Wood fillers are the best product for DIY. These products comprise a filling substance and a binding agent with a consistency similar to putty. The binding agent makes it best for filling imperfections and blemishes.
Are you working on a wood project at home that requires wood filler? You might be confused as a thousand products are available for repairing and filling woodwork. Choosing the best stainable wood filler for these products might be complicated and confusing.
We are here to help you find the best sustainable wood filler. Below, we have made a list that can help you make your choice.
Best Wood Fillers Listed [2024]
We can’t suggest a single wood filler; however, we can recommend some that stand out to you. Our review includes the specific features that make the product different from the rest.
1. Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit
It is an excellent product for repairing veneers, wooden tables, nightstands, cabinets, and doors. You can restore any material, including hardwood, cherry, and walnut.
Product Description
- Best wood filler for large holes, blemishes, cracks, and screws. Chips and knot holes.
- You can get the best results on any light or dark, natural or painted material, or any color, including oak, maple, white, back, etc.
- It is the most comfortable fit for getting the best finish on any furniture, including shelves, decks, and baseboards. The product can also be used on edging, laminate, or molding.
- A valuable product that guarantees customer satisfaction with a one-year replacement warranty and 30 days of money back. It has some other features that include an epoxy putty stick and a repair compound.
- You can now get rid of markers, wax, glue, crayon, or paint set—no need to buy any of these.
Technical specifications
- The item comes in 13 sizes.
- It has ten colors.
- The weight of the product is 10.2 ounces.
Customer rating
- Versatility: 4.7
- Value for money: 4.7
- Style: 4.7
- Thickness: 4.5
- Overall ratings: 4.3 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3U3wsBE” ][i2pros]Best for repairing small areas of cabinets and flooring.
Thick enough for fairly deep chips, scratches, and dents.
Works best on hardwood floors.[/i2pros][i2cons]Not preferable for shallow scratches because of its thickness.
The wood putty can be dry at times.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
It is one of the best products we recommend when painting over cabinets. The visibility, reliable performance, and better adhesion make it the product woodworkers have been looking for.
Product Description
- It is the best wood putty for small fixing projects like grain filling the wood surface or fixing a chip.
- A high-quality product that does not crack, sink or shrink. It can be mixed with any dye, pigment, stain, or tint.
- The water-based product is time-saving.
- The most comfortable product is easy to use, a product designed for professionals and people who love DIYs’s. It is a convenient, non-toxic, zero VOC, and zero-waste product.
- It is the most innovative product that offers unlimited shelf life. The product is freeze-thaw stable.
Technical specifications
- Its size is eight 0z.
- It comes in an ebony color.
- The weight of the item is 8.8 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 4.3
- Value for money: 4.1
- Easy to clean: 4.6
- Thickness: 4.3
- Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3TTUajQ” ][i2pros]It cleans up easily.
Accepts oil without changing color.
It does not dry quickly.[/i2pros][i2cons]The product comes in a limited range of colors.
As it does not dry quickly, it sometimes does not blend with the stain.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Elmer’s E868 Carpenter’s Wood Filler
This product can do anything from filling gouges on a hardwood floor to filling nails in molding strips. The Elmer’s E868 Carpenter’s Wood filler makes every task easy and quick.
Product Description
- The best quality product is suitable for small jobs.
- It is the most resistant product that sands easily to a smooth and neat finish.
- The product has some best quality features that include easy water cleanup, best for painting and sandable, and 12-24 hours dry time.
- It is one of the most comfortable products that resist shrinking and cracking in your wood.
- The best value product is for painting indoors and filling gouges and holes in the wood.
Technical specifications
- Its size is 3.25 oz.
- It comes in natural color.
- It weighs 4.2 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Adhesion: 4.7
- Value for money: 4.5
- Easy to clean: 4.4
- Thickness: 4.4
- Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3DcsGjD” ][i2pros]The product is durable.
It doesn’t harden or break apart.
It comes in a great color match.[/i2pros][i2cons] Its only disadvantage is that it takes a lot of time to dry.
It is used to repair indoor holes and gouges in the wood. Hence it cannot be painted on top of chalk paint.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Minwax 42852000 Stainable Wood Filler
Minwax Sustainable Wood Filler is suitable for fixing scratches, knot holes, and nail holes in unfinished indoor and outdoor wood surfaces, minor gouges, and other defects.
Product Description
- It is the most resistant product that can add tremendous value to your work.
- The product dry’s very fast and sands easily.
- It can be used on the exterior and the interior of the paint’s wood, inner or outer side. It is the best exterior wood filler.
- The product can hold the nails and screws securely. It does not let them slip.
- After using it, the product does not shrink or crack.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in 6 oz size.
- Its color is stainable.
- The weight of the item is 5 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 3.8
- Value for money: 4.0
- Sheerness: 3.5
- Thickness: 3.8
- Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3Quu9Vz” ][i2pros]The product can be used outdoors as well as indoor, unlike many other wood fillers.
It dries instantly and can hold the stuff firmly.
The finished product is sandable and stainable.[/i2pros][i2cons]The texture is grainy and can flake while applying.
The putty can sometimes instantly dry while coming out.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler
The product is made from a patent formula, which makes it purple, and when the product dries, it turns into a natural color. Elmer’s E914 is best for fixing small gouges and holes on the surface.
Product Description
- The Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s color change wood filler strips pre-existing stain and paints as it is solvent-free and non-toxic.
- It does not crack the natural wood giving the project a smooth finish, and making it ideal for home repair.
- The best value product changes its color before and after using it. The product blends into the natural hues of the surrounding area because it is color-matched with a wood finish. This makes the wood filler less noticeable on the unfinished surface.
- You can use water to clean it off from your hands or surfaces.
- It is sandable, paintable, and stainable.
Technical specifications
- It comes out in natural color.
- The size of the product is 16 oz.
- It weighs 1 pound.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 4.5
- Easy to clean: 4.6
- Value for money: 4.3
- Thickness: 4.3
- Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3QypbH5″ ][i2pros]It is easy to use and can be easily handled by anyone, even someone who is not an expert.
The product is moist and doesn’t make puddles.
It can dry quickly.[/i2pros][i2cons]It should be applied once as the product resists shrinking.
It is not the best wood filler for large holes as it is not strong enough to hold them.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler
The Minwax 21600000 high-performance wood filler fills holes and gouges in damaged, rotted, or split interior and exterior woods. It is the best wood filler for hardwood floors as it permanently repairs rotted and damaged wood.
Product Description
- It is the best value product as it is rot, water, and weather resistant.
- The product can also work as a wood adhesive and tighten loose joints or anchored screws.
- It can effectively and strongly bond to wood and rigid surfaces such as fiberglass, ceramics, metal, and concrete.
- It is a high-performance wood filler that hardens in 15 minutes and is sandable in 30 minutes.
- The product does not crack, shrink, or fall out.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in 12 oz size.
- It is manufactured in the USA.
- The weight of the item is 1.4 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Accuracy: 4.3
- Value for money: 4.0
- Adhesion: 4.2
- Thickness: 4.0
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3QBwwWC” ][i2pros]The product does not cut or dry out as it does not come in a tube.
It dries quickly.
It does not change its color.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is a bit expensive.It can leave a stain at times.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty
The Kwikwood wood repair epoxy is a putty that is formulated to rebuild and repair wood. This product can be used best for dry rot, knot holes, windows and door frames, PVC trim, gouges and cracks, insect damage, furniture and carvings, and screw holes.
Product Description
- It becomes a part of the wood after it dries off. It is formulated to rebuild and repair wood. The product can be used by professionals as well as for DIYs.
- It can be used both on the interior and exterior sides of the wood. It is one of the best exterior wood filler epoxies.
- It does not crack, shrink or rot as it does not contain any solvent.
- It dries up in 15 to 25 minutes, and after that, it can be filed, painted, machined, tapped, sanded, and drilled. It dries into tan color.
- The most resistant product has the best quality and delivers superior performance.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in a 3.5-inch size.
- It comes in tan color.
- The weight of the item is o.988 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 4.3
- Value for money: 4.3
- Durability: 4.2
- Thickness: 4.1
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3eHG0lG” ][i2pros]It does not stain.
It hardens quickly into something rock hard and cannot be broken easily.
Directions on the product are straightforward and can be used at home.
[/i2pros][i2cons]The product is expensive.
Its shelf life is short as the product cannot be stored above two years.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Elmer’s E842L Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler
This is an ideal product for craft and home improvement projects. The Elmer’s interior wood filler is the best spackle for fixing dents, holes, scratches, and any other imperfections.
Product Description:
- It is a solvent-free product and can be cleaned with a bit of water quickly.
- The product can be used for any work and repair projects, and it comes in a sizeable 1-qt size.
- The wood filler does not shrink or crack and is paintable and sand-able.
- The product’s best extra feature is that the product can be used for different repair projects.
- The product can be used for the interior only.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in 1-quart size.
- It comes in tan brown color.
- The product weighs 11 pounds.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 4.4
- Value for money: 4.7
- Packaging: 4.6
- Thickness: 4.1
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3Dl0on1″ ][i2pros]It has excellent adhesion.
The product can be cleared and cleaned up simply with a rag or water.
It sands beautifully.
It is value for money as it comes in large quantities.[/i2pros][i2cons]The product cannot be used for the exterior.
The lid of the packaging is exceptionally narrow. It does not seal, which can dry out the filler.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. DAP 8135 Plastic Wood Latex Natural Hp Raw Building Material
Product Description
- The most comfortable product can be used for the interior and exterior.
- It works best for gouges and small holes.
- The product can fill cracks, old nails, smaller missing wood sections, and screw holes.
- The product dies immediately and does not crack or shrink.
- It is the best wood filler for staining.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in 6.0 oz size.
- It comes in natural color.
- The weight of the item is 6 pounds.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 4.3
- Value for money: 4.6
- Easy to spread: 4.5
- Thickness: 3.6
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3qsHXFh” ][i2pros]It sands and stains.
It can spread well.
It is versatile and smoother as compared to other wood putties.[/i2pros][i2cons]
The product is expensive as compared to other products.
It might dry out and get crumbly after a few weeks.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. Minwax 13611000 Wood Putty, 3.75 Ounce, Golden Oak
Minwax is a leading brand in America that produces wood care and wood finishing products. It intends to repair minor nail holes, gouges, and scratches.
Product Description:
- This pre-mixed, non-hardening putty color matches Minwax wood finish stains that can be used for wood.
- The Minmax 13611000 wood putty is easy to use and covers some minor imperfections in finishes, bare, stained, and painted wood.
- The product does not harden and is available in many colors.
- The putty is pre-mixed to match the Minwax wood finish stains.
Technical specifications
- The product comes in 3.75 oz size.
- It comes in a variety of colors.
- The weight of the item is 3.35 ounces.
Customer ratings
- Easy to use: 3.5
- Value for money: 3.2
- Easy to spread: 4.5
- Sheerness: 3.0
- Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check The Price Here” link=”https://amzn.to/3d2V7ps” ][i2pros]It stains well.
The product blends in and is not noticeable.
It can be easily cleaned and washed.[/i2pros][i2cons]It is not easy to apply by hand.
The product does not stick in a single coat. Unfortunately, you have to use it more than once for the desired outcome.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Wood Filler FAQ:
Why do people use wood fillers?
The primary objective of wood filler is to conceal wood imperfections, and it has to be done without affecting the look of the surface itself. You have to add water to most wood fillers while using them, as most of them are water-based.
You will want to go with a solvent-based wood filler for larger projects, as they are usually more challenging and provide more robust durability than alternatives based on water. It does not matter which type of wood filler you pick for all your woodworking projects; it will help your surface become smooth, fill holes between it and fix any cracks present. Wait for the filler to dry once you have filled the place.
Is wood filler stronger than wood?
It comes in a can or a tube and can be colored or transparent. As the wood filler does not easily sand off, so you need to apply it, limiting the amount to a minimum carefully. This provides a repair that is usually stronger than the wood itself.
Where should the wood filler be used?
The plastic wood filler is suitable before fixing gouges and small holes in interior woodwork and furniture. However, it is less than ideal for repairing holes on finished or painted surfaces for two reasons. The first is that you need to sand it, and the finish can be removed by sanding. The second is that the finished surfaces don’t hold well.
As long as you paint over it, you can use plastic wood filler on the outside of woodwork. As soon as it dries, the plastic wood filler shrinks. The larger holes can need more than one application as it is challenging to repair them in one coating.
Which is better, wood putty or wood filler?
Wood putty differs from wood filler because wood fibers or sawdust stored in a binder are usually the filler. In contrast, putty is typically a plastic such as polyurethane, fiberglass, or epoxy. Also, unlike putty, the filler usually hardens. Wood filler will not last outdoors as it is not weatherproof.
When identifying a product as putty or a filler, producers do not adhere to any defined specification. However, in particular, a filler is meant to be coated with a clean and neat finish as well as filled with pigment to match a specific type of wood. It’s not flexible, and as the wood expands and contracts, it cracks. Besides, it can shrink and dry out due to direct sunlight. Therefore, If you fill an exterior hole or break using a wood filler, even if you paint it over, it will possibly fall apart in a year or two.
When can you paint and varnish wood filler?
While putting the filler in the hole for repairing it, make sure that some filler is raised above the surface. This would make sure that the stuffing is adequately filled. Before the filler hardens, use a knife to smooth it over. Shape or carve the filler before it sets. After the wood filler gets hard after approximately 30 minutes, you can file, sand, plane screw, and nail it. After that, you can paint, stain or varnish it.
How long does it take for the wood filler to harden?
The types of fillers will largely determine how much time it takes for the filler to dry. There is excess moisture in some wood fillers, while others are less damp. The wood filler would take more time to dry if it had extra water. However, the drying time would be shorter if the filler is dry. But here there is a quality problem. For a high-quality filling, moist stuffing is a better option.
Since the filler appears to shrink a little bit after drying, therefore, when it dries, it could get cracked if the gaps are not filled correctly. The damp filler is ideal for adequately filling the void.
Can I paint straight onto filler?
You should first add a watered-down coat of paint or a plaster primer before painting over the filler. It will dry immediately, stay on the surface, and not bind appropriately if you slap wood filler on neat paint.
Do you use a wood filler before or after Sanding?
You can apply the wood filler before staining or sanding your entire project. The applied stain with a uniform texture would minimize color differences and invariably use more. As a result, the textural differences between the surrounding wood and the filled area would minimize as the surrounding wood and the filler will be sanded simultaneously. It is essential to remove any dust from the sanding before moving towards staining.
What is the best wood filler for staining?
Fillers or Solvent-based wood patches are recommended for a fun wooden project. Most of these fillers stain like real wood, as many are manufactured with actual wood products. If the project on which you are working is going to be spoiled, you first have to make sure that the filler you use specifies that it is stainable on the mark. Some fillers are pre-tinted but not stainable, so it is better that you select one that suits the wood you’re working on while picking.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for some suitable wood fillers for filling and repairing the gaps, then you have come to the right place. Selecting one wood filler out of all these options is challenging; however, it is not impossible. According to us, the best wood filler out of these is Elmer’s E868 Carpenter’s wood filler, with its unique quality to resist cracking and shrinking.
Other than that, the product can be used on both the exterior and interior of the wood, which is a sporadic quality as most of the wood fillers don’t offer it. Furthermore, the product has received the highest rating from the customers. Other than this, DAP 8135 Plastic Wood Latex Natural Hp Raw Building Material is also a good option.