Filling nail holes can be tricky and difficult because some formulas don’t adhere well, leading to reapplication. Applying the wrong formula can also lead to unsightly finishes, wasted time, and extra expenses.
To save you from trial and error, I listed the best putties for nail noles I’ve relied on for years.
Reviews of the Top Putties for Nail Holes
1. 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair
I recently tried out this product for some nicks and nail holes in my walls, and was impressed. First off, it does make repairs 3 times faster compared to traditional vinyl spackling, which is a major time saver.
The result was very professional-looking, and you can’t even tell that there were any holes there. The 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair is suitable for interior and exterior use if finished with exterior paint.
The repair process was quick and easy. It could fill holes up to 3 inches in diameter without any issues. The primer-enhanced spackling compound also provided excellent hiding ability.
What We Like
- Allows for painting over the filled area.
- Can be sanded easily
- Extremely effective at filling small nail holes
- Simple to utilize
- Best putty for nail holes
- Holds screws and nails
What We Don't Like
- The thickness of the product can make it difficult to extract from the container.
- The applicator may become clogged or difficult to use if not adequately cleaned after each use.
2. Mohawk Finishing Products Fill Stick Putty
The Mohawk Fill Stick Putty is my preferred solution for fixing small imperfections like nail holes, scratches, and cracks. The product comes in a stick form as a semi-hard putty and is available in various colors to match different finishes.
Using the Fil-Stik is a straightforward process. Try to apply it to the damaged area and remove the excess with a putty knife. This product is ideal for most wooden surfaces, like cabinets that don’t receive frequent use.
Additionally, there is no need for additional tools, and the product comes with protective paper to prevent dirt from getting onto my hands. This filler features a color that is resistant to fading.
What We Like
- Easy to use and apply to wood surfaces.
- Provides a long-lasting and durable repair
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Best wax stick filler
- Features permanent colors that are fade-resistant
- Perfect for small nail holes
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for use on heavy use surfaces.
- Requires some manual effort to apply and smooth out the putty.
3. Godfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
This Godfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler is money-saving and high-quality. It doesn’t crack, shrink, or sink, and it has superb adhesion. This implies that you just have to use it one time, and it will seamlessly receive any kind of stain or finish.
It is versatile and suitable for various projects, including instrument design, crafting, floor finishing, and furniture repair. It can be used for tasks such as sealing knots, filling, priming, tinting, staining, and sanding.
Additionally, it’s an environmentally friendly product that is non-toxic, produces zero waste, and has zero VOC. It’s also very easy to sand, which can save you a lot of time.
What We Like
- Packaging is of high quality and well-designed
- Dries rapidly
- Best grain filler
- Absorbs stains effectively
- Spreads evenly and smoothly
- Simple to use
- Versatile in its applications
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for use in outdoor settings
- Has a thick consistency
4. Elmer's E855 Carpenter's Wood Filler
Elmer’s E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler seems a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Its sandable and paintable formula makes it versatile for repairing and restoring all types of wood surfaces, from furniture to molding and trim.
One of the most impressive features of this wood filler is its ability to resist cracking and shrinking, which is essential for achieving long-lasting and seamless repair.
It also sands easily to a smooth and even finish, allowing for a professional-grade outcome with minimal effort. It is easy clean-up with water is another notable aspect of this product, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer eco-friendly and hassle-free solutions.
What We Like
- Will not shrink or crack over time
- Contains no solvents
- Best painters putty for nail holes
- Can be painted and sanded after drying
- Easy to clean up with water.
- Provides a smooth finish
What We Don't Like
- The tube may become clogged after it is opened.
- It can dry out if not stored correctly.
5. DAP 12346 Drydex
DAP 12346 Drydex is a popular spackling compound that claims to change color when it dries, making it easier to tell when it is ready to sand and paint.
The color-changing feature is undoubtedly the most impressive aspect of this spackling compound. The pink color of the wet compound changes to white when it is dry, indicating that it is ready to sand and paint.
Another great feature is its quick-drying formula allowing for same-day repairs and finishing. The compound is also easy to work with and spreads smoothly. One potential downside is that it may not be suitable for deeper holes or larger repairs.
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Suitable for both interior and exterior use
- Can be sanded when hardened
- Optimal dry time indicator
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for larger repairs or deeper holes
- Difficult to squeeze the product out of the bottle.
6. Minwax 448530000 Color-Matched Filler Wood Putty
For those with multiple projects involving wood, Minwax 448530000 Color-Matched Filler Wood Putty is an excellent option. This dependable product has a no-sand formula that fills in gouges, nail holes, cracks, and other blemishes in unfinished or finished wood.
The process of using this wood filler is effortless. Simply apply it over the damaged area, let it sit for five minutes, and then remove any excess with a damp cloth. There’s no need for sanding.
Another advantage of this product is that it’s solvent-free and comes in a range of wood grain colors and plain white. When finished with your project, it can be cleaned up with water and soap.
What We Like
- Dries with a natural look
- Comes in various hues
- No need for sanding or specialized equipment
- Easy to utilize
What We Don't Like
- Takes a bit longer to dry
- The size of the tube tip may make it difficult to apply the putty precisely
7. Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Repair Putty
The Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Repair Putty is an excellent solution for fixing cracks in walls and nail holes, and it’s much easier to use than traditional putty. You can swipe the putty over the damaged area, wipe off any excess, and paint over it. This made the process straightforward.
The putty itself is a good consistency and was easy to work with. It’s thick enough to fill small holes and cracks but doesn’t feel heavy or clumpy. It also dries quickly and blends in seamlessly with the surrounding area.
Once painted, you can’t tell where the repair was made. This is particularly important for those who want to achieve a professional-looking finish.
What We Like
- Comes in a convenient, easy-to-store container
- Made from non-toxic materials, making it safe for household use
- Can be sanded and painted over once dry
- Dries quickly, often in under an hour
- Does not require a putty knife
- Easier to apply than most wall putty
- Best putty for repairing drywall
What We Don't Like
- The product can be messy during the application process, which may require extra clean-up time and effort.
- The lack of a putty knife may make achieving precise application in certain areas difficult.
8. Homax Nail Hole Patch Spackling
This Homax Nail Hole Patch Spackling compound comes in a convenient squeeze tube with an EZ-Dab applicator, which makes it easy to apply the product precisely wherever needed. It’s an excellent choice for filling screw holes, nails, gouges, and cracks in ceilings and walls.
This spackle has shrink-resistant, which ensures a long-lasting repair. The best part is that there’s no sanding or troweling required. This saved me a lot of time and effort.
The compound only took an hour to dry completely, making it a speedy repair option. Clean-up was a breeze; it only required water to remove any excess spackle.
What We Like
- Will not shrink or crack after drying
- Provides a professional finish
- Quick drying time (minutes)
- Best easily paintable spackling
- No need for sanding
- Easy application process
What We Don't Like
- It is not waterproof
- The container size is small, which may not be enough for larger projects
9. Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
First off, the two-part formula of this wood filler is fantastic as it chemically bonds with the surface, ensuring a permanent adhesion. This means any repairs made using this filler are quick, durable, and non-shrinking.
The Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler is water-resistant, paintable, and stainable, making it versatile for different projects. It worked great on doors, decks, window sills, sliding, wood trim, and furniture.
I highly recommend using the Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler alongside the Bondo Rotted Wood Restorer to repair softwood or rotting fully. Together, these products make a great combination for any DIY enthusiast or professional.
What We Like
- It is suitable for use on a wide range of wood-based items
- The filler is paintable, stainable, and water-resistant
- The repairs made are permanent, non-shrinking, and can be sanded within 15 minutes.
- It works well on most interior and exterior wood-based surfaces.
- It can effectively and rapidly repair damaged or rotted wood.
- The two-part formula creates a strong chemical bond with the surface, ensuring permanent adhesion.
What We Don't Like
- Some users may find the filler difficult to work with, particularly if they lack experience with two-part fillers.
- Proper product application requires additional items like 3M sanding sponges/sheets, rubber gloves, and a Bondo spreader.
10. Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098-U Fix it Fast Wall Hole Filler
As someone who’s always on the lookout for an easy and efficient way to fix wall holes and imperfections, I was excited to try the Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098.
The first thing that caught my attention was the fact that it’s an all-in-one compound, spreader, and applicator. This makes it convenient and easy to use, especially if you’re not very experienced with DIY repairs.
The filler is designed to fill holes under 2 inches, scratches, or other imperfections caused by nails and screws on your walls. Another great feature is the resealable top, which allows you to use the product multiple times. Also, for smaller repairs, there’s no need for sanding.
What We Like
- Dry quickly, often within an hour
- Does not need sanding, simplifying the repair process
- Comes with an inbuilt putty knife
- Perfectly blends into your wall, making it virtually invisible once dry
- Comes in a resealable pack
- Easy to use, even for those with limited DIY experience
What We Don't Like
- It is not as durable as other wall repair products, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas
- The product may dry out or become unusable if not stored properly
11. J-B Weld Tan KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty
This product’s shear strength of 500 psi ensures that the repair is strong and long-lasting. It’s also great that can withstand a maximum temperature of 250 degrees F.
One of the best features of the J-B Weld Tan KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty is it’s hand-mixable. This makes it easy to use, and you can quickly and efficiently apply it to any wood surface.
The putty also dries to a tan color, which is great if you’re looking for a natural wood color. It’s easy to sand down and shape to match the surrounding wood. J-B Weld does work on wood, and the fact that it can be painted, sanded, and filed after curing is a huge bonus.
What We Like
- It is easy to use.
- It adheres well to a variety of surfaces.
- Once cured, it mimics the characteristics of wood.
- It sets and cures rapidly.
What We Don't Like
- It is not suitable for use in indoor applications.
- It is only suitable for small-scale projects.
12. DURHAM'S Rock Hard Water Putty
One of the standout features of the DURHAM’S Rock Hard Water Putty is its versatility. It can be used to make long-lasting repairs in various materials, including concrete, tile, stone, drywall, plaster, wood, and more.
I found that the water putty was incredibly easy to use. It just needs to be mixed with water. It has excellent bonding strength, and it never shrinks.
Another great feature of this water putty is that it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, although it must be painted if used outdoors. The 4-pound size of this water putty is generous and offers great value for money, and you can use it for multiple projects.
What We Like
- Provides an excellent surface for staining and painting
- Suitable for sanding
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting storage capability
- Simple to apply
What We Don't Like
- May experience slight shrinkage upon drying
- Be careful in mixing to get the right mixture.
13. Loctite Epoxy Putty All Purpose Repair
I recommend Loctite Epoxy Putty to anyone looking for a versatile, fast-setting, and reliable adhesive. It’s a go-to product for anyone who needs to make quick, emergency repairs. This can be mixed by hand and molded for fixing small emergency repairs.
It can stick to moist surfaces and can even set when submerged underwater. The adhesive comprises an epoxy resin putty and a hardener putty. When these two parts are blended, they form a strong, long-lasting, and waterproof bond.
Additionally, the adhesive doesn’t shrink and can withstand most solvents. It is highly resistant to impacts, and drilling into it won’t cause it to crack.
What We Like
- High impact resistance
- Fast and easy to use
- Appropriate for a variety of surfaces
- Can be molded to fit various shapes
- Forms strong bonds
- Dries rapidly
- Can be used effectively underwater
What We Don't Like
- Requires some manual effort and skill to mix the two parts of the adhesive.
- May have a strong odor during use.