Wood filler is one of the most versatile materials you can have in your toolbox. It’s ideal for filling holes and cracks in interior wood, but what about when it comes to using it outdoors?
The best thing about wood filler is that it allows you to easily repair any damage or broken spots on your home’s exterior without having to replace entire sections of trim or siding.
However, there are some things you need to know before attempting this type of project yourself:
Does wood filler work outdoors?
Yes, wood filler works outdoors. It’s a key part of the process for making new or repaired wood look good on your home’s exterior trim and other surfaces, like decks and fences.
When it comes to repairing and restoring old exterior trim, you have two options: You can either sand down the surface or use a composite filler (like fiberglass or calcium silicate) that looks like mortar between bricks in a brick wall.
This helps prevent future damage from insects by sealing off cracks where pests can get into the wood.
Table of Contents
- Does wood filler work outdoors?
- Can exterior wood filler get wet?
- What to use to fill holes in exterior wood?
- How do you fill gaps in wood outside?
- How long does wood filler last outside?
- What’s the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
- How do you fill large gaps in exterior wood trim?
- Does wood filler harden like wood?
Can exterior wood filler get wet?
Yes, the exterior wood filler can be used outside. However, it is important to note that it will not last forever and if you want the job to last longer than five years or so, you might want to consider using something else.
For example, if you live in an area where there are lots of rainstorms or your home is located near a body of water such as the ocean or a lake (or even just right next door), then we would recommend using marine epoxy instead.
Marine epoxies have been specifically designed with UV protection properties so they will not break down when exposed to sunlight over time like other types of fillers do.
Also unlike traditional wood fillers which tend to soften when wetted with water during installation on exterior surfaces (especially drywall), marine epoxy does not experience any significant softening effect upon contact with moisture from rain or other sources like snow melt off roofs.
What to use to fill holes in exterior wood?
In this article, we’ll be talking specifically about wood filler and wood putty. They are very similar in many ways, except that wood filler is slightly more flexible than wood putty.
This makes it a better choice for filling gaps between boards.
In order to figure out if you should use wood filler or putty, let’s talk about the differences between the two materials:
- Wood Filler: Better for filling small-to-moderate sized holes and cracks in your exterior siding or trim. Can be used on its own as a sealant and will not crack when dry (unlike paint).
- Wood Putty: Better suited for larger holes where more surface area needs to be filled with an interior-grade patch compound like Elmer’s® Glue All® Waterproof Clear Wood Filler & Putter Sealer which is also waterproof so no need for painting over top of your repair job!
How do you fill gaps in wood outside?
Before you can fill in a gap with wood filler, you need to make sure that the surface is clean. Dirt can get trapped in your repair and cause further damage.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the area around your hole or crack.
Once you’ve cleaned up your surface, it’s time to apply the filler! Your first step will be mixing some exterior wood filler with water according to the instructions on its packaging (this should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations).
Once mixed, use a putty knife or spatula tool like this one from Amazon ($11)to spread it over each damaged spot as evenly as possible.
It’s best if this application takes place when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C).
How long does wood filler last outside?
Wood filler can be used to repair the damage caused by water and heat, but how long it lasts depends on seva eral factors.
For example, wood filler that’s exposed directly to sunlight will eventually dry out and crack. It’s important to know how long your product will last so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your project. Here is what you should know:
- Wood Filler in Direct Sunlight: Wood fillers are made from organic materials like sawdust, glue and waxes—and these components don’t hold up well when exposed directly to the elements for extended periods of time (in other words, if left out in direct sunlight). This means that a piece of wood filler might break down faster than usual if left outside all day every day during summer months when temperatures are high enough that they could cause cracks or other problems like discoloration (which happens when light hits certain types of resins). You’ll want to keep this in mind if using outdoor projects as part of a larger design plan because some areas may need additional protection from UV rays before any painting starts happening—particularly if there’s no way around spending extended periods outdoors where sun exposure might occur more often than expected!
What’s the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
Most people don’t really know what the difference between wood putty and wood filler is. The easiest way to think about it is that wood putty is a paste, while wood filler is more of a dry powder.
The main difference between these two products is their texture and how easily they can be worked into your project.
Wood putty has more flexibility than wood filler, which means it will take on more of the shape of whatever you’re repairing. This makes it easier to fill cracks and gaps in your project piece without leaving any trace behind when sanding down your work later on (which we’ll talk about later).
On the other hand, if you want something with very little flexibility or something that doesn’t need to be sanded after application—like if you were using it for outdoor projects—then you’re probably better off with a product like Bondo® Flexible Fillers instead of regular old spackling paste or putty
How do you fill large gaps in exterior wood trim?
If you have a large gap in exterior trim, you don’t want to use wood putty. Wood putty should only be used for small repairs around the house, not for filling large gaps in exterior trim.
If your gap is more than 1/4″, consider using a filler made specifically for exterior applications. These filters are designed to withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations that occur outdoors without deteriorating over time.
Does wood filler harden like wood?
The short answer is no. Wood filler is a composite material made from wood flour, resin, and other chemicals that harden when exposed to air.
When you use wood filler in your project, it will harden as it dries out—just like the wood you’re trying to repair does.
The wood itself can also harden by absorbing water, but most woods don’t absorb enough water for this process to be visible on the surface of the wood unless it’s been thoroughly soaked for some time or placed in an environment where water is present (like hanging next to a sink).
Conclusion
We hope this post was helpful and that you’ve learned a thing or two about how to use wood filler outside. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! Good luck with your project!