Repair cracks, dents, holes, and more with these tips for using wood filler.
What Is Wood Filler?
Wood filler is a hardening substance used to fill imperfections in wood surfaces.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
The solution often consists of tiny wood fragments suspended in a water- or petroleum-based binder.
Types of Wood Filler
Below are four of the most common wood filler varieties used by DIYers.
Let the filler dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
For more sanding control, opt for a higher grit, like 220.
Finish the Material
Finish your DIY wood project as you normally would.
While this can be very handy, getting the color right can also be a little tricky.
Some fillersrequire a darker stainto match a material, while others do better with a lighter stain.
Sometimes, no stain at all results in the best shade.
Keep in mind that water-based fillers must be mixed with water-based stains, while petroleum-based fillers require solvent-based stains.
Wood filler cannot mend more extensive damage and structural issues, and an alternative repair will be necessary.
For petroleum-based fillers, manufacturers often recommend mineral spirits or other solvents.
