A Technical Guide to Wood Putty and Wood Filler

A technical comparison of wood filler and wood putty, detailing their composition, use cases, and application methods for interior and exterior repairs.
Disclaimer: The images featured on this page are for illustrative purposes and do not depict actual historical events, people, or places.

This guide explains the key differences between wood filler and wood putty. It covers their chemical compositions, physical properties, and correct applications to help you choose the right product for any wood repair project.

Wood Filler vs. Wood Putty: The Core Distinction

The terms "wood putty" and "wood filler" are often used interchangeably due to inconsistent marketing, leading to failed repairs. The functional difference is based on their chemical composition and when they are used in a project.

Wood filler is a hard-drying, sandable compound applied to bare, unfinished wood to fill defects before staining or painting. 1 In contrast, wood putty is a non-hardening, pliable compound used for minor cosmetic touch-ups on wood that is already finished. 2 Understanding this distinction is essential for durable, high-quality results. 5

Key Takeaway: The single most important difference is timing: Wood Filler is applied before finishing (sanding, staining, painting), while Wood Putty is applied after finishing for minor cosmetic touch-ups.
A side-by-side comparison of a tub of wood filler and a container of wood putty.

Composition and Properties

The behavior of wood fillers and putties is determined by their core ingredients. Bulking agents provide substance, while binders and suspension mediums dictate hardness, curing, and finish compatibility.

Wood Filler

Wood filler repairs imperfections like cracks and gouges in unfinished wood. It cures to a hard solid that can be sanded flush, becoming a permanent part of the wood before finishing. 1

Chemical Composition

Wood filler contains bulking agents suspended in a binder, which determines the filler's category and performance.

Curing Mechanism

The hardening method depends on the binder system.

A person using a putty knife to apply wood filler into a crack on an unfinished piece of wood.

Physical Properties and Packaging

Wood fillers are sold as thick pastes in tubs, tubes, or two-part kits. 15, 20 The product is overfilled slightly to account for shrinkage and allow for sanding to a flush surface. 1

Wood Putty

Wood putty is a cosmetic product for minor touch-ups on finished surfaces. Its formula prioritizes flexibility and color matching over structural strength. 1

Chemical Composition

Wood putty contains no wood fibers and uses a non-hardening base. It is typically a pliable, oil-based or synthetic compound containing oils, calcium carbonate, and color pigments. 6, 31

Curing Mechanism

Wood putty is formulated to be non-hardening . 1 It remains permanently soft and pliable, though its surface may form a skin over time. 1 This flexibility allows it to accommodate wood's natural expansion and contraction without cracking. 1

Physical Properties and Packaging

Wood putty is sold as a dense, clay-like material in small tubs or as crayon-like sticks. 1 It comes pre-colored to match common wood stain tones. 3 Application involves pressing the putty into a defect and wiping the excess cleanly from the finished surface. 1

At-a-Glance Comparison

Attribute Wood Filler Wood Putty
Application Stage Pre-finish (on bare or primed wood) Post-finish (on stained, painted, or sealed wood)
Composition Base Wood fibers/minerals in a water-, solvent-, or epoxy-based binder 8 Oil-based or plastic compounds with pigments; no wood fibers 6
Curing Mechanism Hardens via evaporation or chemical reaction 18 Non-hardening; remains pliable, may form a surface skin 3
Final State Hard, rigid, structural 1 Soft, flexible, non-structural 1
Sandable Yes, designed to be sanded flush 1 No, sanding will smear the material and damage the finish 31
Stainable Yes (performance varies by fiber content) 1 No, non-porous base repels stain 2
Paintable Yes, after sanding and priming 15 Yes (some types), after skinning over; may require oil primer 31
Primary Use Repairing gouges, cracks, and holes in unfinished wood 1 Filling nail holes and minor scratches in finished wood 1
Common Formats Tubs, squeeze tubes, two-part kits 17 Small tubs, crayon-like sticks 1

Performance Characteristics

The compositional differences between wood filler and putty lead to distinct performance characteristics. Selecting the correct product depends on the project's structural and aesthetic requirements.

Hardness, Sandability, and Structural Integrity

Wood filler hardens to integrate with the wood, while wood putty remains soft for cosmetic use.

Critical Warning: Never attempt to sand wood putty. It is a non-hardening material that will smear and permanently damage the surrounding finish. Its purpose is purely cosmetic concealment on an already-finished surface.

Flexibility and Durability

A product's durability is relative to its ability to handle environmental stress, primarily dimensional changes in wood from temperature and humidity shifts.

Paint and Stain Compatibility

A product's ability to accept a finish is determined by its chemical composition and cured state.

Practical Application Guide

Choosing the right product requires matching its properties to the repair scenario. The correct choice depends on the project stage, location, defect size, and material.

Interior Applications

Interior woodwork requires solutions for both preparing new installations and touching up finished pieces.

Exterior Applications

Exterior products must withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations that cause wood to expand and contract. 33

A rotted exterior window sill being repaired with a two-part epoxy wood filler.
Pro Tip for Rot Repair: Before applying epoxy filler to rotted wood, always remove all decayed material and then apply a liquid epoxy consolidant (wood hardener). This stabilizes the remaining wood fibers and ensures a permanent, structural bond with the filler.

Flooring Repairs

The correct product depends on whether the floor is being installed or is already finished.

A professional applying trowelable wood filler across an entire unfinished hardwood floor to fill gaps.

Substrate Compatibility

Product Selection Matrix

Repair Scenario Recommended Product Type Key Rationale Example Brands
Nail holes in new, unpainted interior trim Water-Based Wood Filler Low odor, sandable, paintable 12 Elmer's ProBond, DAP Plastic Wood-X
Gouge in a finished oak table Color-Matched Wood Putty Post-finish, non-sanding, cosmetic fix 3 Minwax Wood Putty, DAP Plastic Wood Putty
Rotted exterior window sill Two-Part Epoxy Filler (with Wood Hardener) Structural, waterproof, weather-resistant, durable 22 Abatron WoodEpox, Minwax High Performance, Bondo
Gaps in unfinished hardwood floor (full refinish) Trowelable Wood Filler Fills entire surface, sands off with floor, pre-finish 33 DuraSeal Trowelable Wood Filler, Woodwise Wood Patch
Nail holes in painted exterior siding Exterior-Rated Painter's Putty Flexible for wood movement, paintable, post-finish 1 DAP '53' Professional Painter's Putty
Stripped screw hole in a door hinge Two-Part Epoxy Filler or DIY Glue/Sawdust Hardens to hold new threads, structural strength 20 KwikWood, Bondo, Homemade
Minor scratch on a polyurethane-coated floor Color-Matched Putty Stick Cosmetic, non-sanding, does not damage finish 1 Minwax Putty Stick, Guardsman Filler Sticks
Filling nail holes in white PVC trim PVC-Specific Cellular Filler Bonds to plastic, remains flexible for thermal expansion 24 PVC trim cements, Two-part acrylic fillers

Application, Troubleshooting, and Safety

A successful repair requires correct product selection, proper application technique, and an understanding of safety protocols.

Safety equipment for wood repair projects, including gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask.

Application Methods and Troubleshooting

Proper technique is critical for a durable and invisible repair.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations

These products contain chemicals that require safety protocols and proper disposal.

Safety First: Always check the product label for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Use solvent-based and two-part epoxy fillers only in well-ventilated areas or outdoors, and wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to protect against harmful fumes and sanding dust.

Market and Cost Analysis

Market trends focus on safety and performance, influencing product cost and value. A product's true value depends on its coverage, shelf life, and long-term performance.

New Technologies

Cost and Value

Conclusion: Summary for a House-Painting Project

For a typical house-painting project, your choice depends on the timing. Before painting, use a water-based wood filler to fill holes in bare or primed wood. Sand it smooth, then prime and paint for a durable, invisible repair.

If you find a small hole after you have already painted, do not use filler, as sanding would ruin the new finish. Instead, use a white, paintable painter's putty . Press it into the hole, wipe away the excess, and touch up the spot with your trim paint for a quick, clean fix.

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