Wood putty and filler are commonly used to repair and restore timber surfaces. However, they serve different purposes and are used in distinct situations.
Understanding the differences between these two products is crucial for achieving the best woodworking or repair project results. This article will explore wood putty and filler’s characteristics, benefits, and applications, helping you decide which is right for your needs.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Wood Putty and Wood fillers are used for different types of wood repairs. Wood Putty is flexible and ideal for small fixes on finished wood and outdoor projects where the wood might expand or contract.
It cannot be sanded or stained and takes longer to dry. Wood Filler, however, hardens completely and is perfect for unfinished wood surfaces, allowing for sanding, staining, and painting.
It provides a strong repair but needs more flexibility, making it less suitable for outdoor use where wood might shift due to environmental conditions. Choose based on your project’s needs and whether the wood is finished or unfinished.
What Is Wood Putty?
Wood putty is typically made from a blend of plastic compounds, oils, and other synthetic materials. It is designed to remain pliable and flexible, which makes it ideal for filling small cracks, gouges, and imperfections in finished wood surfaces.
Unlike wood filler, wood putty doesn’t harden completely, allowing it to expand and contract with the wood as it responds to environmental changes such as humidity and temperature. Because of its flexibility, wood putty is commonly used on exterior wood surfaces, where weather conditions can cause timber to swell or shrink.
Best Applications
Wood putty is suitable for:
- Finished wood surfaces, like furniture and cabinetry
- Outdoor projects, including decks and fences
- Touch-up work on stained or painted wood
Since wood putty stays soft, it is perfect for small fixes but not recommended for large holes or gaps.
Limitations Of Wood Putty
While wood putty is versatile, it has some drawbacks. It can’t be sanded or stained, which limits its use in unfinished projects.
Due to its oil-based nature, wood putty also tends to take a long time to dry, making it less convenient for quick repairs.
What Is Wood Filler?
Wood filler is made from a blend of sawdust or wood fibres suspended in a binder, typically water-based or solvent-based. Unlike wood putty, wood filler is designed to harden completely when it dries, creating a solid, durable surface that can be sanded, stained, or painted.
This makes wood filler ideal for unfinished wood projects, where a smooth, even surface is essential. Water-based wood fillers are more environmentally friendly, while solvent-based fillers are more moisture-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor projects.
Best Applications
Wood filler is ideal for:
- Unfinished wood surfaces, such as flooring and trim
- Filling large holes, cracks, or gaps in the wood
- Sanding and staining to match the surrounding wood
Once hardened, wood filler can be shaped and manipulated to achieve a smooth finish, making it perfect for restoring the structural integrity of damaged wood.
Limitations Of Wood Filler
The biggest limitation of wood filler is that it needs to be more flexible. Since it hardens completely, it may crack over time if the wood beneath it moves due to changes in humidity or temperature.
Wood Putty Vs. Wood Filler: Key Differences
Flexibility Vs. Rigidity
One of the primary differences between wood putty and wood filler is their level of flexibility. Wood putty remains soft and pliable, even after drying, which makes it perfect for outdoor projects where expansion and contraction are common.
Conversely, wood filler hardens completely, offering a rigid surface ideal for structural repairs on unfinished wood.
Usage: Finished Vs. Unfinished Wood
Another key difference lies in their usage. Wood putty is primarily used on finished wood surfaces, as it cannot be sanded or stained.
It works best when you need to repair small imperfections without disturbing the finish of the surrounding wood. Conversely, wood filler is the go-to choice for unfinished wood, which can be sanded, stained, or painted to blend seamlessly with the rest of the project.
Drying Time And Application Process
Wood filler typically dries faster than wood putty, especially water-based fillers, which can dry in as little as 15 minutes.
Wood putty, however, is slower to dry due to its oil-based composition, which can be a drawback if you need to complete a project quickly.
Additionally, wood filler is easier to apply over large areas, while wood putty is more suited to smaller repairs.
Techniques For Applying Wood Filler
Applying wood filler is a straightforward process, but there are steps you should follow to ensure a smooth, professional finish:
- Clean the surface: Remove dust, dirt, or debris from the area to ensure the filler adheres properly.
- Apply the filler: Press the filler into cracks, holes, or gaps using a putty knife or tool. Overfill slightly to account for shrinkage during drying.
- Allow the filler to dry.: Depending on the product and thickness of the application, drying can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Sand the surface: Once the filler is dry, sand the area smoothly to blend it with the surrounding wood. For best results, use fine-grit sandpaper.
- Stain or paint: Apply a wood stain or paint to match the surrounding wood surface after sanding.
Techniques For Applying Wood Putty
Wood putty is applied a bit differently due to its oil-based formula and flexibility:
- Prepare the surface: Clean the area to ensure the putty adheres well.
- Apply the putty: Use your fingers or a putty knife to press the putty into the hole or gap. Since wood putty doesn’t shrink as much as filler, you don’t need to overfill.
- Wipe away excess: Immediately remove any excess putty from the surrounding wood using a damp cloth. Be careful not to disturb the putty in the hole.
- Allow it to cure: Give the putty time to dry and harden. Depending on the type of putty used, this can take a few hours or overnight.
Choosing Between Wood Putty And Wood Filler
Consider The Project Type
The first factor to consider is the type of project you’re working on. If you’re repairing outdoor furniture or decking, where the wood will expand and contract, wood putty is the better choice due to its flexibility.
However, if you’re working on indoor flooring, trim, or any other unfinished wood project, the wood filler will give you the strength and durability you need.
Surface Finish
Another important consideration is whether the wood is finished or unfinished. If the wood is stained or painted, you’ll want to use wood putty to avoid damaging the finish.
However, if the surface is unfinished, wood filler allows you to sand, stain, or paint it uniformly.
Environmental Factors
Flexibility is key for outdoor projects exposed to the elements. Wood putty is more resistant to weather changes, while wood filler can crack over time if exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Solvent-based wood fillers are more durable outdoors than water-based ones, so it’s crucial to choose the right product for your environment.
Conclusion
Choosing between wood putty and wood filler depends on your project’s specific needs. Wood putty is ideal for small repairs on finished wood surfaces, especially outdoor projects, as it remains flexible and resistant to environmental changes.
However, it cannot be sanded or stained, making it less suitable for unfinished wood. Wood filler, on the other hand, is perfect for unfinished wood projects that require sanding, staining, or painting, and it provides a durable, solid repair for larger holes or cracks.
Its rigidity, however, makes it less ideal for outdoor use, where wood may expand or contract. Understanding these differences ensures you choose the right product to achieve optimal, long-lasting results in your woodworking projects.
FAQs About The Difference Between Wood Putty And Wood Filler
Can You Use Wood Filler As Putty?
Wood putty and wood filler are often used interchangeably by woodworkers to mean the same thing. While they serve an almost similar purpose, they are still different products and suitable for different wood-filling projects.
Is Putty And Filler The Same?
Fillers and putty are DIY products that remove unevenness from surfaces. The fillers generally fill gaps and holes in walls and wood (often decayed wood). Putty is used to smooth relatively small uneven surfaces caused by screw holes, scratches or coarse materials.
What’s Best For Filling Gaps In Wood?
Wood putty is a good option for fixing large gaps and holes. For one, it is made from natural wood! It won’t shrink like other fillers, and it is often oil-based. Wood putty can be used in projects in any environment.
Does Wood Filler Dry Hard?
Wood filler dries to a hard surface. This texture allows you to apply wood filler to large cracks in a project.
How Long Does Wood Putty Last?
20 years: Long-lasting—When appropriately stored in a cool and dry place, the wood putty should last up to 20 years. Even if you only use a small portion for your project, you can stow the rest for use on another project.
