Finding cracks and holes on wooden surfaces can be frustrating, so the urgency to fix the problem with the best epoxy wood filler is understandable. However, you should know that repairing damaged wood could lead to disaster if you apply a product with a low-quality formula.
Whether you’re handling minor repairs or large-scale restorations, our resident woodworkers got your back with these tested recommendations.
Reviews of the Top Epoxy Wood Fillers
1. Minwax 21600000 Epoxy Wood Filler
Unlike other epoxy wooden fillers, Minwax 21600000 dries quickly upon application to damaged wood. Even if you’re a newbie, you’ll have no issues handling this two-part epoxy filler because it’s easy to mix and apply.
You can utilize it as interior or exterior wood filler because it forms a durable substance that suits different wood surfaces, like hardwood, softwood, and plywood.
After applying Minwax Wood Filler over rotted wood, you can sand and shape its smooth finish according to your project requirement. It also works well as reinforcement for weak and decayed wood on the window and door frames.
What We Like
- It can seal all the cracks and repair rotten wood
- Quicker drying time than other epoxy fillers
- Versatile enough to tackle other wooden surfaces
- Suitable to use as an internal and external wood filling
What We Don't Like
- Not the best epoxy wood fillers to use in cold temperatures
- It requires a second coat to avoid shrinking
2. Abatron LiquidWood Restoration Kit Resin Wood Filler
You don’t need to buy multiple products when repairing and restoring wood because Abatron’s restoration kit has everything you need. From this package, you can utilize a combination of Abatron Restoration Kit Resin Wood Filler.
The wood epoxy filler included in this package can cater to DIY projects filling gaps, nail holes, and cracks. It’s a liquid wood filler with excellent bonding strength and water-resistant attributes.
Meanwhile, its wet resin hardener is a compound for replacing wood that requires structural and visual repairs. You can also paint and sand it after drying to match the aesthetic of the surrounding wood.
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What We Like
- Great for fixing rotting wood
- It works well as interior and exterior wood fillers
- Pest-resistant and waterproof
- No shrinking and delamination from the substrate
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other epoxy fillers
- Not recommended for woodworking beginners
3. Elmer's E887Q Stainable Wood Filler
We understand that not everyone can afford a prime epoxy wood filler, so our team included a budget-friendly option like Elmer’s E887Q on the list. Since it contains natural wooden fibers, it’s the perfect filler for wooden furniture and other small-scale projects.
As long as you leave epoxy wood filler applications to cure correctly, we don’t doubt that it’ll yield a durable finish that can hold screw holes well.
It’s also not surprising why many woodworkers use it as an interior wood filler because it seals that surface well and doesn’t leave any unfilled gaps where water can pool.
What We Like
- Best wood filler for a limited budget
- Ideal for small-scale woodworking projects
- It can resist shrinking and cracking
- Compatible with sanding, staining, and painting
What We Don't Like
- Hard to spread over the wood surface due to its thickness
- It’s not a heavy-duty wood filler
4. Quikwood 471570-24 Epoxy Putty
Another budget-friendly epoxy filler is Quikwood 471570-24. Unlike other two-part products, our testers didn’t need to stir or mix. All you need to do is squeeze the wood epoxy putty out of its container and apply it over the damaged or rotten wood.
We also liked that you could use your fingers to apply this wood epoxy resin filler. You can also opt for a putty knife to spread the product if you’re not keen on direct contact.
As a wood epoxy filler putty, you can count on it not to cause messy drips. It should be dry to the touch after 30 minutes.
What We Like
- Easy to spread over the material
- Faster drying time than others
- No need for measuring or stirring
- It mimics a natural wood’s density
What We Don't Like
- Short working time
- Only suitable for small-scale application
5. PC-Woody 128336 Wood Repair Epoxy Paste
If you’re a beginner, you need an epoxy wood putty with ample working time, like PC-Woody 128336. Thanks to its 30 to 40 minutes adjustment duration, users can enjoy more time to get creative without the risk of sudden hardening.
In addition to its repairing properties, this wood filler also serves as a protective barrier, guarding against both rotting and water damage.
Although it’s not that cheap, it offers an extensive shelf life of up to five years. And so long as you mix the product’s equal parts, you can make this epoxy wood filler waterproof and robust against high temperatures.
What We Like
- Excellent workability and long shelf life
- Longer work time than other epoxy filler products
- It can withstand low and high temperatures
- One of the best epoxy resin fillers for exterior use
What We Don't Like
- Not sandable right away
- More expensive than other epoxy fillers
6. System Three SculpWood Epoxy Putty Filler
System Three SculpWood features the natural look of timbers, so you best believe it can replace and conceal missing wood chips. With the right 1:1 ratio [1] of resin and hardener, this epoxy putty will never show signs of sagging and slumping.
It accepts paint dyes and other driving nails without the risk of damaging the surface. If you ask our experts, it works better than a latex wood filler.
Given that it has extensive workable times and wood-like staining colors, we highly recommend this general epoxy wood filler for wooden floor applications.
What We Like
- No protective gear is needed for the application
- Light and flexible consistency
- Great for filling and sealing wood cracks
- Excellent workability and long work time
What We Don't Like
- Long curing time requirement
- Not compatible with chisel work
7. Tan KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty
Above everything else, the Tan KwikWood Epoxy Putty is a highly flexible epoxy wood repair product that suits tasks in the household. It can yield a binding strength of 900 psi after drying, making it less likely to shrink or rot.
It’s not a liquid filler, so pouring the product into cracks and holes isn’t an option. However, the good news is it’s easy to work with and dries faster.
Even if you saw or sand the dried application, the hardened putty will mimic its surrounding wood surface. Because of this, it suits different repair projects.
What We Like
- Exceptional adhesion to different wood materials
- Thick consistency for fixing surface-level cracks
- Quick curing and setting times
- Long-lasting and durable results
What We Don't Like
- Not for large-scale repairs
- Not recommended for internal filing
What’s an Epoxy Wood Filler?
True to its name, an epoxy filler is a product for restoring and maintaining wood structures. These materials are available in the market in different forms, such as putty and liquid. You should know that both variations are often needed for some repair jobs.
Speaking of repairs, you can utilize epoxy fillers to cover any gap, crack, or hole visibly present on the surface. It restores the material’s visual structure and internal strength to prevent further damage from rotting and decaying.
When Should You Use Wood Epoxy Resin Fillers?
Contrary to common belief, utilizing epoxy resin filler isn’t as hard as some woodworkers assume. If we’re being honest, it’s a budget-friendly alternative over replacing damaged wood. Here are acceptable scenarios where you need to use this product:
- If removing a wood piece can make the entire structure crumble
- If the workpiece has a distinct design that’s impossible to replace
- If most wood parts (around 80%) don’t have visible and structural damage
Epoxy Wood Filler Advantages
- It yields a rugged and durable finish that protects the wood
- Strong adhesion to different surfaces in any size or shape
- You can pour, mold, or shape this product
- Suitable filler for hard-to-reach areas
- You can shape it in any form or detail
- It seals the wood to avoid future decays
Epoxy Wood Fillers: Buyer’s Guide
Wood Repair Type
Before selecting a product to purchase, we suggest considering the task you’ll handle. You may not know, but some fillers are fit for general use, while others are more inclined to fill holes or repair furniture pieces.
You can identify which one suits your project by reading the product labels. If you only intend to cover the gaps, the best option is a durable filler. Meanwhile, if you’re working on furniture cracks, you’ll need a sandable and paintable variation.
Interior or Exterior?
The packaging may look identical, but interior and exterior fillers don’t include the same substance. If you inspect closer, you’ll notice that the products under the “outdoor use” category carry more resistance against UV, heat, insect, and mold exposures.
While both variations need to be long-lasting, it’s a no-brainer that exterior fillers require more durability. Nevertheless, we urge you to buy ones that work for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Viscosity
Not all repair jobs require products with the same consistency. If you’re handling overhead holes or gaps, you need a filler that won’t drip. Because of that, we recommend products with a thick viscosity.
In contrast, wet epoxy fillers will work well on surfaces with minor scraping, chipping, and other damage.
Painting or Staining?
The best epoxy wood filler doesn’t always dry with the same color as your material. Because of this, you must ensure that the product you’ll apply can accept paint and stain dyes well. If not, the application will be noticeable.
Size
Believe our experts when we say estimating how much filler you need will save you money in the long run. You don’t need to buy a large-sized product if you’re only tending to a small-scale project.
We also don’t recommend buying epoxy resin in bulk because they tend to harden when left in storage for a long time.
Durability
When applying fillers for repairs, you must ensure it will last long enough to avoid time-consuming re-application. Read along as we discuss the crucial attributes of a durable filler for wood.
Abrasion Scratching
If your purchased product can’t withstand wearing, chances are it’ll show visible scratches in the long run. You can avoid this by checking the filler’s label.
UV Damage
Unfortunately, most fillers for wood are susceptible to damage from UV rays. Your best bet to prevent it is to use products specifically for outdoor use with non-yellowing features.
We also suggest applying UV-resistant topcoat on the cured finish to add an extra protective layer.
Water
Did you know that frequent water exposure can cause the surface to wear faster than usual? Lucky for you, today’s wood fillers offer superb waterproofing. You don’t have to worry about poor water resistance if your application undergoes proper curing.
Color
Epoxy fillers come in different color variations, so finding a product that matches your material’s natural look shouldn’t be hard.
Alternatively, you must ensure it’s stainable and paintable so that you wouldn’t have difficulty matching colors after fully curing the filler.
Dry Time
Every filler we included in this list requires a specific drying and curing time. You must abide by these product instructions, or it’ll risk the quality of the finish.
While fast drying times allow you to finish the task faster, extensive durations give users time to correct application errors.
How to Do Wood Repair With Epoxy
Step #1: Preparing the Wood
Before starting the process, the surface must be free from dirt particles or paint films. If you want a thorough cleaning procedure on highly damaged material, using a paint stripper or sandpaper should suffice.
Step #2: Applying an Epoxy Consolidant
The surface must be dry before adding the filler, so an epoxy consolidant is recommended. It would be best if you coated it generously over the intended area.
Step #3: Applying the Exterior Epoxy Wood Filler
Once the epoxy consolidant dries, it’s time to apply the filler in the cracks or holes. You can use a wood paste instead of liquid if the damage goes all the way to the material’s other side.
Step #4: Pouring in the Liquid Wood Filler
Let the putty epoxy dry before adding the liquid filler. Don’t forget to mix the resin and filler accurately to avoid faulty applications. After filling the crack, let the liquid sit for a few minutes before adding more to the bream.
Step #5: Finishing the Wooden Surface
Typically, manufacturers advise waiting at least 24 hours before sanding. After the complete curing process, you can grind the material until it’s smooth with an electric sander or sandpaper.
Different Wood Filler Applications
One of the best ways to utilize fillers is by fixing furniture pieces. You can use it as an alternative to missing wood chunks from holes, dents, and cracks. It also works the same on flat wood surfaces like floors and walls.
Other applications that you may find fillers helpful include patching damaged areas on large structures like wooden boats.
Tips for Using Wood Epoxy Resin Fillers
- Don’t mix epoxy if you’re not going to use it right away
- Store excess epoxy properly if you intend to use it again
- Minor flaws may still be present after curing liquid fillers, so you must add putty over it.
- It’s recommended to work on warm spaces for a more accurate curing time
- When sanding, you must try to go as light as you possibly can
Importance of Using Quality Epoxy for Wood Repairs
For Beauty
Some of these products go well with different dye pigments. Thanks to this feature, you can add an aesthetically pleasing attribute to the repaired material.
For Durable Wood Repairs
It has substances that include excellent bonding strength to wood, so we don’t doubt it’ll yield a durable finish. This new-found durability will help the material resist potential UV, abrasion, water, pressure, or impact damage.
Wood Repairs in 2 Ways
Utilizing wood fillers come in two ways, consolidating and filling. The latter method often involves removing the rotten wood before adding primer and filler over the surface, while the prior-mentioned only saturates the damaged area with the product.
FAQ
Is epoxy a good wood filler?
Yes, epoxy is a good wood filler. It’s an effective product for restoration. You can also count on it to resist heat and water exposure to prevent further damage.
What is the strongest wood filler?
The strongest wood filler depends on what your project needs. Believe it or not, no product suits all the restoration and repair tasks. These fillers are formulated differently according to their intended use.
What is the difference between wood epoxy and wood filler?
The difference between wood epoxy and wood filler is their strength and durability. Epoxy can form a firmer finish that can withstand heavy pressure and impact.
What wood filler do professionals use?
The wood filler professional use is two-part epoxy because it yields a durable finish that woodworkers can freely sand, paint, and stain. They also consider wood putty as a great alternative for smaller repair tasks.
Is epoxy more powerful than wood fillers?
Epoxy is more powerful than wood fillers because it includes composite substances that work great as alternatives to wooden fibers.
Do I need to use a primer for epoxy wood filler before painting?
Priming the surface before painting isn’t a requirement. However, it’s highly encouraged because it enhances the material’s adhesion.
How long to let epoxy wood filler sit before sanding?
The waiting time depends on the product’s instruction and the current temperature of the space. Typically, epoxy application dries around 20 to 30 minutes. However, it’s not advisable to sand it if it’s not yet in its fully cured form. It can take 24 hours or more.
Are epoxy wood fillers waterproof?
Yes, most epoxy wood fillers include waterproofing attributes. You can use water-resistant epoxy in harsh conditions.
Can you screw into wood fillers?
Yes, the cured filler is strong enough to withstand the driving of nails and screws into its surface.
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Our Top Pick For an Epoxy Wood Filler: Minwax 21600000
Besides its reasonable pricing, our resident woodworkers chose Minwax 21600000 among the best epoxy wood fillers because it has a quick drying time.
It also responds well to different wooden surfaces, making the product an excellent all-around material. Because of these features, we don’t doubt they’ll be handy around the workshop.
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