I love wood filler. It’s affordable and easy to use, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice for your project.
For example, you should avoid using wood filler on floors, stairs, or any other place where you might have to walk on it.
In this article, we’ll help you decide if Minwax stainable wood filler is right for your next project and show you how to use it properly!
How do you use stainable wood filler?
To use wood filler, you need to have a putty knife handy. Apply the wood filler evenly with the putty knife or by hand and make sure that it is spread out in thin layers.
Let the wood filler dry for at least 24 hours before sanding.
Table of Contents
- How do you use stainable wood filler?
- How long does it take for Minwax stainable wood filler to dry?
- Do you use wood filler before or after staining?
- How do you apply stain to wood filler?
- How long should wood filler dry before sanding?
- What’s the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
- Can you use wood filler on large gaps?
- Why is my wood filler not drying?
How long does it take for Minwax stainable wood filler to dry?
The time it takes for Minwax stainable wood filler to dry, like many other paint-related tasks in your home, depends on the humidity level of the room where you are working.
If you have a damp basement or attic area that tends to retain moisture, it will take longer for any paint or stain to dry there than in an area that is well-ventilated and gets lots of fresh air.
If you are applying Minwax stainable wood filler sparingly with a small brush or roller applicator, then you should be able to apply multiple coats within 24 hours without difficulty.
However, as soon as one coat dries enough so that another can be applied over top without sticking together when touched together lightly with your fingertip (or fingernail if using just a small amount), then continue adding more layers until fully satisfied with how thickly layered your project appears from outside looking in at all angles around its perimeter surface area — regardless whether this means finishing all four sides before moving on even though only one side has been partially covered yet because we don’t want our floors looking uneven from one side being darker than another due to having gone faster while laying down more layers during initial stages when there wasn’t yet enough time between each application before starting again after applying first coat had dried sufficiently enough where adding more would not cause any problems).
Do you use wood filler before or after staining?
You have to use a stainable wood filler before you stain. The reason is that it’s easier to stain the filler before it dries, and it’s harder to get a good finish on dried wood filler.
How do you apply stain to wood filler?
Stainable wood filler can be applied in one of two ways: with a rag or brush. The method you choose depends on the size of the area being filled.
If you’re filling a large area, apply the stain directly to your applicator and evenly spread it over the surface.
For more control over staining smaller areas (e.g., small gaps between boards), apply the stain directly to a rag or paintbrush and then rub it into the filler before wiping off excess with a clean cloth or damp paper towel.
Once the stain has dried on your wood filler, sand lightly with 100-grit sandpaper until smooth and even colored throughout.
How long should wood filler dry before sanding?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how long the filler should be left to dry before sanding, but it’s generally recommended that you wait at least 24 hours. The label on your wood filler will give you a general idea of how long it takes to dry, but in general, I would recommend waiting longer than what the label suggests.
You’ll know that the epoxy adhesive has dried when you don’t see any tackiness as you run your fingers over it anymore.
Some epoxies can be quite thick right out of the jar and may take days or weeks to fully cure; this is especially true if they’re used in conjunction with another product like polyurethane or varnish (it’s not uncommon for these two finishes to require drying times between 30 minutes and 24 hours).
What’s the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
The difference between wood putty and wood filler is that one is for small gaps, like nail holes and small cracks, while the other is more appropriate for larger gaps and dents.
It’s easier to apply a thin layer of wood putty than it is to spread out a thick layer of wood filler. Once you’ve applied your filler, it should dry in about an hour or two depending on how much you used.
Can you use wood filler on large gaps?
Yes, you can use wood filler for larger gaps. As long as you are careful and apply it properly, it will work just fine.
Why is my wood filler not drying?
If you’re having trouble with the filler drying, there are a few things to consider:
- Is your wood filler too thick?
You can mix in some water to thin it out (but not too much), or add more stainable polyurethane if you’d like.
- Is it not dry enough?
If so, give it another day or two for the polyurethane to dry. If you haven’t applied any polyurethane yet, then give that 24 hours to dry as well before applying any more layers of stainable wood filler over top.
- Is your wood filler still not dry? Or is it completely dried out and hard?
If so, re-apply polyurethane where needed and allow time again for this second coat of polyurethane to cure completely before attempting any further application of stainable wood filler
Conclusion
In order to get the best results with stainable wood filler, it’s important to follow the instructions and apply the product correctly.
Minwax stainable wood filler is easy to use, but there are some things you should know before applying it. You can read more about how to use Minwax stainable wood filler here