Wood fillers assist in concealing the look of cuts, cracks, and nail holes. painted or finished wood Trim and furnishings are often employed not only for decorative purposes but also to cover up spaces left over once drywall installation is complete or when setting up a new doorframe. To guarantee your visitors won’t spot these repairs, choose a stainable filler with a texture akin to surrounding wood. We tested five leading stainable wood fillers to identify which offer superior performance.
Finding a wood filler Finding a wood filler that complements the wood type, is simple to use, and isn’t overly expensive is essential for achieving great outcomes. Upon testing various wood fillers across different wood surfaces, we discovered Minwax With its user-friendly design, top-notch quality, and budget-friendly price point, it stands out as the cream of the crop. Continue reading to explore additional high-quality sustainable wood fillers available today and gain insights into our evaluation outcomes.
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BEST OVERALL: Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
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BEST BUDGET: J-B Weld 8257 Kirkwood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick
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BEST EPOXY: Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Filler Compound
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BEST FOR OAK: Goodfilla Water-Based Wood and Grain Filler
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BEST CELLULOSE BASED: Elmer's E887Q Stainable Wood Filler, 3.25 Ounces
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Our Top Picks
The items listed below represent our top choices among sustainable wood fillers, selected according to their quality, cost, and the purchasing factors discussed earlier. No matter the particular characteristics of your woodworking project, one of these stainable options should meet your needs perfectly.
Best Overall
Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
What We Like
- Consistency makes it easy to apply
- No shrinkage while drying
- Matches natural wood color
What We Don’t Like
- Not quite as strong as some wood fillers
Specs
- Type: Latex based
- Quantity: 16 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5 ; Appearance 4.5/5 ; Durability 4/5 ; Value 5/5
Minwax wood filler yields excellent results, is easy to use, and doesn’t cost much, which is why it tops our list of wood fillers. With its latex-based formula, Minwax has a smooth mud-like consistency that is very easy to spread over larger and smaller gaps and cracks. There were no lumps to work around, and it was thin enough that we didn’t need to use our fingers to apply it. We were able to fill a ¾-inch diameter hole that was ¼-inch deep with ease.
Whereas other wood fillers took hours to dry, Minwax is a fast-drying liquid wood filler, ready for sanding in smaller cracks in under an hour and for larger jobs in about four hours, speeding along the job so we could move onto the staining phase. It also doesn’t shrink as it dries, so there was no need to apply a second layer to fill in gaps. Once dry, the filler’s smooth consistency meant that it was easy to sand the surface down to a stainable finish. Though not quite as strong as some of the cellulose-based wood fillers we’ve tried, Minwax still held up well to bumps and knocks once dry and fully cured. Minwax also took the stain well, and its natural wood color was a close match to our pine board.
What our tester says: “Minwax has that just right consistency for filling in tiny nail holes or larger cracks. I was able to make even larger repairs with a single application, which isn’t the norm with most wood fillers.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Purchase the Minwax wood filler. Amazon or at Lowe’s .
Best Budget
J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick
What We Like
- Simple-to-use roll design
- Simple to use for filling cracks and chips
- Creates a strong bond
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn't retain stains as effectively as some alternatives
- Lumpier consistency
Specs
- Type: Epoxy based
- Quantity: 1 ounce
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 to 25 minutes
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5 ; Appearance 4/5 ; Durability 4/5 ; Value 5/5
Scrapes, indentations, and minor blemishes often appear within household settings, typically being too small for extensive repair jobs requiring a whole container of wood filler. Nonetheless, when these smaller defects build up over time, addressing them becomes necessary. The J-B Weld epoxy-based stainable wood filler offers an economical solution; it’s easy to apply using only your hands.
The 3.5-inch-long epoxy-filled tube comes in two distinct components that must be mixed manually for preparation. For those who aren't bothered by some messiness, JB Weld proves quite user-friendly. It allowed us to take a specific portion of the compound, blend it easily through mixing, and due to its claylike texture, we found it simple to apply this material precisely within narrow spaces and fissures using just our fingertips.
Kwikwood contains significantly bigger wood fragments compared to other fillers. Although this contributed to a robust and durable repair, it also made achieving a perfectly smooth surface flush with the adjacent wood quite difficult. More effort went into sanding to ensure an even integration with the neighboring wooden area than what was required for several of the alternative wood fillers we evaluated.
True to its name, Kwikwood dries quickly, taking between 20 minutes to set for a shallow repair and about an hour for our larger ¾-inch in diameter, ¼-inch deep divot. While this made for a quick turnaround time, we found that Kwikwood didn’t hold wood stain particularly well. The instructions advise mixing the stain into the filler before applying. This process was messy and the stain didn’t mix evenly into the filler. These characteristics make it a good choice for fast repairs on surfaces you intend to paint over or cover but not ideal for filling chips, cracks, or nail holes on stained furniture.
Get the J-B Weld wood filler on Amazon or at Lowe’s .
Best Epoxy
Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
What We Like
- Withstands decay, mold, and moisture
- It becomes simpler to utilize consistently once everything is combined.
- Sand effortlessly to achieve a smooth, uniform finish.
What We Don’t Like
- Need to blend it beforehand.
- Isn't consistent with the natural wood color
Specs
- Type: Epoxy based
- Quantity: 12 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 1 to 3 hours
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5 ; Appearance 4/5 ; Durability 5/5 ; Value 4/5
Although many wood fillers claim versatility both indoors and outdoors, they often fall short when compared to Abatron WoodEpox’s epoxy-based formulation. Engineered explicitly to withstand issues like mold, mildew, rot, and moisture, this durable product outperforms others once cured. The stainable and paintable wood filler maintains a permanent bond with surrounding timber without shrinking due to varying weather patterns. Its resilience against natural elements makes it an excellent choice for restoring items such as decks, patio furniture, and various exterior wooden structures.
WoodEpox is available in two distinct containers that should be combined in equal amounts to create 12 ounces of filler. Splitting the components evenly and blending them in another container made using this product slightly trickier compared to typical wood fillers. Like many other epoxy-based wood fillers, we discovered that the optimal method for combining the dual-component mixture was through manual kneading with your hands. After mixing, the pliable texture similar to putty enabled smooth insertion into fissures and depressions within the wood.
WoodEpox dried in about an hour for our shallow repair and in a few hours for our larger divot repair. Since WoodEpox has a smooth consistency, it was relatively easy to sand. And while it holds stain well, it dries to a lighter white consistency that doesn’t match natural wood color, thus limiting its use to painted surfaces and darker opaque stains.
Obtain the Abatron wood filler at Amazon or Walmart .
Best for Furniture
Goodfilla Water-Based Wood and Graining Filler
What We Like
- The seamless texture allows for effortless handling.
- Matches wood color well
- Refined to a silky texture
What We Don’t Like
- Too pricey for filling nail holes
Specs
- Type: Cellulose based
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5 ; Appearance 5/5 ; Durability 5/5 ; Value 4.5/5
Thanks to its excellent color matching ability and consistent texture, Goodfilla is popular for repairing wooden furnishings. This cellulosic, stainable wood filler creates a finish similar to the pattern and hue of genuine red oak. Should the starting color not align perfectly with your current floors or furniture, you can blend the filler with stains, toners, pigments, or dyes to get the ideal tint.
Goodfilla definitely lives up to the saying "you get what you pay for." Among all the wood fillers we evaluated, it stood out as the most expensive but also delivered superior performance. The filler boasts a silky-smooth texture akin to butter, making it effortless to apply even over large areas like ¾-inch depressions or tiny nail holes. One notable advantage is how swiftly it sets; additionally, it sands smoothly without shrinking, eliminating the necessity for multiple coats across various samples. Once dried, this product forms an extremely durable surface that resisted chipping and denting during testing. Moreover, Goodfilla excelled at blending seamlessly with adjacent wood tones and proved highly receptive to staining among some of the top contenders.
Although Goodfella’s steep price might render it unsuitable for simple tasks like patching nail holes in baseboards, it proves to be well worth the expense when addressing damages like dents and fissures in wooden furnishings and various finishing projects.
What our tester says: "I really enjoy how simple it is to use this product. It applies effortlessly, effectively covers even big gaps, and can be sanded smoothly for a uniform look that blends with unpainted wood perfectly." —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews Tester and Writer
Obtain the Goodfilla grain filler. Amazon and Walmart .
Best Cellulose Based
Elmer's E887Q Stainable Wood Filler, 3.25 Ounces
What We Like
- Easy to use for smaller repairs
- Matches wood color well
- Sands easily
What We Don’t Like
- It's difficult to extract a large amount of product from the bottle.
Specs
- Type: Cellulose based
- Quantity: 3.25 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: Up to 24 hours
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5 ; Appearance 5/5 ; Durability 4/5 ; Value 4/5
Cellulose-based, stainable wood fillers such as those offered by Elmer’s mimic the texture and look of genuine wood with their fiber content. Packaged in a convenient squeeze bottle, Elmer’s product aims to provide a simple and budget-friendly solution for minor fixes like cracks, dents, and nail holes.
The only wood filler we tested that came in a squeeze bottle format was Elmer’s, and our impressions were somewhat divided. Its small application nozzle paired with the viscous nature typical for cellulose-based fillers made dispensing difficult. However, warming up the bottle by gently pressing it between our fingers before uncapping and making a sizable cut at the tip significantly eased the process. Although we could extract sufficient material for minor fixes, this product isn’t suited for bigger jobs like filling a 3/4-inch hole; those require more substantial amounts of filler.
This being said, the practical squeeze bottle format turned it into a swift and effortless choice for addressing nail holes and minor dents. It allowed us to apply a small amount directly onto the area needing repair and then smooth off the surplus using a putty knife. Additionally, Elmer’s formula hardened rapidly and sanded down fairly easily once set. After drying, it blended seamlessly with the original wood hue and took stains and paints quite effectively.
Purchase the Elmer's sustainable wood filler at Amazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Evaluated the Top Stainable Wood Filler Options
Following an extensive investigation of leading sustainable wood fillers designed for restoring furniture, floors, and various wooden items, we found that the superior choices hinge on factors such as their variety, volume availability, curing duration, adaptability across different materials, and additional distinctive attributes offered by certain manufacturers. With these criteria in focus, we selected five high-quality stainable wood fillers and subjected them to rigorous testing.
We performed three trials for each type of filler, applying them to fix small nail holes, minor cracks, and a sizable ¾-inch wide indentation. Our assessment encompassed multiple criteria: ease of application, drying duration, readiness for smoothing into an even surface through sanding, as well as their capacity to blend seamlessly with natural wood grain and take stains effectively. Ultimately, cost considerations helped us gauge the total worthiness of every stainable wood filler under review.
Factors to Think About When Selecting an Eco-Friendly Wooden Filler
Before choosing a stainable wood filler to renew the look of old furniture Or when fixing baseboards, take into account crucial elements such as the drying period and how much filler will be needed. After gaining a clearer understanding of what’s necessary for your task, you can then choose the most suitable stainable wood filler for your needs.
Kinds of Stainable Wooden Filler Options
There are four primary categories of sustainable wood fillers distinguished by their formulations: those based on gypsum, epoxy, vinyl, and cellulose.
Gypsum-based
Stainable wood fillers made with gypsum are generally used for indoor repairs To cover spaces in baseboards and drywall, this kind of filler material consists of gypsum powder which needs to be combined with water to form a paste. After drying, the filler loses its flexibility and becomes rigid, having a texture akin to hardwood or sometimes even resembling stone.
Gypsum-based wood fillers are the most affordable type of filler. Because these fillers are susceptible to water damage, even after the filler has dried, they shouldn’t be used in locations where they may be exposed to moisture.
Epoxy-based
Epoxy wood fillers are the most durable and resistant, but they also require the most preparation before use. For the epoxy to have the desired consistency and adhesion, the two parts must be mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the epoxy is mixed, it can be applied to the affected area.
Ideal for use in outdoor conditions, epoxy-based wood fillers can expand and contract with changing temperatures. Because of their natural water resistance, they’re also the best suited fillers to seal the wall or foundation of a home against wind and rain.
Latex-based
Stainable wood fillers based on latex are frequently employed in external areas since they necessitate minimal preliminary prep compared to epoxies. These filler compounds cure rapidly once applied and typically become water-resistant within sixty minutes. Additionally, latex-based fillers are user-friendly, making them ideal for addressing cavities, mending cuts, and restoring sections of decayed wood. restoring outdoor furniture .
Once latex-based fillers have completely dried, they become as firm as hardwood. This solidness enables you to apply sandpaper over the filler for a seamless surface. Additionally, you can insert nails or secure screws into the latex filler without compromising the integrity of the repair, enhancing its robustness.
Cellulose-based
Another recognized classification for sustainable wood filler includes those made from cellulose, although you won’t often see this explicitly stated on the packaging. Rather, the labels typically highlight that these products include actual wood fibers. When compared to latex-based fillers and epoxy options, cellulose-based fillers tend to be more budget-friendly. Since these fillers dissolve easily in water, they allow for easy mixing with stains to produce a deeply pigmented compound prior to use.
Certain cellulose-based fillers are suitable for outdoor applications, whereas some are designed exclusively for interior use. Make certain to check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the appropriate usage and location for the filler.
Project
The kind of project you're undertaking will dictate which sustainable wood filler is most appropriate for your requirements. Considerations such as the prep time needed, how much filler will be necessary, and limitations regarding drying time—such as forecasts of upcoming rainfall—should all play into selecting the right product.
- Indoor projects can vary from closing a space between baseboards to refinishing a section of high-quality wooden furniture or repairing hardwood floors Although any appropriate wood filler will suffice for interior projects such as these, epoxy-based options should generally be considered only when necessary. This is because epoxies require significantly more time to mix and cure compared to alternative compounds.
- Outdoor projects Those needing a sustainable exterior wood filler could include repairing dents in a fence , fixing fissures in a deck, refurbishing and staining outdoor furniture , and blocking gaps in a house’s outer walls to safeguard against weather conditions. When undertaking tasks such as these, an epoxy-based stainable wood filler is the optimal selection. For minor fixes, you can opt for a latex-based outdoor wood filler or even go with a cellulose-based filler designed for external applications.
Versatility
Majority of wood fillers come in petite jars, each designed for specific types of minor repairs. Should you find yourself undertaking numerous renovation tasks requiring a substantial amount of stainable wood filler across various projects, it would be wise to opt for a large quantity wood filler option that offers versatility for different uses.
Before buying a substantial amount of stainable wood filler, ensure it can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Additionally, assess the pliability of the filler prior to drying—since you're considering a bulk purchase, get a smaller container first to see how manageable it is to handle. Review the manufacturer’s suggested applications and observe the final texture once thoroughly set. For example, using an epoxy-based stainable wood filler would be ideal for repairing holes in external walls due to its superior adaptability to varying temperatures.
Quantity
The amount of wood filler needed depends on how big your project is. Fortunately, makers offer these fillers in many sizes—from tiny tubes up to large buckets—so you can buy only as much as necessary without purchasing an excessive amount for minor repairs like small scratches.
For small fixes, sustainable wood fillers akin to crayons can be used; just swipe the filler across slight fissures to cover them. Wood fillers packaged at weights ranging from 8 to 16 ounces work well for medium-sized tasks such as filling seams post-baseboard replacement. Fillers exceeding these quantities suit bigger jobs better, including refurbishing complete rooms or restoring aged decks and fences.
Drying Time
Be sure to note the approximate drying time of the stainable wood filler to determine exactly how long you have to complete a repair and smooth out the area before the filler hardens. Some products dry very quickly, which is convenient for outdoor applications, as it’s important for the filler to dry before it’s exposed to rain or snow.
When repairing a substantial area with sustainable wood filler, opt for a product that has a longer drying period; this gives you ample time both to complete the repair and mold the filler into your preferred configuration. The drying duration can differ based on the specific product used, so always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for precise guidance.
FAQs
If you're still unsure about choosing the appropriate sustainable wood filler for your project, consider going over the responses to these commonly asked questions.
The simplest method for applying wood filler involves using a putty knife. Start by firmly pushing the filler into the damaged section at the top and gradually work it into the repair site, possibly adding more than needed if required. Once you've filled the crack, dent, or scrape but before the filler sets, utilize the putty knife to eliminate any surplus material until it aligns perfectly with the surrounding surface.
Certain wood fillers, such as those based on epoxy or powders, require mixing prior to use. For preparing the stainable wood filler, adhere closely to the guidelines supplied by the manufacturer. Typically, this process entails combining two components of an epoxy mixture or blending water with a powdered filler substance.
After sanding your wood Then prepare the restored section; you can apply the stain directly onto the filler with a tiny brush, or opt to color the whole wooden part along with the filler at once for a consistent appearance.
If you're worried about how the stain might appear over the dried filler, do a preliminary test first on an unused piece of wood. Once the filler on this sample wood has dried, apply the stain to see what it looks like; this way, you can ensure you’re satisfied with the outcome prior to proceeding. staining your furniture , flooring, or any other type of wood surface.
The main The distinction between wood putty and wood filler. Is it true that putty usually stays quite flexible? This flexibility enables it to contract and stretch with temperature changes. As a result, wood putty works well for closing up sizable openings in walls. On the other hand, wood filler becomes firm but retains a texture akin to wood since it includes sawdust and wood fibers. Primarily composed of plastics, wood putty can also come mixed with certain types of plastic-based wood fillers.
The most suitable material for filling big spaces in wood varies based on the gap’s dimensions. If the opening isn’t bigger than three-quarters of an inch, then furniture or wood flooring fillers would be ideal choices. However, when dealing with larger openings, combining a wooden peg or sawdust with wood filler will yield better results.
You can usually use wood filler for repairs up to a depth of ⅜ inch. If it’s any thicker, the fix becomes less probable to remain sturdy over time.
Wood fillers become sufficiently rigid for drilling or screwing. However, if those actions are planned, we recommend opting for an epoxy wood filler since it sets harder compared to other varieties of wood fillers.
The drying time for wood filler depends on the scale of the repair. Typically, minor fixes like plugging nail holes will set within half an hour. However, extensive work, including mending sizable cracks, may require anywhere from four to six hours to fully dry and could take up to one whole day to completely harden.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more. Tony has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
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