If you’re a woodworker, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at some point. There are tons of different types of wood filler on the market, but not everyone comes in a tube.
Let’s dive into what the difference is between these two products and how to use them correctly.
Does wood putty come in a tube?
Wood putty is a soft, malleable material that can be used to fill holes and gaps in wood. It’s also a bit gentler on the eyes than wood filler.
The biggest difference between the two is that while they both do similar jobs, they each have their own applications.
Wood putty works well for fixing small cracks and holes in furniture or other wooden items; you’ll need something stronger like a two-part epoxy or glue if your repair needs to be more substantial.
Wood putty comes in tubes and sticks so it’s easy to use without having to get your hands dirty (which is good news if you’re trying not to make any new messes).
Table of Contents
- Does wood putty come in a tube?
- What’s the difference between wood filler and wood putty?
- How do you use a plastic wood filler tube?
- Do you use wood filler before or after sanding?
- How do you fill a gap between two pieces of wood?
- What can I use instead of wood filler?
- How do you fill in deep holes in wood?
- Does wood filler harden like wood?
What’s the difference between wood filler and wood putty?
Putty is a softer material than filler. It’s also more malleable, so it can be shaped or sculpted to fit the space you’re trying to fill in your project.
Putty comes in different types depending on the application, but they all work by filling gaps and holes in wood. The most common uses for wood putty include:
- Filling nail holes or screw holes that have been left bare after removing hardware
- Blending seams between pieces of wood
- Repairing dings and scratches on furniture
How do you use a plastic wood filler tube?
Here’s how to use a plastic wood filler tube:
- Clean the area with alcohol. This will remove any dirt or oil from the surface of your wood, which can prevent the filler from adhering well.
- Apply the filler to the hole. Use your finger or another applicator tool (like a toothpick), but don’t press it down too hard—this could cause excess pressure and create bubbles in your finish coat later on.
- Let dry for at least 24 hours before sanding smooth with fine sandpaper or steel wool; then prime and paint!
Do you use wood filler before or after sanding?
The correct way to apply wood filler is to use it before sanding. It’s important to note that you should always use a filler that’s appropriate for the type of wood you’re working with.
Some fillers are better than others when it comes to matching the color and texture of your existing furniture pieces.
The first step in the process is to rough up the surface of the piece you want to be repaired using coarse sandpaper or file, which will make sure there are no hidden cracks or dips in its surface that could cause problems later on.
Then, apply some wood glue over holes or cracks as needed and let dry completely (usually overnight) before moving on to apply filler directly over top of these areas using your putty knife or a similar tool like an old credit card—anything flat enough but flexible enough so that you can scrape away excess material without damaging surrounding surfaces or other pieces nearby!
To smooth out any imperfections caused by applying too much pressure while spreading out excess material after application (for example—if someone tries too hard when first covering up small cracks), just use light strokes with medium grit paper instead until everything looks nice again!”
How do you fill a gap between two pieces of wood?
- Use a putty knife to apply the wood filler.
- Let the wood filler dry completely before sanding it down with fine-grit sandpaper (400 or higher) until it is flush with the surface of the surrounding wood and you can no longer see patches of filler in spots where there was a gap in your pieces of wood.
- Apply another layer of putty if needed, let dry, then repeat steps 1 through 3 again until both pieces are fully repaired and once again fit together tightly without any gaps between them!
What can I use instead of wood filler?
If you want to use wood filler, you can find it in a tube or tub. A tube of wood filler is like a toothpaste tube and looks like this:
You can also get two tubes together, just like toothpaste.
A tub of wood filler (shown below) is bigger than the tube and looks like this:
A tub can be used with a knife or spatula to spread out the wood putty on your project.
How do you fill in deep holes in wood?
Here are a few tips for filling in a deep hole in wood:
- Use a wood filler that is thicker than the hole you’re trying to fill. If it’s too thin, it won’t stick well and will just fall out when touched.
- Choose one with the same color as your wood so it blends in better with your furniture or cabinet.
- Pick one with a texture similar to that of your existing piece, as this will make it look less noticeable.
Does wood filler harden like wood?
Yes, wood filler does harden like wood. Wood filler is a type of putty that’s made from wax and resin. It can be used to fill holes and cracks in wood, as well as other materials.
Wood filler that you buy will come in tubes or cans, but it is still considered a type of putty and functions similarly to other types of putty: it’s malleable when wet but becomes hard when dried out (though some brands are designed to remain flexible).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good filler to use with wood, we hope this article has helped you out. We know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to fill in nail holes or other small gaps in your project.
We also understand that there are some pretty serious differences between wood putty and wood filler.
Hopefully, we’ve answered all of your questions about what each product does best so that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for your needs!