Wood filler is a substance designed to be used to cover up blemishes like nail holes or cracks in wood before the wood is painted. I'm sure Kevin's advice is good, and I'm not saying not to use wood filler, which sounds like it would be the right thing. Simply pull out a chunk of spackle and work it into the hole. It makes it more of a puddy that you can push into the hole with your finger. The wood filler does a better job of smoothing flush because it is made to fill in flat gaps and joints on wood. I've tried it on raw wood and the wood sucked the water out of the spackle so fast, the spackle shrunk a lot. 17 Posts. January 10, 2013 at 11:22 AM. Rub the wood filler into the crack as best you can. If you are planning a do-it-yourself repair on wooden furniture and other parts of your home, understand the differences between wood putty vs wood filler. Painters putty vs spackle: Painters putty and spackle are very similar, but there is a difference. The flooring is white pine. In most cases, even a large glob of wood filler will start drying in as little as ten minutes. Wood filler typically comes in beige color (similar to the color of unstained wood), but you can also buy white wood filler. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page. I'm sure Kevin's advice is good, and I'm not saying not to use wood filler, which sounds like it would be the right thing. Contact us: Please only if you have issues preventing you from logging into MSW! Each have their own characteristics best suited for certain applications. You can apply it with your finger or with a small putty knife if you prefer. You'll have to be really careful about any curved surfaces etc or it will look like crap though. However, there are slight differences in the two products. Some wood filler needs to be mixed with water, but most wood filler comes already mixed and ready to use. I have personally had better luck with "modern" "lightweight" filler compounds than with "wood putty containing actual wood fibers" (which, inherently, shrink quite a bit, because they are wet wood fibers...) - the fact that the nailholes are glaring white .vs. Has anyone used spackle to fill wood grain? While most folks, when talking about household tasks, use the terms “wood filler” and “wood putty” as one and the same. 'Model Ship World' and 'MSW' are trademarks ™. It can help restore and repair rotted. Spackle is a product like wood filler that is designed to be used on drywall surfaces. Beyond these distinctions, it is not a good idea to generalize the differences between wood fillers and wood putties. It's the filler to use for finished wood and exterior woodwork. But I have to tell my story about spackle. "Wood filler vs spackle vs Durhams vs textured gels?" Just take your time and treat it like a work of art and it'll look great once it's repainted. You could always DIY a wood filler. this reduces surface tension and allows for a smoother and quicker application. 17 Posts. Using wood putty when you should be using wood filler (and vice versa) can produce disastrous results. Nice to know I can use it on things other than drywall. It doesn't shrink like joint compound and it dries very quickly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Use caulk when filling in corners where two pieces of molding come together. Fills small imperfections and blemishes in wood. Hello - sorry about the title which should read wood filler vs spackle I am going to repair rotted areas which I will thoroghly clean out first. Wood putty alternatively known as wood filler works like spackle. I was using Elmer's wood filler. Fills small imperfections and blemishes in wood. Didn't know that, 'spackle' up here is a catch-all for non-shrinking, fast drying, vynil-based fillers. DIY wood filler will closely match your project's wood, but it will not be exactly the same since the glue will be a different color from the wood. It dries very quickly and is considered to be shrink-free. Both can take each other’s place if needed, but it’s best to use painters putty if possible. Wood Filler vs Spackle: Key Difference. It can actually give you a smoother finish. Ken. If you plan on staining the wood, stay away from spackle. Should you use caulk or wood filler or spackle? Painters putty vs spackle: Painters putty and spackle are very similar, but there is a difference. When the joint has been glued up and clamped, sand the joint with 150 or 220 grit or sprinkle some fine sawdust over the joint and sand it in Not a good idea. I have to fill a bunch of holes on painted, but lightly sanded wood. I was going to use wood filler putty but it seems so hard to work with, not very smooth, kind of dry, crumbly, difficult to spread. You can identify water-based putties or fillers because the instructions call for water as the solvent for cleaning up tools. In the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and Canada, the brand "Polyfilla", multi-purpose filler, is used as a generic term for spackling paste, even though it differs from spackle in being cellulose based. Topic. No matter how good of a job you do at installing the molding, you’ll have small gaps that need to be filled. Flyfisherman/brewer. I would use spackle personally. I have never tried spackle. Spackle is a ready-to-use compound used for holes, cracks and imperfections in plaster, wallboard, wood, painted metal and masonry. So just looking for any tips/secrets in getting a perfect finish on white wood. "Spackling compound" is a catchall term for a variety of types of wood and drywall fillers. If the wall is that out of whack you'd have trouble even scribing the molding to fit better. Although the spackle is not quite as hard compared to Aqua Coat once it has dried, it does offer other advantages that you may find desirable when painting your oak cabinets. 3M Bondo 41 oz. For more information, see the TMP FAQ. Facebook ©2006-2020, Nautical Research Guild. Schedule delivery. You’re filling a hole or a gap and you don’t know what to use to do it. Spackle is a ready-to-use compound used for holes, cracks and imperfections in plaster, wallboard, wood, painted metal and masonry. >wood that will be sanded & painted (oil based paint)? Lightweight spackle rolls up under the knife and pulls right out of the hole or crack you are trying to fill.. One tip is to wet the balsa surface in the area you are applying the filler to. It worked better when I primed the wood first, applied the spackle, then primed again, but I discovered that a couple of coats of good primer … Sure, they might all get the job done for awhile, but each of these patches has a special purpose and a best place to use them. I have always used wood glue and a couple brads to hold the miter joint tight while the glue dries. WOW, this is an excellent post. An epoxy spackling compound is a wood filler that can help repair holes, gouges, cracks, or other imperfections in the wood. Spackles are extremely cheap products that do not require a lot of money. DIY filler works well for filling small holes and cracks but is not strong enough to bridge large holes, cracks, and gouges. You can apply it with your finger or with a small putty knife if you prefer. Painters putty vs spackle: Painters putty and spackle are very similar, but there is a difference. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we earn a small percentage of each sale. my subreddits. Spackle vs Plaster vs Mud vs Putty vs Caulk We may earn from purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. Wood filler differs from wood putty in that the filler usually consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, while putty is usually a plastic such as epoxy, fiberglass or polyurethane. Spackle provides a smooth paintable finish. We're possibly going to paint our oak cabinets white and want to fill the grain. What are good fillers when preparing surfaces for housepainting; both interior and exterior. Wood filler or putty doesn't take stain well, though there are stainable … wood filler is another name for wood putty, which is used to fill gaps and holes in wood. Yes absolutely, as long as you're going to paint it. Use this product when you need to patch unfinished interior wood prior to staining or painting. Wood putty is a solvent-based product that hardens but never loses its flexibility. Lightweight spackle rolls up under the knife and pulls right out of the hole or crack you are trying to fill.. One tip is to wet the balsa surface in the area you are applying the filler to. To keep the powdered mixes from going bad, make sure you only mix enough for the job you’re about to do. Once dry, sand the spackle completely smooth and paint. Famowood has established quite the name in wood filler products and for good reason. I buy 5 gal. Sure, they might all get the job done for awhile, but each of these patches has a special purpose and a best place to use them. Hey Jeanne, with smaller gaps, you should be able to use wood filler and then sand and stain to match. Thanks to this wonderful post, I now know. So which would I use to fill hard wood flooring gaps in my bedroom? Mine is usually crumbly when it dries out. While most folks, when talking about household tasks, use the terms “wood filler” and “wood putty” as one and the same. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page. Usually, the plywood surface is composed of multiple layers of wood fiber and veneer or other finishing compounds. That’s so nice to hear that our blog inspired your entablatures, Aleece! You would not use the wood filler before staining unless you purchase one that can be used in conjunction with stain. Wood filler hardens and is sandable and stainable. I need to smooth out lots of screw holes and various dings in some plywood shelving. JC, hot mud, plaster of paris, dry dex, elmers wood filler, lite spackle (such as fast & final), and other products that escape my memory at the moment. But I have to tell my story about spackle. “Fast-drying” options are available if time is of the essence. I let dry well. So, for one or two drywall hole or crack, you should get away with spending 10 to 20 bucks for purchasing spackle, putty knife, and sandpaper. All members in good standing are free to post here. Wood Filler. Spackle is primarily for repairing holes and cracks in plaster, however, if you're planning on painting the wood, you can use spackle too. However, expert woodworkers note that there are important differences between the two products. Painters putty is designed with painters in mind, whereas spackle is not designed just to be painted. However, expert woodworkers note that there are important differences between the two products. It does have some adhesive in it but not likely to be as strong as glue, but I am sure it does a better job as joint filler if your miter is not perfect. Other products contain similar ingredients or may have a higher concentration of vinyl to give them a lighter weight and shorter drying time. I was going to use wood filler putty but it seems so hard to work with, not very smooth, kind of dry, crumbly, difficult to spread. I don't have enough wood filler, so can I use spackle? Spackle provides a smooth paintable finish. Products like Elmer's Wood Filler are water-based and have a crumbly texture. Wood filler … You can apply drywall mud to any rough-grain wood surface. Specialty, Fruit, Historical, Other Recipes, Palate is in your mouth, palette is for painters, pallet is made of wood. Caulk should be used when doing projects like installing crown molding. Wood filler vs. wood putty . Water-Based vs. Petroleum-Based Wood Fillers . Spackle forms to the best consistency and sands down best to match drywall and fill nail holes evenly. Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are good choices, but the mud will also stick to painted wood, as long as the paint is flat and not glossy. So, for one or two drywall hole or crack, you should get away with spending 10 to 20 bucks for purchasing spackle, putty knife, and sandpaper. Spackles are extremely cheap products that do not require a lot of money. I use this for all nail holes on moulding work except for corner joints which get painter's caulk. Wood filler vs. wood putty . HELP! I'm sure Kevin's advice is good, and I'm not saying not to use wood filler, which sounds like it would be the right thing. While wood filler (or a wood putty) is used to fill the holes and gaps in wood, spackle is majorly used for repairing the holes and cracks in the plaster or wall. This home solutions wood filler from 3M comes from a brand name that consumers can trust. Until it's pure white meaning that it's dry. The plywood surface cannot absorb the spackle compound like the outer surface of drywalls. "Wood filler vs spackle vs Durhams vs textured gels?" Posted on Published: April 22, 2020 Categories Home Repairs. Spackle is a product like wood filler that is designed to be used on drywall surfaces. They use wood glue as wood filler. The manufacturers claim that it has an advantage over spackle in that it doesn't shrink or crack. Last Updated on October 28, 2020 I’ve only used wood filler a few times. Some are small, some up to 1/4 inch. But I have to tell my story about spackle. Fill the hole with spackle as much as you can, then make sure to spread some generously on the outside of the hole. The spackle worked just fine. "Spackle" is the brand name for a product consisting of clay, calcium carbonate and vinyl polymers. Wood filler is still the best option obviously but spackle works well if you're just going to paint it anyway. Powafix Spackle is a wood filler ideal for filling small imperfections, blemishes, chips and indentations on timber surfaces. For the bigger gaps, you might need to put a thin strip of wood in the gap, then wood filler over/around it. Do you know how to handle spackling moulding joints? For more information, see the TMP FAQ. Sawdust plus wood glue. My only worry is how it will hold up over time and if there'd be any shrinkage. I had a small bucket of compound that was getting old and drying out and I was about to toss it when I realized that it worked better for filling nail holes that way. If there's a bunch of holes, mix the two products on a piece of cardboard, then put the mix in a piece of painters plastic, twist it up into a ball and poke a little hole in it to squeeze and dispense the spackle from. Use wood filler to patch flat cracks or gaps in molding. Just curious about your thoughts on spackle vs. wood filler. Then, take a wet rag and wipe off the excess. and damaged sections of wood on your doors, windows, fences, furniture, shutters, and so much more.. There’s nothing more unsightly than wood that has fallen apart which is why a high-quality wood filler such as this is important for fixing that frayed wood so … Yes. Bought a new vinyl roll floor for my apartment, then went home to take up the old floor, before they installed the new one the next day. I don't think I want to go as far a epoxy although I read it is strong. First, wood filler dries hard and can be sanded, while putty remains flexible. Wood putty alternatively known as wood filler works like spackle. Can't remember the ratio. IPS 4.5 Vanilla theme . Wood filler differs from wood putty in that the filler usually consists of sawdust or wood fibers suspended in a binder, while putty is usually a plastic such as epoxy, fiberglass or polyurethane. Painters putty is designed with painters in mind, whereas spackle is not designed just to be painted. I found one instance where someone used spackle to fill the grain and loved the results. A lot of guys will mix the Elmer's wood filler 1/2&1/2 with lightweight spackle to make it easier to sand. Both can take each other’s place if needed, but it’s best to use painters putty if possible. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sanding it to a nice even finish will be key as well to minimize any places your eye may get drawn to. JavaScript is disabled. Failing that you could build up the joint with compound and feather it out with a 12" knife. There are two basic types of wood filler: water-based and petroleum-based. It does have some adhesive in it but not likely to be as strong as glue, but I am sure it does a better job as joint filler if your miter is not perfect. Last Updated on October 28, 2020 Use this product when you need to patch unfinished interior wood prior to staining or painting. Some wood filler needs to be mixed with water, but most wood filler comes already mixed and ready to use. Once dry, it’s easy to give the crack a quick sand and then paint over it. You do not need to prime over a hole repaired with spackle unless you are spackling an exterior area. Question is, would I be better with an exterior wood filler like Elmers, an exterior spackle or Bondo? Installing crown molding will leave you with corners and gaps that need to be filled. Heavier spackle is made from acrylic and typically used for larger, thicker holes. But I have to tell my story about spackle. The house is 50+ years old with plaster walls. Options Available. Squirt caulk into the gap with a caulk gun, then smooth the caulk with your finger or a damp rag. I need to smooth out lots of screw holes and various dings in some plywood shelving. Let’s dive into it. The terms wood filler and wood putty are often used interchangeably, although to expert woodworkers there are key differences between these products. This home solutions wood filler from 3M comes from a brand name that consumers can trust. It doesn't have to look perfect, just better... Definitely go with the compound then, ya. Wood filler is still the best option obviously but spackle works well if … In short, use caulk for corners and edges, use wood filler for flat surfaces, and use spackle for drywall. I've done it when the wall geometry of my shoddily constructed house just would not let me get the joints perfect. FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Ultra fine acrylic wood filler for: ceilings, doors, window frames, walls and skirting’s. Spackle vs Plaster vs Mud vs Putty vs Caulk We may earn from purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. It’s a good question to ask. Apply using a 3- to 4-inch putty knife made for drywall work—rather than, say, the kind of narrow utility knife you’d use for wood putty—smoothing the filler till it’s flush with the wall. Powafix Spackle is a wood filler ideal for filling small imperfections, blemishes, chips and indentations on timber surfaces. 3- Famowood Wood Filler. the wood surface does not … Can I use joint compound instead of wood filler? Break off a little bit of wood filler and spread it generously in the crack of the molding. I think that's going to be tough to hide. In a pinch, you can also use products such as caulk, soap, and even toothpaste for sealing … Update: Over the next couple of days I will go wood putty (using ecnerwal's advice) vs. spackle to see what turns out the best. Drywall mud is not intended for outdoor use, so don’t skim-coat a garden shed. Bought a new vinyl roll floor for my apartment, then went home to take up the old floor, before they installed the new one the next day. Wood putty is a solvent-based product that hardens but never loses its flexibility. Wood fillers typically consist of pulverized wood byproducts suspended in some kind of binder that dries rock hard, while wood putties are somewhat flexible materials that remain slightly pliable even after they dry. Wood filler is still the best option obviously but spackle works well if you're just going to paint it anyway. FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Ultra fine acrylic wood filler for: ceilings, doors, window frames, walls and skirting’s. Taking it down won't help since the problem is the wall. Wood filler may adhere to wood but it doesn't get as much of a penetrating bond. In short, use caulk for corners and edges, use wood filler for flat surfaces, and use spackle for drywall. Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube. I was using Elmer's wood filler. Short Strand Fiberglass Filler Model# 272 $ 14 26 $ 14 26. Ken. Set your store to see local availability Add to Cart. It doesn't shrink like joint compound and it dries very quickly. DAP 3 fl ... wall repair patch kit drywall patch wood filler drywall repair wood filler patching & repair ceiling patching & repair. LePage Polyfilla Spackle products are ideal for patching cracks, holes & imperfections in most common building materials including plaster, drywall, wood, brick, concrete, masonry & stone That’s so nice to hear that our blog inspired your entablatures, Aleece! Wood filler is a substance designed to be used to cover up blemishes like nail holes or cracks in wood before the wood is painted. Second, fillers are applied before paint or finish (sometimes over primed wood), and putties are applied after finish, usually stain and/or clear coat. It can help restore and repair rotted. Here's the difference between joint compound vs. spackle. I'll have to just work it with spackling and sanding. I'm sure Kevin's advice is good, and I'm not saying not to use wood filler, which sounds like it would be the right thing. You would not use the wood filler before staining unless you purchase one that can be used in conjunction with stain. These serve as natural deterrents for the spackle compound to be imbibed within the plywood surface. I’ve only used wood filler a few times. But I have to tell my story about spackle. I was NEVER sure which of the three to use for what??? Compare. this reduces surface tension and allows for a smoother and quicker application. It's the filler to use for finished wood and exterior woodwork. buckets of joint compound for use at my apartment building, and when I'm patching walls, I also use it to fill nail holes in the woodwork. Spackle also is sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but for those that are interested, powdered mixes are also available.