Wood fillers can be used for various repairs; you can even hide these fillers by painting over them. But without proper research, you may end up buying the wrong kind and destroying the material instead of repairing it.
To save you hours of research, we’ve tested the best wood fillers for painting and ensured they’re the right kind for your project.
Reviews of the Top Wood Fillers for Painting
1. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
This wood filler is compatible with water and oil-based wood stains, so you can pick a color that works with the wood you’re working with.
We like that this Minwax 42853000 filler only takes 15 minutes to dry after application. You can paint, drill, stain, sand, and attach nails to the dried filler because it has the same viscosity as wood.
With Minwax latex-based filler, you won’t waste time combining separate components before getting to work. Some of the many interiors and exterior projects benefit from Minwax’s versatility: furniture, fences, windows, baseboards, frames, and decks. Also, this is one of the best wood fillers for doors.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Formula is pre-mixed
- It can be painted, stained, drilled, and sanded
- Compatible with water- and oil-based stains
What We Don't Like
- Needs more time to dry
- Best for smaller repairs
2. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
This latex-based wood filler from FamoWood 40022126 comes in a convenient bulk bag, making it ideal for projects like basement finishing or fixing up old hardwood floors.
It’s easy to apply, and resistant to breaking and shrinking as this 24-ounce bucket of stainable wood filler is made from a latex-based formula. Since there are no solvents in this filler, there’ll be no unpleasant scents throughout the application process.
FamoWood filler has several uses inside and outside the house, such as restoring wooden furniture, patching holes in fences, and touching up baseboards. It’s malleable enough to take a variety of treatments, including dyes and stains, drills and screws, sandpaper, and paint.
(Also Read: The Best Drillable Wood Filler)
What We Like
- Resistant to cracking and shrinking
- Malleable after application
- Formula is solvent-free
- Quick drying
- Dries hard
What We Don't Like
- The container can be hard to open
- Consistency may be thicker than others
3. Elmer's E892 Stainable Wood Filler 32 oz
Elmer’s Carpenter’s E892 Stainable Wood Filler is great for novice DIYers who dread having to guess when the wood filler is dry enough to sand.
This unique composition is a water-based, no-mix filler that first appears purple but dries to a natural color, making it suitable for painting, staining, and sanding.
The material dried rapidly during our tests, and it didn’t shrink. We could also sand it to a finish that rivaled the best test samples. While applying, it was a bit thick, but once in the wood hole, it packed tightly and sanded smoothly.
What We Like
- Natural color when dry
- Very little shrinking
- Does not crack
- Excellent finish
- Can be altered
What We Don't Like
- For indoor applications
- Consistency is a bit thick
4. Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
Abatron WoodEpox, an epoxy-based wood filler, prevents water damage to any deck. As it’s resistant to mold, mildew, rot, and water, your deck’s patched holes, gouges, and scratches will not become breeding grounds for unwanted pests.
This epoxy is packaged in two separate containers– each containing half of the filler needed to fill 12 ounces.
Once this wood filler has dried, it will be permanently attached to the surrounding wood and will not expand or contract with the seasons or the weather. Besides, the cured filler can be sanded, painted, or stained to create a consistent finish.
What We Like
- Moisture-resistant
- It can be painted, sanded, and stained
- It does not shrink or crack
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- It is not pre-mixed
Wood Fillers for Painting Buyer’s Guide
Filler Type
Cellulose-based, gypsum-based, vinyl-based, and epoxy-based are the four primary formulations of wood fillers you can paint over.
The packaging of cellulose-based fillers will state that they’re made with genuine wood pulp. These wood fillers are less expensive than fillers made from latex or epoxy.
Stainable wood fillers made of gypsum are commonly used for indoor repair work, including filling gaps in baseboards and walls.
Stainable wood fillers based on latex are frequently utilized for outdoor applications since they require less prep work than epoxies. They harden in under an hour and are waterproof almost immediately after application.
(Also Read: The Best Exterior Wood Filler for Outdoor Applications)
The most lasting and resistant wood fillers are epoxy-based, but they need the greatest priming before you can use them.
Drying Time
Dry periods vary significantly between the various wood fillers. It is essential to carefully review the drying time indicated on the product packaging to ensure it aligns with your specific project requirements, allowing you to achieve the desired results efficiently and effectively.
This can be a game changer if you’re trying to meet a strict deadline. The wood filler should be allowed to dry for hours before sanding, regardless of the instructions on the container. If you start rubbing before the wood filler fully dries, you’ll have uneven coverage and other application problems.
FAQ
Should I use a wood filler before painting?
You should use a wood filler before painting over holes or wood cracks. However, after the wood filler has dried, you should sand it first, apply a primer, and then finally paint over it.
How do you stop fillers from showing in the paint?
To stop fillers from showing in paint, you must smooth and level off any areas where the filler is. The filler needs to be primed before painting so that the paint doesn’t soak in too quickly.
Our Top Pick For a Wood Filler for Painting: Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
Our team’s choice for the best wood filler for painting is the Minwax 42853000. The composition in this water-based filler is created from actual wood fibers [1], so the patch it leaves behind is strong and long-lasting.
It can be used as wood filler indoors or outdoors, and you can also paint and stain it after it dries.
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