Plastic wood filler is a type of adhesive and sealant that you can use to fill holes in wood surfaces, repair rotted areas or make your own custom projects.
The best thing about plastic wood is that it comes in a variety of colors so you can match it perfectly to the rest of your project.
You can also add it directly to paint or stain as well as use it on its own for an authentic rustic look.
How do you soften plastic wood filler?
- If you have access to a heat gun, this is an excellent way to soften plastic wood filler. Simply hold the heat gun about six inches from the surface of your piece and move it back and forth until the filler softens. Be careful not to leave it in one place for too long or else you may burn your project!
- A hairdryer can also be used for this purpose; simply set it on medium heat and hold it about 12 inches away from your project while moving it back and forth. You’ll need to repeat this process several times before all of the filler has softened enough so that it’s malleable again.
- A heat lamp can help speed things along when using either a hair dryer or a heat gun, but remember that these devices are designed specifically to provide both light and heat without burning anything down around them—so make sure yours is safe before using!
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Can you add water to plastic wood filler?
You can add water to the plastic wood filler, but it’s not recommended. Water will make the filler too thin and it won’t dry properly, so you won’t have a strong repair.
Not only that, but the wood filler will not be durable or sandable after adding water to it.
How do you thin solvent based wood filler?
To thin a solvent based wood filler, use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Mineral spirits are readily available at hardware stores and paint supply stores and come in cans, bottles, or plastic containers.
Lacquer thinner is usually only available at paint supply stores because it is used to thin high-gloss finish products like lacquers and varnishes.
Denatured alcohol can also be used to thin solvent-based wood fillers but it may be harder to find than mineral spirits or lacquer thinner.
You can use paintbrushes, putty knives, trowels, and plastic wood fillers when applying solvents made from these solvents as thickeners for your application of the material needed (such as plastering).
How do you use plastic wood filler?
- Spread the filler with a putty knife.
- Smooth out any bumps or lumps by pressing down on the surface of the filler with a piece of cardboard.
- Wipe away excess plastic wood filler with a damp cloth and let it dry for 24 hours before sanding.
- Sand each area to smooth out lumps and bumps with 100-grit sandpaper, using a circular motion as you work your way from coarse to fine grits.
Can you thin down wood filler?
The best way to apply wood filler is with a putty knife. When it comes to applying the wood filler, make sure you don’t use too much. If you apply too much of it at once, it will be hard to spread out evenly and smooth over.
Once the first coat has dried completely, sand lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper. Then add a second coat of wood filler using a putty knife (the same way as before) and allow that one also dry before sanding again.
You may need several coats depending on how big or deep your hole is!
Can I add water to Elmer’s wood filler?
- No. Elmer’s wood filler is a solvent-based wood filler and it will not thin out with water.
- You can use water to thin it out, but it will take a long time to dry and may never fully cure.
Is plastic wood the same as wood putty?
It’s important to remember that plastic wood is not putty, which is the product you use to fill holes in woodwork.
Plastic wood filler products are often used for interior trim, but can also be used on exterior projects such as decks and fences.
While there are many brands of plastic wood available at your local hardware store, they all perform the same basic function: they bond with moisture and expand to fill voids in the material being repaired.
How strong is plastic wood filler?
In most cases, plastic wood filler is strong enough to be used as a substitute for natural wood. When you need to repair holes in furniture, it can be used on its own or in combination with other materials such as glue.
When filling cracks and gaps between two pieces of wood, plastic wood filler has the added benefit of being able to expand and contract with changes in temperature so that it won’t crack or shrink over time.
This makes it a good choice for filling voids in older pieces of furniture where there are gaps between boards that have shrunk over time due to exposure to dry air conditions.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? If you’re looking for a strong, water-resistant wood filler that doesn’t need to be sanded before painting and won’t crack over time—but also doesn’t have the toxic fumes of some other fillers—then plastic wood is definitely worth considering.
It comes in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect match for your project’s needs. And if you’ve got questions about how to use it or what kind might work best for your project?
Leave us a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
