillers are also a good wood filler for filling large holes. These latex fillers can be used for outdoor locations.
Epoxy
Epoxy wood fillers can be more durable than other types of fillers because they are able to firmly bond on wood surfaces. This is a great choice for large repairs. You can shape it into any shape you like. Since it comes in two parts, incorporate them together before use.
These are also resistant to dirt and moisture. These are great for outdoor use as they provide protection from various elements. They usually require 24 hours to completely dry.
Spackling Paste
Spackling paste is made of gypsum plaster and calcium sulfate. It also contains glue. This paste is useful for filling small cracks. It also gives you a consistent, smooth finish. It is made from authentic wood, so it can take paint well.
It is recommended to use spackling paste for indoor repairs, especially since gypsum wood fillers are highly susceptible to humidity. Also, since they are susceptible to humidity, they tend to shrink and do not stain well.
Acrylic Caulk with Silicone
An acrylic caulk with silicone filler is moisture-resistant and is one of the best fillers for large wood holes. It is also the best exterior wood filler to fill large holes. It is extremely flexible and sticks to any wood surface very easily.
Furthermore, it offers different wood grain colors to match real wood species and the wood tone you will be working on. Acrylic caulk can be applied via a tube and is extremely convenient.
Polyester Paste
Polyester paste is used primarily to fill in holes, but it can also be used to fill in gaps or wood holes. It can withstand sanding and drilling. A polyester paste can be more flexible than a resin when it is molded onto the surface.
Wood Putty
A cellulose wood putty is a wonderful option for repairing large holes and gaps in the wood since it does not shrink. Furthermore, it sands flat and allows paint like real wood. Using a wood putty can result in a natural wood finish.
Whats The Difference Between Filler, Epoxy, And Putty?
There are many types of fillers available. A filler, epoxy, and putty can make repairing and filling large holes, gaps, and cracks around your home easy.
Understanding the differences between these products will allow you to choose the right wood filler for your project.
- Fillers are materials that are used to attach wooden furniture and surfaces. These fillers are commonly used to fill holes. They are usually made from water-based wood fillers. They are fast to dry and good for porous surfaces.
- Epoxy is a type of wood filler. It comes in two parts. These are the powdered and hardener forms. This is known to be the strongest among all the fillers. It is very strong and prevents cracks growing. However, once it dries down, it results in a plastic appearance which requires a paint job. Epoxy fillers can be used to close any gaps and create a strong seal that is resistant to many elements.
- Putty contains natural and real wood fibers in its composition. Putty can be used in a variety of environments. They resist shrinking and greatly adhere to different surfaces. This filler is discouraged from being used on raw wood.
How To Make A DIY Wood Filler
It is simple to make your own wood filler. This old-fashioned method of making wood filler has been popularized by many. It only takes a few ingredients, such as sawdust mixed in glue or water.
These ingredients will make it easy to make your own wood filler. Combine these ingredients until they form a paste-like consistency.
For sawdust, it is important to use the same species of wood as the one that was damaged. This will allow you to match your wood filler with the wood surfaces. Now that you are set to create your wood filler, you can carry on with your home repairs and projects.
To achieve the desired result, you will need to apply the mixture several times. It can dry easily and can be sanded as well. The downside to homemade fillers, however, is that they shrink and won’t stain. However, you can paint on them.
How To Fill Large Holes And Gaps With Wood Filler
Before taking on the project, ensure a list of materials and tools needed. Follow these instructions on effectively and efficiently filling large gaps in wood quickly.
Materials and tools
These are the tools that you’ll need.
- Putty knife: This knife can be used to apply the product evenly on the surface. The knife can also push the filler into any holes by applying pressure.
- Use rags to wipe away excess product.
- Wood filler: This product is used to repair and fill the damage caused by wood.
- 120-grit or fine sandpaper: To achieve a professional and smooth finish on the wood post-application and drying.
- Can of spray finish (optional): To achieve a professional finish on the wood post-application and drying.
- Paintbrush or Roller: To help paint adhesion to the project.
Step #1: Apply on Dry Wood
For the first step, patience is key. Before wood filler is applied, ensure that wooden surfaces are dry and free from moisture. Failure to do this will result in the wood filler trapping moisture and causing rot. Wait for the material’s drying time to be complete.
Step #2: Use a Putty Knife
Utilize the putty knife when applying the wood filler on surface defects. Make use of the same knife to push the product into holes and gaps.
Apply the filler with the knife in a diagonal fashion. Use a little pressure. Next, scrape any excess filler along your wood grain. Clean up any additional filler with a rag.
Step 3: Use a stainable filler to prepare for staining (optional)
Before you proceed, make sure that the wood filler can be stained. Most of the latex and solvent-based fillers have wood dust that is stainable. Epoxy fillers, however, are not stainable so you should avoid them if this is an option.
Step 4: Let the Surface Dry. Then Sand
This step requires time and patience for the filler to dry. After the filler has dried completely, you can use your 12-grit sandpaper to sand off any excess. A file or rasp will help when using epoxy fillers.
Take into account the extent of the damage. The bigger the hole, the longer it takes to dry up completely.
Step #5: Paint your desired finish or apply it
You can continue painting over the filler with a spray bottle or a paintbrush. Not only does a paint finish cover up any wood repairs done on surfaces, but it also helps protect it and lasts longer. You can apply as many layers as you like.
FAQ
Is it better to use wood filler or caulk?
Depending on the application, wood filler and caulk can be used. Caulk is often used to fill in gaps and corners between materials. Fillers, on the other hand are used to repair damage such as nail holes in flat wooden surfaces.
Can you drill nails and screws into wood fillers?
Answers may vary on whether you can drill nails and screws into fillers. But based on our experience, wood fillers such as epoxy and polyester past can be drilled into.
However, some wood fillers, such as latex, wood putty, and homemade fillers, are unsuitable for drilling. Before drilling nails and screws, check if the filler has completely dried up.
Can you fix scratches with wood fillers?
Fillers can be used for minor interior wood defects such as nail holes. It can also be used to fix scratches. You may apply the filler to the scratched area.
Proceed to remove the excess once dried up. To smoothen the surface, use wood filler to remove any lumps.
How can I achieve the same color as the wood?
You can achieve the same color as the wood by looking for products that match your wood. You can bring a photograph or a sample of the wood you are working on when you go to your local store to help you match and purchase the correct one.
You don’t have to worry about it, as many products offer a variety of color options. If the desired wood color is unavailable, you may also opt to stain it further to achieve the shade closest to your wood.
What is the wait time before you sand wood fillers?
The wait time for the wood filler to dry or cure highly depends on the product itself. Don’t underestimate the drying time. Not all fillers dry at the same time. The size of the crack or hole in the wood will affect the drying time and curing times.
Using a wood filler for large projects may result in a longer waiting time for drying. A wood filler typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes to dry. Afterward, you may proceed to have a shiny finish by sanding wood filler.
Wood putty, on the other hand, takes a few hours to a day before it completely dries up.You can also stop wood filler from drying by checking the product before its purchase.
