Best Wood Fillers | With Top Stainable Products for Exteriors
Contents
- The Best Wood Fillers Are…
- 1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler - Best Stainable Wood Filler
- 2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
- 3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
- 4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
- 5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333
- 6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916)
- 7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz.
- 8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler
- Some Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A Stainable Wood Filler
- Choose Something That Will Not Emit Strong Fumes
- Go For Something With A Consistency That Is Easy To Build-Up
- It Should Harden Up Fast
- Make Sure It Has A Long Shelf Life
- It Should Hold Stains Well
- Conclusion
- Sources
Wood filler repairs nail holes, cracks, gouges and even rotted sections so you do not have to replace the whole board. If the wood will get a clear or stained finish, choose a stainable filler.
One caution up front: no filler absorbs stain exactly like real wood. Always test your filler and stain on a scrap first. Here are eight fillers for different jobs.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick is the Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler. This water-based filler with real wood fibers is easy to use, cleans up with water, resists shrinking and cracking, and sands, stains and paints well.
The Best Wood Fillers Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler | 1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler Top Pick | - Size: 3.25 ounces - Weight: 4 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler | 2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler | - Size: 16 ounces - Weight: 15.2 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler | 3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler | - Size: 24 ounces - Color: Natural - Finish: Painted - Weight: 1.6 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler | 4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler | - Size: 1 Quart - Weight: 16 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333 | 5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333 | - Size: 12 ounces X2 - Weight: 15.2 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916) | 6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916) | - Size: 8 ounces - Material Type: Adhesive - Color: White - Weight: 8.8 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz. | 7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz. | - Size: 6 ounces - Weight: 6.4 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler | 8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler | - Size: 8 ounces - Weight: 8 ounces | Check Current Price |
1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler - Best Stainable Wood Filler
Elmer’s makes a variety of wood fillers but if you want the results to be stainable, get this one instead. This 3.25-ounce wood filler effectively fills up gouges and holes.
It contains real wood fibers, which help it take stain and look more natural than plain filler. It resists cracking and shrinking, and excess cleans up with water.
The squeeze tube dispenses just the amount you need and reseals, so the filler lasts longer than an open tub. The water-based formula has little odor.
It is thick enough to pack into deeper holes. Overfill slightly, let it dry fully, then sand flush; a light hand or a fine-grit high-speed sander keeps you from dishing the surrounding wood.
For outdoor use, check that the tube you buy is labeled for exterior use, and protect the repair with paint or finish.
Specs
- Size: 3.25 ounces
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- Produces natural results
- Applying it is very easy
- Does not crack or shrink over time
- Holds up well against sanding
Cons
- Some users said for its price, it has a small quantity
Verdict
Easy to Use: The tube makes it easy to dispense just what you need, and it takes stain and sanding well. The small tube is enough for a handful of repairs.
2. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
Minwax's stainable filler handles cracks, holes and minor gouges and is formulated to work with Minwax stains.
You can use both water and oil-based stains on this filler. It also accepts paint; great for those wood paneling or siding that require some sprucing up.
This is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a latex formula that only requires soap and water for cleanup. It dries fast as well, so you can stain or sand it afterward. This can be used in areas where you might need to hold nails or screws. It produces tough and shrink-resistant results.
It is easy to use. You can build it up easily until you have patched up the holes and reached the desired surface. Use a sharp scraper to get rid of excess. It hardens up real fast. It makes quick work of patching up damaged wood surfaces. Since it hardens up fast, you can sand it right after. No need to wait for a long time.
It bonds well to clean, dry wood. It can be sanded, primed and painted, and it accepts both oil and water-based stains.
For screws that must carry a load, though, drill into solid wood or use a two-part epoxy filler rather than relying on a one-part filler. It stirs together easily and is good value for the amount.
Specs
- Size: 16 ounces
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
Pros
- Hardens up real fast
- Can be sanded, primed, and painted
- Very easy to use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Some find it a bit difficult to work.
Verdict
Hardens Up Fast: A good choice if you want a filler that sets quickly and sands soon after.
3. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
FamoWood's latex filler gives you a little more working time before it skins over. It is water-based, so it has little odor and cleans up with soap and water.
Once hard, it resists shrinking and cracking, and you can sand, stain and paint it. It works well on furniture and cabinets.
FamoWood also makes a solvent-based version with stronger fumes, so check which one you are buying.
Specs
- Size: 24 ounces
- Color: Natural
- Finish: Painted
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Sands and stains well
- Easy to work with
- Water-based, low odor
- Holds up against a lot of abuse
Cons
- You need to re-seal it after opening else it can dry up
Verdict
Low Odor: Get this if you want a water-based filler with little smell and a bit of working time. It is affordable and resists shrinking.
4. 3M Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
Bondo's wood filler is a two-part polyester filler: you mix the filler with a cream hardener. It is made for structural repairs on doors, windows, siding, trim and rotted wood.
For rotted wood, dig out the soft wood and treat what remains with a wood hardener or restorer first. Once cured, the filler can be planed, drilled, sawed and routed like wood.
Mix the hardener at the ratio on the label. Adding extra hardener does not make it better; it shortens working time and can weaken the cure. It is best painted, since polyester filler does not absorb stain like wood.
It has strong fumes, so work with good ventilation and wear gloves.
Specs
- Size: 1 Quart
- Weight: 16 ounces
Pros
- Sanding it down is easy
- Easy to work with
- Does not shrink over time.
- Dries up well
Cons
- Hardens very fast, which means you have to work quickly
- Strong fumes; ventilate and wear gloves
- Better painted than stained
Verdict
Long-Lasting Effect: A durable structural filler for large cracks and rot repairs, especially on painted exterior wood.
5. PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste Tan 16333
PC-Woody is a two-part epoxy paste: you mix parts A and B in equal volumes. It is made for tough exterior repairs, and PC Products says it does not shrink, crack or pop out of exterior wood.
It is thick enough for vertical surfaces. Fill deep vertical cavities in layers so it does not slump.
It cures slower in cool weather; PC Products recommends a heat lamp below 50 degrees F, and says mechanical sanders work best after 48 hours. For soft or insect-damaged wood, harden the wood first with a consolidant such as PC-Petrifier.
It can be sanded, primed, painted or stained, but solid stain works best. Semi-transparent stain gives mixed results, and dye-only transparent stains look poor over it. It is epoxy, not wood, so tint it or paint it for the best match.
Specs
- Size: 12 ounces X2
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
Pros
- Two-part epoxy for tough repairs
- Holds on vertical surfaces
- Made for exterior wood
Cons
- Long cure before power sanding (about 48 hours)
- Does not take transparent stain well
Verdict
Best for Tough Repairs: A strong epoxy for exterior rot and large repairs, best under paint or solid stain.
6. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler (E916)
Elmer's Color Change filler goes on purple and turns white when it is dry. That tells you when it is ready to sand, paint or finish, without guesswork.
It is water-based, so it has little odor and cleans up with water.
This wood putty is sandable, paintable, and stainable. It is perfect for fixing dents, holes, scratches, and other interior defects. It is best for interior applications, and it makes refurbishing and repairing easy.
It is not meant for heavy-duty or structural repairs. Because it dries white, it shows under clear finishes, so it is best for painted work.
Specs
- Size: 8 ounces
- Material Type: Adhesive
- Color: White
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Pros
- Color to let you know when it is dry
- Does not emit a harsh odor
- Very easy to sand, paint, and stain
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It is not the best option for heavy-duty projects
Verdict
Best of Interior Applications: If you are looking for the best wood filler to use for interior applications, then this is the right filler for you. This wood filler comes with a unique feature that makes it stand out.
Upon application, the color of the filler is purple, but it will change to white when it dries. This helps to eliminate guesswork, as it lets you know when it is time to sand, paint, or stain.
7. DAP 00585 Latex All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz.
DAP's Plastic Wood is a classic all-purpose filler that combines wood fibers with a binder. It is affordable and sands, paints and stains well.
DAP sells it in both latex (water-based) and solvent-based versions. The solvent version has strong fumes: work outdoors or with plenty of fresh air.
A dust mask protects you from sanding dust, but particulate respirators do not protect against chemicals, gases or vapors. For fumes, you need ventilation or a respirator with organic vapor cartridges.
For outdoor repairs, protect the filler with paint or finish. Once dry, it can be sanded, drilled and stained. Let it dry fully, which can take a few hours for deeper fills, before you sand.
Specs
- Size: 6 ounces
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
Pros
- Inexpensive and reliable
- Made with latex and wood fiber
- Does not crack or shrink over time.
Cons
- Deep fills take hours to dry
- Solvent version has strong fumes
Verdict
Best All-Purpose: An affordable, widely available filler for indoor and protected outdoor repairs.
8. Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler
Timbermate is a water-based filler for interior work that comes color-matched to specific woods. You can also thin it to use as a grain filler. It delivers great results in fixing cracks, holes, and scratches on beech, maple, pine floors, or furniture.
This product does not shrink, it is durable, and it helps to protect the integrity of wood surfaces. Small fills dry quickly and can then be sanded, painted or stained. It stays water-soluble, so you can rewet dried filler in the tub to soften it.
Use plastic or stainless steel tools to apply it, as the maker recommends.
Specs
- Size: 8 ounces
- Weight: 8 ounces
Pros
- Dries quickly in small fills
- Specially designed for interior repair jobs
- Water-based, no solvents
- Accepts paints and stains pretty well
Cons
- Not designed for outdoor use
Verdict
Highly Versatile: A good choice for color-matched interior repairs on maple, beech, pine floors or furniture.
Some Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A Stainable Wood Filler
Fillers differ in base, drying time and how well they take stain. Keep these tips in mind:
Choose Something That Will Not Emit Strong Fumes
If you work indoors, choose a water-based filler. Solvent-based and two-part polyester fillers give off strong fumes, so use them with good ventilation.
Go For Something With A Consistency That Is Easy To Build-Up
If it is too thick, you might have trouble filling up irregular crevices. This is why it is ideal to get something that has medium-thick consistency, so it can retain its shape while still completely filling up the holes, even the ones that are irregular-shaped.
It Should Harden Up Fast
Fast-drying fillers let you sand and finish sooner, but some two-part fillers set in minutes, which leaves little time to work. Mix small batches of those.
Make Sure It Has A Long Shelf Life
Filler dries out once air gets in. Close containers tightly, and buy a smaller size if you only have a few repairs.
It Should Hold Stains Well
Even "stainable" fillers usually stain lighter or darker than the surrounding wood. Test on a scrap, and consider tinting the filler or choosing a pre-colored one to match.
Check which stains the filler accepts; some take both oil and water-based stains, and some take only solid stains.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best wood filler is the Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler because it is easy to use, takes paint and stain well, and its resealable tube keeps it from drying out. For structural or exterior rot repairs, use a two-part epoxy like PC-Woody.
