It is common practise to use wood putty to patch up smaller cracks or fissures, while wood filler is reserved for more significant defects. Wood putty, on the other hand, can be sanded smooth after it has dried, whereas wood filler should not be sanded because the particles are too small.
When you go to purchase these items at home improvement centres, you’ll find that they come packaged in a variety of containers, including the following: Wood filler will typically come in a large tub with a screw-top lid, whereas wood putty will typically come in a tube of a material that is similar to caulking and will typically have a metal lid with a removable brush attached to it.
It is not unusual for woodworkers to have to deal with minor to more obvious imperfections in the pieces of wood that they create. The rotting, cracking, and scratching of wooden surfaces are all problems that can occur, but it would not make much sense to replace an entire piece of furniture or installation just because a portion of it has problems.
This is especially relevant for do-it-yourself woodworkers, who are more prone to making mistakes than professionals. But don’t worry; you won’t have to throw away what you’ve been working on because there are products such as wood filler and wood putty.
These two products are essential components in the process of removing cosmetic flaws and imperfections from wood. In addition, both wood fillers and wood putty are well-known for their capacity to repair damaged wood; in fact, this ability is so well-known that the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Nevertheless, they are not the same, and neither their functions nor their applications are the same. This article will discuss the primary distinctions between wood fillers and wood putty, as well as the circumstances under which one should be used rather than the other.
The Primary Distinctions That Can Be Made Between Wood Filler and Wood Putty
The following are the primary distinctions that can be made between wood filler and wood putty:
- Wood putty typically has an oil-based composition, whereas wood filler is typically made with a water-based base.
- Wood putty, on the other hand, cannot be sanded and is best suited for use on finished wood, whereas wood filler can be sanded and is typically utilised for unfinished wood.
- Wood fillers should not be used for any woodworking projects that will be displayed outdoors, but wood putty can be used with projects that will be displayed in any environment.
Putty for Wood
Wood putty is typically applied to surfaces that have already been varnished and stained, as opposed to the unfinished wood that wood filler is typically used on. You might also come across the term “plastic wood” being used to refer to it.
In fact that there are a number of distinct approaches to producing wood putty, the overwhelming majority of producers still do so by combining oil-based components with calcium carbonate. As a consequence of this, the consistency of the wood putty changes to that of soft clay when water is added to the mixture.
Because of its clay-like consistency, wood putty has the ability to remain wet for extended periods of time; consequently, if you are working on a project that needs to be completed in a short amount of time, you might have to look for alternative approaches.
When applying wood putty, it is best to do so on surfaces that have already been finished. Because it contains chemicals, which you shouldn’t use on raw wood, this happens as a result of those chemicals. After you have finished applying the wood putty to your project, you will need to sand it down to get a smooth surface and remove any excess residue that may have been left behind.
Putty made of wood is frequently referred to as “plastic wood,” and it is most commonly used on wood surfaces that have previously been stained or varnished. The first and most obvious distinction between wood putty and other types of wood fillers is the material that each is constructed from.
Wood putties are typically not appropriate for use with raw wood because they are made with synthetic materials such as epoxy or polyurethane, which allow them to maintain a level of flexibility even after drying. This flexibility comes in handy when it comes to filling in divots, cracks, and other imperfections on the surface of the wood. In addition, given that wood putties are typically applied to finished surfaces, the putties themselves are available in a variety of shades to match those surfaces.
The use of wood putty in your project will provide you with a number of benefits, including the following:
- Application Because wood putty is so adaptable, you can use it to fill in flaws of any size, from the tiniest fissures to the most significant blemishes. For larger areas, you can use a putty knife. After you have completed your task to your satisfaction, you can remove any excess wood putty and then wait for it to dry and harden. After the surface has had enough time to dry, you should sand it so that it has a smooth finish.
- As was mentioned earlier, wood putty can be purchased in a variety of shades that either complement or stand in stark contrast to the wood surface that you are currently working with. Naturally, if you want to avoid calling undue attention to the flaw, you should try to match the colour of the stain or finish to the natural grain of the wood.
Why Do You Need to Use Wood Putty?
The use of wood putty in your most recent woodworking project is recommended for a number of different reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the different options.
Simple In Its Execution
The ease with which wood putty can be applied to virtually any kind of wood surface is one of the best things about this product. You can spread putty over large areas with a putty knife, or you can use your finger to dab a little bit on smaller areas.
If you discover that there is any additional wood putty on the surface of your project, take a damp rag and wipe it off, and then allow it to dry completely so that it can harden.
A Wide Range of Color Options
Because stained and finished surfaces take on specific tones and textures, it is only logical that options for wood putty that match those characteristics would be available. However, in order for the repair not to stand out, you will need to choose a wood putty that has a colour and tone that is comparable to the original.
When you are working on your project involving wood, you need to make sure that you find a tone that is compatible with the surface of the wood that is being repaired.
No Glue Is Needed.
Many people are unaware that wood putty can also function as a sealing agent, despite the fact that it is an excellent product for mending fractures and openings in wood. Why is that a relevant point? Because this prevents you from needing to buy an additional adhesive sealer to apply to the surface of your project, it saves you money.
Cost Savings
Lastly, the cost savings that result from using wood putty over time are another advantage. Because wood putty is long-lasting, repairs made with it don’t require constant maintenance, which saves time and money.
Even if you buy one of the smaller containers that the wood putty is sold in, you should still have enough of it to complete a few different projects. Wood putty has this benefit. If you don’t anticipate using all of it right away, put it away in a cool, dry place as soon as possible.
Why Not Make Use of Wood Putty Instead?
The potential damage that wood putty could cause to raw wood is perhaps the most compelling argument against its use. If you use wood putty on unfinished timber, the surface of your project may become damaged, and you won’t be able to stain it until you fix the problem. This is because the ingredients used to make wood putty are abrasive.
Wood Fillers
So, tell me, what exactly is wood filler? To put it another way, wood filler is a material that can repair things made of wood. You should be aware, however, that its primary purpose is to fix minor flaws in the wood, such as holes, cracks, scratches, or scrapes, so keep in mind that this is its primary function.
Another distinction that can be made between wood putties and wood fillers is this one. Wood putties are more flexible than wood fillers, which dry into a more rigid finish once they have dried. Even though most wood fillers dry out to a hard state, the structural integrity of the wood that they are applied to is not improved as a result of this. Wood fillers must be coloured along with the rest of the wood after being sanded and dried.
Due to the fact that some types of wood are more porous than others, this is the solution that is best suited for wood. For instance, woods such as ash, oak, or walnut have a propensity to be among the most porous. Because of this, having wood filler available is helpful.
The primary objective of wood filler is to disguise flaws or imperfections in the wood, while at the same time ensuring that it does not alter the appearance of the surface itself. In addition, since the majority of wood fillers are based on water, you can dilute them with water if you feel the need to make them more spreadable.
For larger projects, you might want to consider using a filler that is solvent-based rather than water-based because solvent-based fillers tend to be more durable and provide a thicker consistency than water-based options.
No matter which kind of wood filler you choose, it will be able to assist you in repairing cracks, smoothing surfaces, and filling holes in the various woodworking projects you undertake. After you have completed filling in the area, you will need to wait for the filler to dry. After that, you can smooth it out with sandpaper and repaint the item to give it a more professional appearance.
Different Kinds Of Wood Filler
The kind of surface that you’re going to be working on should guide your selection of the wood filler product that you’ll use.
Always think that the finished product of your project may require the addition of some sawdust in order to achieve a more natural appearance.
Epoxy
Epoxy wood fillers are intended for use on unfinished products due to their versatility. In order to achieve the best results, it is customary to sand down the areas where epoxy will be applied. If you go with this particular kind of wood filler, you need to make sure to apply a sealant to it so that it doesn’t become brittle or crumbly over time.
Latex
Latex fillers are one of the many types of wood fillers that are commonly used. Due to the fact that they are water-based and simple to clean, they find application in a variety of products. When working with raw timber, epoxy can be used to seal any pores or cracks in the material before they become a source of concern.
Polyurethane
On furniture, you’ll frequently find this particular kind of wood filler. The outermost surface can be more effectively sealed with the assistance of polyurethane, thereby increasing its resistance to the effects of environmental hazards such as humidity and moisture.
Why Do You Need to Use Wood Filler?
Take a look at the reasons why using wood filler is beneficial to your project, shall we?
Quick to dry out
Even though it is essential to produce good work of a high quality regardless of the project, there are times when it is nice to have something that works quickly. Wood fillers are an excellent tool to have on hand for any situation in which you need to complete a task in a hurry.
After it has been applied, wood filler dries very quickly. However, many of the options currently available on the market can dry in ten to twenty minutes or less. The drying time will, of course, be determined by the type of wood filler and the product that you choose.
Perfect For Areas With a Porous Structure
When working on porous surfaces, fillers are your best bet for success. If, on the other hand, you find that the surface you are working on is not functioning very well, you should try sanding it down first before applying wood filler to it.
When working with unfinished lumber, it is important to remember that wood filler is a very useful tool. If you apply wood filler to a project that is finished, you will find that the surface is uneven and bumpy. This is because wood filler is not smooth. The difficulty you are going to have in bringing it to a smoother state is the challenge presented here.
On the other hand, if you use a surface that has been left unfinished and there are holes in it, you can fill the holes with wood filler and then sand them down later.
Great For Filling Big Holes
The wonderful thing about wood filler is that it can save your project regardless of how large or deep the hole is. This is a huge time saver. When it comes to mending gaps or holes in wood, there are few better solutions.
If you need to repair a large hole in wood with wood filler, remember to sand down the surface first so that the filler will adhere properly. After applying the wood filler and allowing it to dry, the next step in achieving a nice, smooth finish is to paint it.
When Should Wood Filler Not Be Used?
Before applying wood filler to your project, it is important to keep in mind that wood has a natural tendency to contract or expand depending on the weather and other factors in its surrounding environment.
The issue is that wood filler does not provide the necessary degree of adaptability to accommodate the shrinking and expanding that takes place. As a consequence of this, it has a propensity to break easily; consequently, it is best to use wood filler on furniture or wood projects that will remain indoors and away from changes in the surrounding environment.
How Would You Rate Each One?
We’ve spent some time discussing wood putty and wood filler, but how do these two products compare to one another? In spite of the fact that they are very comparable products, they are utilised in very different contexts.
Having to Do With Wood
On timber, the use of wood filler and wood putty are common; however, the order in which these two products are applied can have a significant impact on the final result. Wood putty is ideal for use on finished surfaces, whereas wood filler is utilised prior to the application of stain or finish.
The Kind of Material
Wood filler typically includes some sort of solvent or bulking agent to help bind everything together and keep it that way. Your choice of wood filler will determine both the type of filler and the compounds it contains. Clay, wood fibre, epoxy, and latex are some examples of these materials.
Putty, on the other hand, is subject to the ingredients that its manufacturer chooses to use. Although the precise composition will differ from one brand to the next, nearly all wood putty will have the same basic components. For instance, even though the overwhelming majority of them use compounds based on oil, some of them might deviate a little bit based on the colour or the tone.
It Is Time To Dry
It is common knowledge that the drying time for wood putty is significantly longer than that of wood filler. In most cases, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for wood filler to become dry enough to be sanded after it has been applied. On the other hand, if you’re patching a significant hole, you might have to hang on for a little while longer.
Putty made from wood, on the other hand, must sit for an extended period of time before it can be considered fully dry. In order for it to be ready, you will need to let it dry for a number of hours. There are some scenarios in which you might be required to wait for it to dry for a full day.
When they are put to use
Wood fillers are most commonly utilised on furniture that is intended for use inside the home. Wood filler does not possess the necessary flexibility to adapt to the severe climatic changes that occur in the great outdoors, so it is not a good idea to use it for projects that are located there.
On the other hand, wood putties are an excellent choice for use in any woodworking project, whether it be indoors or outdoors. In addition to being resistant to both high temperatures and water, the product does an excellent job of maintaining its structure.
Wood fillers made from water versus those made from petroleum
Wood fillers can be broken down into two primary categories: those based on water and those based on petroleum. Wood fillers that are water-based typically have a crumblier consistency, but the consistency can be adjusted to your liking by adding water in the appropriate amounts. You will have no trouble distinguishing water-based fillers from other types because the product description will list water as a solvent for cleaning up tools.
On the other hand, wood fillers that are based on petroleum come in a texture and consistency that is noticeably more refined than its counterpart. Additionally, these fillers will point to the use of chemical solvents as a method for cleanup. In addition, wood fillers that are based on petroleum are helpful for sealing the outermost surface of the wood. This protects the wood from moisture and humidity, which can lead to rotting if left unchecked.
When Should I Use Wood Putty And When Should I Use Filler?
When used in the right way, both of these products have the potential to be of significant assistance in repairing wood products. However, due to the chemical composition of wood putty, it is not entirely appropriate for raw wood and, in the majority of cases, does more harm than good to the material. It might, for instance, scratch the surface of your wooden piece before you even have a chance to sand it and stain it.
Wood naturally contracts and expands depending on the environment; wood fillers dry out and become rock hard, lacking the elasticity to tolerate wood warping. As a direct consequence of this, they are prone to breakage. In order to prevent further damage to the wood used for indoor furniture, it is recommended that wood fillers be applied.
Conclusion
It is a bright idea to keep both wood putty and wood filler in the workshop, whether you are a professional woodworker, a hobbyist or a do-it-yourselfer who tackles a wide variety of projects. If you are a professional woodworker, it is especially important to keep wood putty on hand. The reality is that it is impossible to know in advance everything that will be required for a specific project.
Wood putty, on the other hand, dries very slowly and seems to perform admirably with only oil-based finishes. Additionally, its applications are restricted. For this reason, wood filler is the superior option for those who are looking for something adaptable that can be utilised for a variety of projects.
The fact that wood filler dries in a shorter amount of time than wood putty does is another advantage of wood filler over wood putty. After all, nobody wants to waste an entire day waiting for a filling agent to dry.
Content Summary
- It is common practise to use wood putty to patch up smaller cracks or fissures, while wood filler is reserved for more significant defects.
- But don’t worry; you won’t have to throw away what you’ve been working on because there are products such as wood filler and wood putty.
- These two products are essential components in the process of removing cosmetic flaws and imperfections from wood.
- In addition, both wood fillers and wood putty are well-known for their capacity to repair damaged wood; in fact, this ability is so well-known that the two terms are often used interchangeably.
- This article will discuss the primary distinctions between wood fillers and wood putty, as well as the circumstances under which one should be used rather than the other.
- Wood putty typically has an oil-based composition, whereas wood filler is typically made with a water-based base.
- When applying wood putty, it is best to do so on surfaces that have already been finished.
- After you have finished applying the wood putty to your project, you will need to sand it down to get a smooth surface and remove any excess residue that may have been left behind.
- The first and most obvious distinction between wood putty and other types of wood fillers is the material that each is constructed from.
- This flexibility comes in handy when it comes to filling in divots, cracks, and other imperfections on the surface of the wood.
- For larger areas, you can use a putty knife.
- The use of wood putty in your most recent woodworking project is recommended for a number of different reasons.
- Many people are unaware that wood putty can also function as a sealing agent, despite the fact that it is an excellent product for mending fractures and openings in wood.
FAQs About 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 which are used to remove unevenness from surfaces. The fillers are generally used to 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: A putty is a good option for fixing up large gaps and holes. For one, it has natural wood! It won’t have a problem with shrinkage like other fillers, and wood putty is often oil-based. Wood putty can be used with projects for any type of 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 you up to 20 years. Even if you only use a small portion of it for your project, you can stow the rest of it for use on another project.
