When comparing wood filler and wood putty, there are several factors to consider, including their cost, ease of use, and paintability. While wood filler is easier to use, wood putty is typically less expensive and paintable. Read on to learn more about these differences. Listed below are a few common uses for each product. To start, wood filler is often a more practical choice for indoor projects, while wood putty tends to be more versatile.
Wood filler is easier to use
While wood filler is typically the easiest filler to use, you can find many types of products that are made from a combination of wood and other materials. For example, there are wood and cement products. While they may be easier to apply than other fillers, they do not adhere well to wood. However, some types of wood filler bond well with metal and other materials. For this reason, they are often considered the best choice for large holes and cracks.
Wood filler comes in a variety of colours. You can choose from natural, golden oak, red oak, walnut, or white. Its no-mix formula makes it easy to spread evenly and doesn’t have a strong odor. It cleans up with water and soap. Generally, fillers will stay the same color for at least two to three days, but some will have a shorter shelf life.
Wood filler is nontoxic
If you’re wondering whether wood filler is safe, read on. Depending on the brand, a wood filler can have a chemical smell. However, it can also be nontoxic. Most wood fillers contain natural substances that can’t harm your body. Read the ingredients list to learn more. Wood fillers can be applied to a variety of surfaces. These surfaces include wood, plastic, and drywall.
The most common wood fillers come in white or other wood-inspired shades, but they also come in clear to fill pores. Select a color that contrasts the wood or matches it well if you plan on staining the piece. However, if you plan to stain the piece, choose one that is stain-compatible. The color may need further work to make it look more like the original wood. If you want a darker color, go for a darker color.
Wood putty is more cost-effective
Wood putty can fill gaps and repairs in a wood surface and is a better option than the alternative wood filler. This product is available in a wide variety of types and can be reactivated by mixing it with acetone to make it more flexible. However, unlike wood putty, wood fillers are not permanent and require sealing after application. To keep them looking fresh, use acetone to refresh them after use.
While wood filters come in only one hue, wood putty is available in a variety of shades to blend with the wood. It is more affordable and has a longer shelf life than wood filters. Another benefit of wood putty is its adhesive qualities, which allow you to reactivate it after it has dried. While it is not the ideal product for a water-based finish, it does provide a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
Wood filler is paintable
A polycrylic or wood filler is a wood-based substance that can be painted. However, it’s important to prep the surface for paint before applying it. Painting directly over wood filler will leave an unsightly patch that will show through the paint. To ensure a smooth surface, sand the wood filler with a wet rag to create a level surface. Apply a thin coat of paint over the wood filler.
Wood filler comes in both water-based and solvent-based varieties. Water-based versions can be sanded and primed. Both kinds can be painted and are non-toxic. Water-based fillers are more expensive than solvent-based ones. Plastic Wood Professional Wood Filler comes in six premixed colors. It costs about $6 for a sixteen-oz. container. Wood filler is paintable, but be sure to read the labels before using it.