Please see our disclosure policy for more details. Take time to assess the wood you're trying to fix. Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting. This works with the application in warm weather. Also, there is no risk if you get it on your skin. However, wood putties typically don't harden as quickly as wood fillers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 88,709 times. After the initial surface layer dries, you can wipe away any excess material. Their dry times depend on several factors like humidity and temperature, but the typical dry time is between 30 minutes and 48 hours. It is also difficult to apply paint due to the texture of the putty, as it will peel off. Using wood filler for most basic home improvement projects is simple and generally something many homeowners can tackle without a problem. Subscribe to get free woodworking tips delivered to your inbox every week! Click here to see this wood putty on Amazon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. However, keep in mind that there are other types of wood fillers that you can choose from, such as indoor wood and outdoor wood fillers. All rights reserved (c) 2018-2022 HomeDecorBliss.com. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Wood fillers harden and provide added support and as such, are ideal for large dents and openings. To make the wood filler blend in better with the wood finish, experienced woodworkers occasionally pre-color it before applying it. This article has been viewed 88,709 times. Shallow repairs typically require 30 minutes to 2 hours to dry. How to Protect And Safeguard Cedar Wood For Outdoors in 5 Simple Ways, 5 Smart Ways to Set Long-Lasting Fence Post Without Concrete, My Favorite DIY & Home Bloggers 2019 Awards, 60 Mason Jar Craft Ideas for the Holiday Season, Dewalt Orbital Sander Review Key Features. Youll also need to wait for about 20 minutes for the first layer to solidify before you apply another layer. Trying to finish that birdhouse you built from scratch but youve got a seam you just cant fill? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. })(); Homeimprovementscout.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They are mixed with a combination of a binder and thinner that hold the particles together. Further preparation is needed to obtain a good appearance because the wood filler is not porous like wood is. This leads to a strong bond with the wood. References. Plastic wood is malleable and does not harden completely when dry, allowing it to conform to whatever change in shape may occur after application. However, solvent-based fillers are utilized less and less as water-based fillers have become more popular. Wood putties are moderately flexible materials that retain flexibility even after drying. Really work the wood filler in with a putty knife. Wood putty is made with plastic adhesive, whereas wood filler is made from sawdust or wood products. It can be sanded, planed, cut, drilled, screwed or nailed. Use it to fill any holes, cracks, gouges or scratches on wood for interior or exterior repairs. Does it seem like wood filler will be enough to salvage it? } } We've researched the answer to deliver you the correct information. You can sand wood fillers to get an even surface. Utilizing wood filler may be one of the simplest methods that one can use to conceal wood surface defects. Sand the area of application properly with a sander. } As previously indicated, wood putty is frequently used to hide minor flaws caused by nails and other small objects. Hand-sand the filled area with sandpaper to get rid of excess wood filler surrounding the hole. How Much Space Between Bathroom Mirror And Sconces? Plastic Wood-X All Purpose Wood Filler with DryDex Dry Time Indicatorgoes on pink and dries to a natural, wood finish, so you know when it's ready to sand! Difference Between Wood Fillers And Plastic Wood. Water-based wood fillers dry faster than their oil-based counterparts, so its important to determine which type of filler youre dealing with. To repair these uneven parts of the wood, people make use of wood fillers. Wood fillers and wood putty which are sometimes called plastic wood due to their nature, are used to cover uneven surfaces on the wood, so you get a nice and even wood. For more information on how we use Cookies, please read our, Dries hard for strong nail and screw anchoring. For tips on how to paint your wood after applying the filler, read on! It will contract with the wood during changes in humidity and temperature because of its malleable nature. Fortunately, using wood filler is a very simple and effective strategy to salvage or restore imperfect lumber. Its also not meant to be used as a replacement for mechanical fasteners. This method does not significantly reduce dry time but can be effective for small changes. A clean wood void of impurities will dry faster. Consulting a handyperson or someone with wood repair knowledge can also help you avoid any costly mistakes. It takes about 24 hours for a water-based finish to dry depending on the weather. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Oil-based wood fillers take longer. You should smooth the wood filler. In this post, we will tackle the types of wood filler, how to properly apply it, its difference from wood putty, and how you can dry it faster. It's a great way to help older lumber maintain its integrity and strength if you're looking to, say, build a new piece of furniture from old or repurposed wood. Its sometimes referred to as plastic wood and typically consists of plastic chemicals, oil-based compounds, and often a pigment. This type of filler is often oil-based, has a higher VOC content, and takes longer to dry than water-based fillers. This filler is significantly healthier for the environment because it doesn't contain harmful chemicals. If the wood you'll be working with is rough, splintered, or just not in the best shape, take some sandpaper to smooth out the areas that need wood filler. This article was co-authored by Jeff Baldwin. forms: { listeners: [], After that, it will take between 12 and 48 hours for the filler to dry completely. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Wood putty or wood filler are two materials with similar names, but they have important distinctions. It also allows for the application of paint, while some will accommodate stains on them. Keep in mind wood filler is not a true structural material and is not designed to improve the strength of joints. Once it's dry and sanded, use stain or paint to make everything one uniform color. Click here to see this drill set on Amazon. You can add a Hardener to your wood putty to make it dry faster. Wood filler has a wider range of uses and applications than wood putty. Nowadays you can find me writing about my passions or messing around with my newest tool! How to Apply Polyurethane to Wood (in 5 Easy Steps). In this article, well show you everything you need to know about how to prep the surface, use the wood filler, and clean up the repair. The typical cure period for epoxy is 7 days. Overfill the repair slightly when applying the wood filler so you can sand it down to a smooth, flat finish when dry. You need to sand the wood surface you will be fixing. Water-based filler also possesses a mild odor due to its composition having little to no volatile organic molecules. One time, we ordered a truckload of oak flooring, but the product we received was a low utility grade product with large cracks and knot holes, says Bob Tschudi, Expert Review Board Member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. Rub any excess wood filler away from the edges or surface with a cloth. As mentioned previously, wood putty is typically used to cover up small blemishes left by brad nails, finish nails, and other minor imperfections. With Plastic Wood-X, as soon as the color of your repair is completely natural and you dont see any pink tones, it is dry. Solvent-based fillers are more expensive than water-based fillers because they are better suited to exterior wood projects because of their resistance to high heat, water, and cold. This makes it ideal for use on outdoor projects, where wood tends to shift and move over time. Thats why youll typically find wood putty sold in a wide variety of colors and tints so you can match the putty with the wood finish. While theyre sometimes confused with one another, there are several distinct differences between the two both in terms of dry times and application. First, you can use water alone to clean water-based fillers. Clean the wood thoroughly and dry it before applying your filler. These fillers are malleable; hence they can fill up any space. Certain wood types have greater durability; however, that is not enough to prevent holes from forming in your wood. White pigmented shellac is smooth and dries fast. You can easily remove wood filler if it is still wet by using rubbing alcohol and scraping it off. Wood putty and wood filler are valuable items to have on hand when it comes to hiding unattractive flaws in the wood. How to Restore And Refinish Hardwood Floors Perfectly Without Sanding? On larger holes, you might need to apply wood filler multiple times. Need professional help with your project? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Warm the Filler with a heat gun or thermostat to reduce the time itll take to dry when you apply it to the wood. Plastic Wood-X will change from pink to natural when dry. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { If you don't have a tube, use a putty knife to apply it. It is best to wait for some minutes for the first layer to dry a bit before applying the next. If you do not wish to accept cookies from this website, you can choose to not allow cookies from this website by updating your browser preferences. Lets take a closer look at wood putty and filler in more detail, and break down their respective dry times. Problems during staining or finishing can be caused by sanding dust that is left on the surface. Whatever the dry period, you must give the resin enough time to cure before being sanded completely. Allow to dry approximately 2-6 hours shallow repairs and 36 hours for deeper fills. Vinyl or epoxy are included in solvent-based fillers. Plastic Wood All Purpose and Plastic Wood-X can be used for both interior and exterior wood repairs. Because its sandable, paintable, and able to take fasteners, it has a wide range of uses including repairing cosmetic damage, wood rot, holes left by nails or screws, or small gaps between joints. What if the stain isn't covering the stainable wood filler? If the filler is super dry, use sharp tools to remove it from the holes. Ideal for filling nail holes, gouges, cracks, scratches and imperfections on any wood surface. Then, squeeze the filler out of the tube into the affected area, beginning at the deepest part of the hole or crack. Determining the sort of top-coat product you intend to use can help you decide whether to use a water- or solvent-based filler. How Long Does It Take For Wood Filler or Plastic Wood to Dry? Make sure to paint or coat exterior wood repairs for long-term durability. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This step will help make the second half of the job easier, and sanding down rough edges is the best way to prepare the wood before you stain it. Plastic Wood All Purpose is moldable and sculpt-able. How Long Does it Take For Wood Fillers/Plastic Wood to Dry? You can really smooth out the edges and help your wood look brand new again. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( You can truly make your wood look brand new again by helping to smooth out the edges. So how long does it take wood filler to dry? Why should a wood filler be important to you? So, understanding how quickly wood filler dries is crucial since it can significantly affect how long your project lasts. A smooth area will reduce furrows and allow you to apply an even and thin layer when filling the dents. This means your application needs to be fast, so it does not harden before you complete the application. Wood filling products are often designed to match popular stains and paint colors to make any repairs simple. However, you should remove it immediately because you don't want it to dry on you. Using wood putty or wood filler often comes in handy when you need to cover up the holes left by finishing nails, conceal small blemishes, or disguise unsightly mismatched joints. Even the most skilled woodworker encounters open joints or holes in their creations. Wood filler is made from wood particles and fibers mixed with a binder and a thinner. The main difference is that people use wood filler to fix the interior portions of wood. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. We were about to sell it for salvage when our interior designer suggested that we install it, fill all the holes and cracks with wood filler, and then sand, stain and coat. Deeper holes or cracks (more than 2 inches) may need additional time or several applications. After the filler is applied, the thinner evaporates causing the filler to dry and harden. % of people told us that this article helped them. Check labels before application as there are some weatherproof variants. Both cans and tubes are used for packaging epoxy filling. Most indoor wood fillers are water-based and are comprised of cellulose, gypsum, or wood fibers. Water-based fillers often dry in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Zero spam, guaranteed. So, naturally, I gravitated towards DIY and home improvement when I bought my first home. Deeper repairs can require 2 to 6 hours to dry. Expert Interview. If you are trying to repair or match wood colors, its important to hire a pro who is passionate about finishes, Tschudi says. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Always read labels, but wait at least two hours for your wood filler to bind and dry. Our team of highly trained customer support staff is here to help with either product or project advice. You can purchase a tub of wood filler for under $15, although you might need to pay a little extra if you need a certain color or finish. If you click the "Accept All Cookies" button or continue navigating the website, you agree to having those first and third-party cookies set on your device. How do I correct this problem? Repairing wood cracks and scratches requires the help of wood fillers and plastic wood, also known as wood putty. What Are Sheer Curtains [With 11 Examples]. Wood putties, which come in various hues to complement wood finishes, are frequently applied to finished wood. Knead it together and apply. Having a fan blowing the area will reduce the humidity and increase air circulation, which will reduce the drying time of the filler. It can be stained or painted with latex paint immediately after sanding the cured repair. For more information on how we use Cookies, please read ourPrivacy Policy. We'll keep you in the loop with our latest tips and recommendations, articles, and special offers. When it comes to covering up unsightly blemishes in wood, both wood putty and wood filler can be extraordinarily useful tools to have in your arsenal. Home How Long Does It Take For Wood Filler or Plastic Wood to Dry? Your goal is to jam as much wood filler into the crack or hole as possible to fill it up. When it comes to wood putty, drying is slower and can take up to 8 days for it to dry, depending on the type. However, there are a few instances where hiring a furniture specialist might make sense: You can't find a stain or paint to match the wood, You're afraid you might damage expensive furniture further. As you would expect, shallow repairs will dry faster than deep ones, with deep repairs sometimes requiring multiple coats to fill. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to see this hairdryer on Amazon. It's okay if you don't get it allit's just easier to remove while its wet. They take 48 hours to dry, which is twice as much time it takes water-based options. Make sure to overfill the hole a little bit, since wood filler shrinks when it dries. Oil-based wood fillers take between 1 to 6 hours to dry and harden. When utilizing any solvents, always remember to put on a pair of gloves. Can You Use A Bissell Crosswave On Vinyl Or Laminate Flooring? event : evt, They may serve the same general purpose of repairing wood dents, but their structures are different and as such present varying advantages. 1 March 2021. Note: When painting furniture, it's important to always do so in a well-ventilated area. Nail holes, cracks, chips, you name itand it can be a little disheartening to find any of these marks on expensive furniture or even wood you'd like to repurpose. Using a putty knife, apply wood filler to each crack or hole you intend to fill. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing. } These dents not only look unappealing but make some wood activities like finishing less effective. Utilizing warm air shortens the drying process. This may also increase the time it takes for the wood filler to dry. If the crack or hole goes into the middle of the lumber, it's the right product for the job. If you like tackling home improvement projects, you've probably seen all sorts of imperfections on wood. By using our site, you agree to our. How to Install a Fence Post without Concrete: Save Time & Money. Wood filler also comes in exterior formulations, which are designed to resist shrinking and cracking from changes in temperature, humidity, and moisture. Activities like nailing, moving hard and sharp across the surface, and more, can leave dents on the wood surface. Residential Painter. The wood filler will remain firmly attached to the wood surrounding it once it has dried and won't shrink with time or with weather changes. They also release gases that might be harmful to humans. When browsing the hardware store, you may wonder about wood putty versus wood filler. Using a piece of dry cloth, wipe any leftover filler. Also Read: How to Restore And Refinish Hardwood Floors Perfectly Without Sanding? Epoxy resin is one of the most popular hardeners you can add to your wood putty. Warm weather instead of intense heat is ideal for quick-drying of your wood putty or filler. Depending on the job, a handyperson near you or a local furniture refinishing company might also be great resources. Be sure to match the wood filler you need to the item or section of your home you're fixing. Like other construction materials like concrete or Bondo, temperature and humidity can have a significant impact on wood filler dry times. Water-based top coats match water-based fillers, while solvent-based top coats match solvent-based fillers.