Wood filler is an important part of home repairs. Sometimes it’s necessary to patch holes, cracks, or dents in the wood before painting or staining.
Other times, you might need to fill a hole for a screw or nail so that it doesn’t show on the surface. There are many different types of wood filler on the market. Which one is the best wood filler?
Understanding what makes one wood filler better than another can be difficult. In this article, we will review the top 5 wood fillers, show you their features, benefits, cons and much more. Then we will pick our champion for this competition.
We constantly review products almost every day for our loyal readers. Why do they trust us? Our readers know that we always give honest and unbiased reviews to help make their buying decisions easier, and we really appreciate them. Now on with the review!
Table of Contents
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler
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2. Minwax 448530000 Color-Matched Wood Putty, (Walnut Style)
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3. Elmer’s E913 Carpenter’s Wood Filler
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4. Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit
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5. FamoWood Latex Filler
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1. Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler
Specification
OUNCE | 12 OUNCE |
COLOR | GRAY |
WATER OR SOLVENT | WATER |
Minwax is a premier wood filler. It has a variety of stain and shellac products that are available for almost any project.
However, the best of the best is the 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler. As the name implies, this wood filler is high in wood-filler content.
The 21600000 wood filler is easy to use and comes in a small tube that is easy to find in most wood shops. The edges of the fillers are cut to a large, rounded surface.
The end result is the perfect blend of texture and appearance. Additionally, the wood filler is safe for all types of outdoor work. It also resists decay and bugs.
These features make the Minwax wood filler an excellent choice for all types of wood repair and replacing.
If you need to drill into the filler, then go right ahead. Carving, planing or even screwing into the filler certainly won’t hurt if either. After all, this is a premium product we are talking about.
This filler is so strong because it is actually a two-part mix. There’s the filler and then there’s the activator.
Of note: The container says it takes 15 minutes to harden, but it can be much shorter than that. But that’s alright, just have your repair planned out and you should be able to completed it in time.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Comes in a convenient tube that fits neatly into a cabinet.
- This filler is a clear epoxy with a good porosity for excellent bonding.
- You can use it for most types of wood, including oak, walnut, maple and cherry.
- The filler is excellent at sealing small cracks in wood
- Safe for both glues and solvents.
- High-Performance Wood Filler has been tested with water and stains. Its porosity allows water and stains to penetrate it and ensure good flow.
PROS
- We found that staining the product is really easy
- The porous epoxy allows for a strong bond
- Only takes 15 minutes to harden
CONS
- Purchasers mention that the hardening time is more like less than 10 minutes for them
- Odor can be a bit strong
2. Minwax 448530000 Color-Matched Wood Putty, (Walnut Style) – Best For Multi-Use
Specification
OUNCE | 6 OUNCE |
COLOR | CLEAR |
WATER OR SOLVENT | WATER AND SOLVENT |
Minwax’s 448530000 Walnut Color-Matched Filler Wood Putty is described as a putty-like finish for natural materials. This product is designed to create a hard, durable surface that will not peel, crack, split, crackle or buckle.
It also works well for fixing damage caused by wood chipping, termites, termite eggs, bees, ants, moisture, and woodworking tools. Minwax Wood Putty is available in several different finishes.
Some qualities this product provides is moisture, sand, chalk, and water resistance. The putty does not have any stain, but it is stain compatible.
At 6 ounces, the product doesn’t offer as much as the competition, but it still should be more than enough for the light jobs you may have.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Great for priming, sealing, and filling holes, cracks, and other holes that may have caused water damage to a wooden surface.
- This product has a large, easy-grip applicator tip and an application time of about one minute.
- The color-matched putty contains no toxic chemicals or mineral oil. It can be used to fill holes, dents, cracks, and other places that need filling without affecting the original surface of the wood.
PROS
- Formula can match any surface color nea perfectly
- Also comes in other colors/shades
CONS
- Some users have reported that the filler can sometimes shrink when drying
- Color can be off after drying
3. Elmer’s E913 Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best For Beginner’s
Specification
OUNCE | 8 OUNCE |
COLOR | STARTS AS PURPLE THEN DRIES TO MATCH WOOD |
WATER OR SOLVENT | WATER |
Elmer’s E913 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler is available in black or white. It is a high-viscosity filler that retains its color.
The filler is typically used to fill holes, divots, divots, and other cracks, dents, and imperfections in wood.
The product will remain white after it is applied. The filler has no scent and is also non-toxic. It dries fairly quickly, so you can apply it without it getting away from you.
As the name indicates, Elmer’s E913 Wood Filler is a color changing filler. It starts off as purple when applied and then changes color to match the wood when it dries. This makes it a useful product for filling in sections of wood, or on uneven surfaces, such as bare brick or sandstone.
WHAT WE LIKE
- This particular type of wood filler also has a sponge applicator
- The filler is 100% recyclable
- Cleans up easily
PROS
- Cool color-changing feature to let you know when it’s dry
- You can stain, sand or paint this filler
- Handles deep holes and dents very well
CONS
- Some find the filler difficult to spread
- Only dries to a white color so be prepared to paint or stain
4. Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit – Best for Flooring
Specification
OUNCE | 10 OUNCE |
COLOR | 10 COLORS |
WATER OR SOLVENT | WATER |
Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit is an affordable glueless solution for wood filler. It doesn’t dry on the surface and is compatible with wood surfaces like hardwood, poplar and cork.
It’s available in various colors, and the top coat is waterproof. Coconix does not use UV curing or VOCs.
It is very easy to apply and requires no complicated tools or special equipment. You can mix it with various wood-based glues for a better finish. It contains tiny pores, so it will not dry quickly and will prevent the surface from wrinkling when it dries.
Coconix is specifically designed to fill cracks, dents and holes, and not fill holes in the heartwood.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Lots of colors are available with the kit
- Far superior to those crayon-like wax fillers
PROS
- Great color options
- Fills dents and dings quite well
CONS
- Some customers say that the product is just ‘OK’
- If you are not used to mixing colors, it might take some time to match your wood color
5. FamoWood Latex Filler – Best Stainable
Specification
OUNCE | 24 OUNCE |
COLOR | NATURAL |
WATER OR SOLVENT | WATER |
FamoWood Latex Wood Filler is a natural-color wood filler that claims to be a safe alternative to toxic solvent based solutions. The latex material uses lignin, a biodegradable type of wood that is composed of glucosides.
This Latex Wood Filler has no harmful substances that can be breathed in, and it does not stain the finish. FamoWood Filler is made with 100% raw materials, and they are 100% recycled.
Foam Wood Filler is non toxic, renewable, and recyclable. It does have a bit of an odor, but that should not be a problem.
The only thing we really don’t like about the product is that it contains cancer causing agents according to the manufacturer.
WHAT WE LIKE
- It’s a moisture-proof, fast-setting acrylic filling type of wood filler. It has a comfortable feel to it, and gives an even, smooth appearance
- The hardened latex creates a smooth-flowing surface that is very forgiving and easy to work with
- It is easy to spread and dries quickly
PROS
- Extremely light when applying
- Sanding the dried application is a breeze
- Generous sizes when ordering
CONS
- It can be messy to apply at times
- It does not go as deep in paint or stain as most other types of wood fillers
- The filler can dry out relatively quickly
Conclusion
Thanks for sticking with us through the end of our article about the best wood filler. We really hope you enjoyed it. Our champion of this round will go to the Minwax 21600000 High-Performance Wood Filler.
It has everything it takes to make your wood repairs look great and keep it looking natural. Happy Wood Filling!
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I am a woodworker with over 21 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.