House improvement projects usually involve minor repairs of holes and gaps in different wooden furniture pieces. To effectively fill damaged areas, a wooden filler is an easy and quick solution we most recommend.
If you’re wondering how long it will take for wood filler to dry, our woodworkers will explain everything you need to know in this guide!
What is Wood Filler Used For?
Wood fillers are commonly used to fill in gaps and holes in different wood pieces. Furthermore, it covers uneven surfaces, scratches, or damaged wood. Once applied, the wood filler can not only result in leveling the wood surface but also provide structural stability.
Differences Between Wood Filler, Wood Putty, and Plastic Wood
Knowing the difference between wood fillers, wood putty, and plastic wood is very useful. These materials can effectively fill holes and cover the wood surface blemish. But one major distinction between wood putty and wood filler is their formula.
Wood putties are usually applied to make the surface smooth. An oil-based wood putty is made from plastic chemicals and petroleum-based compounds and it takes longer to dry. On the other hand, a water-based putty is easy to use and dries up quickly.
On the other hand, wood filler is usually made of pulverized wood byproducts and fibers, and there are two types: water-based wood fillers and oil-based wood fillers.
Furthermore, plastic wood is sometimes referred to as wood putty. Plastic wood is made from a composite material of wood fibers and wood flours.
Drying Time of Wood Filler
Different types of wood fillers have different drying processes. Generally, it takes approximately 15-30 minutes of curing time. However, we highly recommend allowing the filler to dry out completely for a couple of hours.
Drying Time Compared to Wood Putty
A wood putty takes longer to dry than a wood filler. If a wood filler takes approximately 15-30 minutes to dry, a wood putty takes 2 to 8 hours to dry.
(Read this article for a more in-depth comparison between wood filler and wood putty and know how long does it take for wood putty to dry.)
Wood Filler Types
Knowing the different wood filler types can help you decide on the top coat that you will use. Wood fillers are based on two different types:
Oil (or Petroleum)-Based Formula
This is not as popular as water-based ones. But, they are more expensive due to their resistance to heat, water, and cold.
Water-Based Formula
Water-based fillers are an eco-friendly option used to fill gaps in wood. They are free from harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for the environment.
5 Easy Steps to Apply Wood Filler
Not only is wood filler an easy and effective formula that will instantly smoothen wood’s exterior and fill in gaps—it’s very easy to use, too! Here are five easy steps to apply wood filler and effectively fill gaps.
Step #1: Pick a Wood Filler
Choose the appropriate and the best possible wood filler for the gap or blemished wood surface. You can choose between a petroleum-based or water-based wood filler, depending on what you prefer. Alternatively, you can use an oil-based or water-based wood putty.
Step #2: Ensure that the Surface is Even
Make sure to smoothen the surface until it is even. It will result in smooth and beautiful wood finishes.
Step #3: Spread the Filler
Apply and spread the filler unto the surface using a putty knife. Make sure that the hole is completely covered. Remove any excess by scraping it off carefully. We suggest using a dry cloth to clean any excess wood filler.
Step #4: Wait for it to Dry
After applying the wood filler, allow it to completely dry. Then, observe for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours and wait again for it to dry completely and bind to the surface.
Afterward, you can spread multiple applications of the wood filler for larger gaps and create a finished wood.
Step #5: Sand and Even Out the Surface
Once the filled area is completely dried up, smoothen the wooden filler. Proceed to hand sand the area using sandpaper. This method can also effectively remove excess wood fillers.
Drying vs. Curing
Drying and curing [1] are two processes that are different but equally important when applying a wood filler on surfaces. Drying refers to the time it takes to remove moisture from the material and leave the wood stain behind.
Curing, on the other hand, refers to the time it takes it has hardened before you can use the item.
Factors That Determine the Drying Time of Wood Filler
There are different factors to consider to determine how long a filler will take to dry. Important factors include:
#1: Formula
The formula of the wood filler can help you understand and determine the drying period of a wood filler. Water-based fillers will take 30 minutes when applied on shallow surface cracks. oil-based fillers can dry up to 20 minutes and take about eight hours to dry.
#2: Humidity and Moisture
The amount of humidity and moisture can influence the duration it takes for wood fillers to dry. A wet filler takes a longer time to dry. Increased moisture and humidity are going to lead to a longer drying time.
#3: Area Depth
The depth of the gap can determine the time it takes for the filler to dry. Shallow repairs are more manageable.
A hole ¼ inch and less is considered shallow, whereas ¾ of an inch is considered wide. The deeper the gap, the longer the time it takes for wood fillers to dry up.
Also Read: How Long Does Caulk Take To Dry?
How to Speed Up the Drying Time of Wood Filler: 7 Tips
If you are following a tight schedule and need to speed up the drying process, here are our woodworkers’ techniques you can try:
Tip #1: Use During Warmer Weather
You can plan and schedule repairs during warmer weather. Warmer days and ambient temperature increases can shorten the wood filler’s time to dry completely.
Tip #2: Make the Filler Warm Before Application
Before applying the wood filler on a flat wood surface, you can warm it first. The filler dries faster this way.
Tip #3: Spread the Filler in Thin Layers
Thick layers of filler can take a longer time to harden completely. Also, applying a thick layer is less manageable.
You can opt to apply a thin first layer, allow it to dry then apply the next one. Applying thin layers of the filler on the surface also speeds up the time it takes to dry up completely. A thin layer of filler is more manageable to spread.
Tip #4: Sand the Surface First
Clean up any debris to prevent bumps on wood surfaces. You can use sandpaper to sand and result in a smooth surface.
Tip #5: Keep the Surface Clean and Dry
Keeping the wood’s exterior clean and dry will help remove debris. This can help decrease the time it takes for the wood filler to dry. You can use a cloth to keep the surface clean and dry.
Tip #6: Apply a Hardener
Consider applying a hardener to the filler. Hardeners can be found in the market, and some of the most common are epoxy resin.
Tip #7: Dry With a Fan
You can use a fan or a heat gun to allow air circulation and allows the filler to dry quickly. A fan or hairdryer can help decrease humidity and speed up the drying process.
FAQ
What can I use to fill larger holes in wood?
You can use the best wood glues and wood fillers to fill larger holes in wood. There are different wood fillers available in the market.
(You can check out the best wood fillers here!)
Can I remove the wood filler? How can I do so?
You can remove wood filler easily. If you are lucky and the filler is still wet, you can easily remove it with alcohol and scrape it off. If you are dealing with petroleum-based fillers, make sure to wear protective gloves.
What paint should I use over the filler?
You can add any type of paint over the filler. Simply make sure the filler is completely dried before applying coats of paint for a professional wood finish. But how about staining? Is wood filler stainable? Let’s answer this question next.
Conclusion
For home repairs involving wood, we recommend planning ahead and purchasing the necessary materials before commencing a project. Thus, you must know how long it takes for wood filler to dry so you can follow your project timeline.
Wood fillers are great for repairing a damaged woodworking project, but you must also be mindful of several factors to utilize them best.
Also Read: The Best Drillable Wood Fillers in 2023
- Black+Decker MM2000 Review — Is This Lawn Mower Worth it? (2023) - September 29, 2023
- Dewalt DWE575SB Review (2023) — Is it Worth it? - September 24, 2023
- DeWalt DCS369B Review (2023) — Cutting Edge Precision and More - September 23, 2023
