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Over time, every home’s furniture, walls, and baseboards get nicks and cracks. But, wood fillers help hide the appearance of cuts and cracks in wood trim and furniture, but they are also frequently used to fill in gaps that remain after putting up drywall or installing a new door frame. The best way to ensure that guests never notice is to invest in a stainable product that has a texture similar to that of the adjacent wood.
Read on for some of the best stainable wood fillers on the market, one of which is bound to be perfect for your next project.
- BEST OVERALL: Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler, 16-Ounce
- BEST VALUE: FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Pint, Natural
- BEST FOR TOUCH-UPS: J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick
- BEST FOR DECKS: Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
- BEST FOR PINE: Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler
- BEST FOR RED OAK: Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
- BEST GYPSUM BASED: Donald Durhams 4-Pound Rockhard Water Putty
- BEST EPOXY BASED: PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste
- BEST LATEX BASED: DAP 8135 Plastic Wood Latex Natural Hp Raw
- BEST CELLULOSE BASED: Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler, 3.25-Ounce
Types of Stainable Wood Fillers
The four basic types of stainable wood fillers are categorized by their formulas: gypsum-based, epoxy-based, vinyl-based, and cellulose-based.
Gypsum-based
Gypsum-based stainable wood fillers are typically used for indoor repairs to fill gaps in baseboards and drywall. This type of filler is made out of gypsum dust that must be mixed with water to create the paste. Once the filler has dried, it is no longer pliable. Instead, it takes on a similar consistency to hardwood or even rock, in some cases.
Gypsum-based wood fillers are the most affordable type of filler. Because these fillers are susceptible to water damage, even after the filler has dried, they shouldn’t be used in locations where they may be exposed to moisture.
Epoxy-based
Epoxy wood fillers are the most durable and resistant, but they also require the most preparation before they’re ready to use. For the epoxy to have the desired consistency and adhesion, the two parts must be mixed together following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the epoxy is mixed, it can be applied to the affected area.
Epoxy-based wood fillers are ideal for use in outdoor conditions, as they can expand and contract with changing temperatures. Because of their natural water resistance, they’re also the best-suited fillers to seal the wall or foundation of a home against wind and rain.
Latex-based
Latex-based stainable wood fillers are commonly used for outdoor locations because they require less initial preparation than epoxies. They also set very quickly after they have been applied and are usually water-resistant within an hour. Latex fillers are also easy to work with, so they’re useful for fixing holes, repairing gouges, rebuilding portions of rotted wood, and repairing your outdoor furniture.
When latex-based fillers have fully dried, they have a rigid consistency like hardwood. This consistency allows you to use sandpaper on the filler to create a smooth finish. You can also drive nails or fasten screws through it without damaging the repair, which attests to the durability of latex-based formulas.
Cellulose-based
These fillers are officially known as cellulose-based stainable wood fillers, but these terms are rarely seen on product packaging. Instead, cellulose-based fillers’ packaging will indicate that they contain real wood fibers. Compared to latex-based fillers and epoxies, these wood fillers are relatively inexpensive. Because they are water soluble, they can be mixed with stain to create a richly colored material before application.
Some cellulose-based fillers can be used outdoors, but others are strictly for indoor use. Be sure to consult the product’s directions to verify how and where the filler can be used.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stainable Wood Filler
Before choosing a stainable wood filler to renew the look of old furniture or to fix baseboards, consider important factors like drying time and the quantity of filler required. Once you have a better idea of your requirements, you’ll be able to find the best stainable wood filler for your project.
Project
The type of project will determine which stainable wood filler best suits your needs. Factors like preparation time, the amount of filler required, and any constraints about drying time (like impending rain) should all inform the product choice.
- Indoor projects can range from filling a gap between baseboards to touching up a piece of fine wooden furniture. Though any suitable wood filler can be used for indoor projects like these, epoxy fillers would be the last-resort choice, as they take much longer to prepare and to dry after use than the other formulations.
- Outdoor projects that require a stainable wood filler might include fixing gouges in a fence, repairing cracks in a deck, or sealing up holes in a home’s exterior wall to protect from the elements. The best choice for projects like these is an epoxy-based, stainable wood filler. For smaller repairs, it’s fine to use a latex-based filler or even a cellulose-based filler that is rated for exterior use.
Versatility
Most wood fillers are sold in small containers, each with a specialized purpose for one kind of minor repair or another. If you’re in renovation mode and will need a lot of stainable wood filler to complete a long list of projects, it’s best to invest in a bulk wood filler product that has a wide range of applications.
Before purchasing a large quantity of stainable wood filler, confirm whether it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Also consider how malleable the filler is before it dries, the manufacturer’s recommended uses for the product, and the consistency of the filler when it has fully cured. For instance, it’s a good idea to use an epoxy-based, stainable wood filler to fix a hole in an exterior wall because epoxy best adapts to temperature fluctuations.
Quantity
The quantity of wood filler required will depend on the scope of the project. The good news is that wood-filler manufacturers sell their products in a variety of quantities, from miniscule to a bucketful, so you won’t have to pay for a ton of filler just to repair a few scratches.
For minor repairs, there are stainable wood fillers that come in a form similar to a crayon, allowing you to fill shallow cracks by simply swiping the filler material over them. Stainable wood filler packages between 8 to 16 ounces are appropriate for mid-size projects, like touching up the gaps after replacing the baseboards in a home. Any fillers that exceed this quantity are best for larger projects, like renovating an entire room or repairing an old deck or fence.
Drying Time
Be sure to note the approximate drying time of the stainable wood filler to determine exactly how long you have to complete a repair and smooth out the area before the filler hardens. Some products dry very quickly, which is convenient for outdoor applications, as it’s important for the filler to dry before it’s exposed to rain or snow.
When using stainable wood filler to repair a larger section of wood, it’s best to use a product that takes a while to dry; this will allow time to make the repair and form the filler into the desired shape. Drying time varies from product to product, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s directions to determine the drying time for a stainable wood filler.
Our Top Picks
The products below are our top picks for some of the best stainable wood fillers based on quality, price, and the shopping considerations mentioned above. Whatever your wood project’s requirements, there’s a stainable wood filler below that fits the bill.
Best Overall
Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler, 16-Ounce
Because this 16-ounce container of wood filler can be used with both oil-based and water-based wood stains, it’s possible to find a suitable stain color to match any wood. After application, the Minwax filler dries within 15 minutes. When it dries, the filler takes on the consistency of wood, allowing you to drill, stain, paint, sand, or fasten screws or nails through the filler.
This latex-based product comes pre-mixed and ready to use, so you won’t need to spend time mixing ingredients together before starting on your project. To apply, simply scoop up an appropriate amount on a putty knife and apply it to the scratch or gouge that needs repaired.
Minwax is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor projects, including repairing fences, touching up baseboards, sealing window and door frames, and fixing furniture.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex-based
- Quantity: 16 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Pros
- Suitable for oil- and water-based wood stains
- Can be drilled, stained, painted, sanded, and for fastening screws
- Pre-mixed formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Some users report poor stainability
Get the Minwax wood filler on Amazon or at Lowe’s.
Best Value
FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Pint, Natural
FamoWood’s latex-based wood filler is an excellent bulk pack of filler for finishing a basement or repairing old hardwood floors. This 24-ounce bucket of latex-based stainable wood filler goes on easily and is resistant to cracking and shrinking. The filler is solvent-free, so there are no strong odors during application.
FamoWood filler can be used inside or outside of the home on a variety of projects, including touching up baseboards, fixing holes in a fence, or repairing wooden furniture. The formula is environmentally safe and dries in just 15 minutes. Once it has dried, the filler will mimic the strength and feel of wood. It can be stained, sawed, drilled, sanded, planed, painted, or have nails and screws driven through it.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex-based
- Quantity: 24 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Pros
- Solvent-free formula
- Does not crack or shrink
- Can be altered after application
Cons
- Some users found this filler hard ot apply
Get the FamoWood wood filler on Amazon or at eBay.
Best For Touch-Ups
J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick
Scratches, dents, and nicks occur frequently around the home, and they’re usually not large enough to warrant a full bucket of wood filler. However, once enough of those little imperfections have accumulated, you’ll want to fix them. This J-B Weld epoxy-based stainable wood filler is affordable and comes in a small quantity, so you won’t have to pay for a bucket’s worth of filler that will go unused.
The 3.5-inch-long tube of filler has two separate parts of an epoxy formula. Once kneaded together in your hands, they can be applied to wood surfaces in need of repair. The filler takes between 15 to 25 minutes to set and a full hour to cure. Once it has cured, the filler can be stained, drilled, or sanded to achieve the look you want.
Product Specs
- Type: Epoxy-based
- Quantity: 1 ounce
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 to 25 minutes
Pros
- Suitable for small nicks, cracks, scratches, and nail holes
- Easy to apply
- Can be stained, drilled, or sanded after cured
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some users report limited effectiveness
Get the J-B Weld wood filler on Amazon or at Lowe’s.
Best For Decks
Abatron WoodEpox Epoxy Wood Replacement Compound
The Abatron WoodEpox epoxy-based wood filler will protect any deck from water damage. Because it’s resistant to mold, mildew, rot, and water, the holes, scratches, and gouges filled in the deck will not collect moisture.
The epoxy comes in two separate containers that are mixed in equal parts to produce 12 ounces of filler. Once the stainable wood filler is dry, it will remain permanently bonded to the wood around it and will not shrink over time or with changing weather conditions. The dried filler can also be sanded, painted, and stained to ensure a uniform appearance.
Product Specs
- Type: Epoxy-based
- Quantity: 12 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 1 to 3 hours
Pros
- Resists mold, mildew, moisture, and rot
- Will not shrink or crack
- Suitable for sanding, painting, and staining
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires mixing before use
Get the Abatron wood filler at Walmart.
Best For Pine
Timbermate Maple/Beech/Pine Hardwood Wood Filler
Instead of completely replacing your pine furniture, save time and money by repairing it with this cellulose-based, stainable wood filler. Because it contains real wood particles, it leaves a realistic wooden finish on pine, maple, or beech wood when it dries.
Timbermate wood filler dries just 15 minutes after application. However, it doesn’t dry permanently until you have applied a finish, like a stain or paint. If you’re unhappy with the first application, you can wet the filler to make it pliable again, reform it, allow it to dry, and then stain or paint it. This filler comes in an 8-ounce jar.
Product Specs
- Type: Cellulose-based
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Pros
- Realistic wood finish
- Suitable for pine, maple, and beech wood
- Can be reformed after application
Cons
- Limited water resistance
- Requires finish to dry completely
Get the Timbermate wood filler on Amazon.
Best For Red Oak
Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
Red oak can be difficult to repair if not using the right product. This filler is a great way to touch up red oak surfaces, like hardwood flooring or fine furniture. The cellulose-based, stainable wood filler has a finish that resembles the grain and color of natural red oak. If the initial color doesn’t quite match the existing flooring or furniture, the filler can be mixed with stains, tints, pigments, or dyes to achieve the perfect shade.
The stainable wood filler has excellent adhesion to wood surfaces and dries within 15 minutes of application. Once dry, the filler doesn’t shrink or crack, so your red oak will always look great. This filler is intended for indoor use, though it can be used outdoors if mixed with water-based, weather-resistant glue.
Product Specs
- Type: Cellulose-based
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Pros
- Suitable for furniture and hardwood flooring
- Can be mixed with stains, tints, pigments, and dyes
- Does not shrink or crack once adhered to wood surfaces
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Outdoor use requires mixing with a water-based glue
Get the Goodfilla grain filler on Amazon.
Best Gypsum-Based
Donald Durhams 4-Pound Rockhard Water Putty
This gypsum-based stainable wood filler comes in a 4-pound can and can be used to fix holes and cracks in wood. Because it dries to a rock-like consistency after having been mixed with water, it can also be used to repair plaster, stone, and even concrete. Once applied, the filler will not shrink, so there won’t be any gaps in the surface of the wood.
Donald Durhams is durable and resists breaking and cracking. To achieve a great color that matches the appearance of the existing furniture, windows, doors, walls, or floors, mix in a stain with the filler powder.
Product Specs
- Type: Gypsum-based
- Quantity: 4 pounds
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 5 minutes
Pros
- Ample quantity provided
- Suitable for wood, plaster, stone, and concrete
- Does not break or crack
- Can be mixed with stain and filler powder
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Donald Durhams wood filler at Walmart.
Best Epoxy Based
PC Products PC-Woody Wood Repair Epoxy Paste
Apply this epoxy-based stainable wood filler to a deck, fence, porch, mailbox post, door, window, or any other wood surfaces that need repair. It can also be used on some plastic surfaces, though it won’t bond to wax paper, Teflon, or polyethylene. While P.C. Woody can be used indoors, this product is best for outdoor applications, as it is resistant to mildew, dry rot, UV light, freshwater, and saltwater.
The epoxy-based filler comes in two separate cans that need to be mixed together before use; you should only mix as much filler as you need for a single use. The wood filler remains pliable for up to 40 minutes before drying, but takes a full 24 hours to completely cure. At that point, you can sand, paint, or stain the filler.
Product Specs
- Type: Epoxy-based
- Quantity: 12 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 40 minutes to 24 hours
Pros
- Can be used on wood and some plastic surfaces
- Resists to mildew, dry rot, UV light, freshwater, and saltwater
- Pliable for 40 minutes
- Suitable for sanding, painting, and staining
Cons
- Requires mixing before use
- Not suitable for wax paper, polyethylene, and Teflon
Get the PC Products wood filler on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Best Latex Based
DAP 8135 Plastic Wood Latex Natural Hp Raw
Touch up or repair narrow cracks, gouges, and scratches in your furniture, doors, floors, windows, and other wooden surfacesusing this 8-ounce container of latex-based wood filler. It dries within 15 minutes of application and is resistant to shrinking, cracking, and crumbling. Once the filler has dried, it looks and feels like real wood, and can be further enhanced by staining to match the surrounding wood.
DAP Plastic Wood comes ready to use, so you won’t have to spend time mixing before starting a project on damaged wood. It has a thick consistency that is easy to apply with a putty knife. After the filler has dried, you can fasten screws and nails to the wood just as you would before the repair.
Product Specs
- Type: Latex-based
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
Pros
- Resists shrinking, cracking, and crumbling
- Ready-to-use formula
- Easy to apply
- Can be stained, nailed, and screwed into
Cons
- Some users report that this filler does not hold stain well
Get the DAP 8135 wood filler at The Home Depot.
Best Cellulose Based
Elmer's E887Q Stainable Wood Filler, 3.25-Ounce
Cellulose-based, stainable wood fillers like this one from Elmer’s are excellent for repairing damaged wood because they are made using fibers that imitate the feel and appearance of real wood. This product can be used indoors for a variety of purposes or outdoors for minor repairs like scuffs, cracks, and nail holes.
The stainable wood filler is durable when it dries and resists shrinking and cracking. Once dry, it can be sanded, stained, painted, or drilled, just as you would real wood. The filler is pre-mixed and comes in a resealable tube, making it easy to take care of small jobs as they arise without the product drying up.
Product Specs
- Type: Cellulose-based
- Quantity: 3.25 ounces
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both
- Drying Time: Up to 24 hours
Pros
- Suitable for minor indoor and outdoor repairs
- Does not shrink or crack
- Can be sanded, stained, painted, or drilled once dry
- Pre-mixed formula
Cons
- No specific drying time listed
Get the Elmer’s E887Q wood filler on Amazon or at Walmart.
Our Verdict
For a reliable wood filler that works on large indoor and outdoor projects, look no further than the latex-based Minwax wood filler. Coming in a 16-ounce container, this filler is pre-mixed and can be altered or adjusted after its 15-minute drying time. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option that is great for small fixes, the epoxy-based J-B Weld wood filler is easy to apply on small nicks, cracks, and scuffs on your indoor and outdoor wood surfaces.
How We Chose the Best Stainable Wood Fillers
We researched the top stainable wood fillers for repairing furniture, flooring, and more and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, quantity, drying time, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by select brands.
To ensure our list was as broad as possible, we included latex-, epoxy-, gypsum-, and cellulose-based wood fillers with quantities per product ranging from 1 ounce to 4 pounds to tackle large and small projects. For ease of use and application, many of these products take only 15 minutes to dry while others can take up to 24 hours to fully cure. Plus, select products can be used on wood, plaster, stone, and concrete and come solvent-free and pre-mixed.
After fully cured, many of these stainable fillers can be stained, painted, sanded, drilled or nailed into, or even be used to fasten screws. For those wood fillers that can be used outdoors, each brand has ensured that the filler is mold-, mildew-, and moisture-resistant and will not shrink or crack.
FAQs
If you still have questions about how to select the right stainable wood filler for your project, review the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Q: How do you apply wood filler?
The easiest way to apply wood filler is to use a putty knife. Begin pressing the filler into the top of the affected area and slowly press the filler into the repair, overfilling if necessary. After the crack, gouge, or scratch is filled, but before the filler dries, use the putty knife to remove the excess filler so it’s flush with the surface.
Q: How do you prepare a wood filler?
Some wood fillers, including epoxy-based and powder fillers, have to be mixed before they can be used. To prepare the stainable wood filler, carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This usually involves mixing two parts of an epoxy together or mixing water with a powder filler.
Q: How do you stain wood filler?
After sanding your wood and preparing the repaired area, apply the stain directly to the filler using a small paintbrush, or stain the entire piece of wood and the filler together for a more uniform look.
If you have concerns about how the stain will look on the filler when it dries, test it out first on a scrap piece of wood. When the filler on the scrap wood is dry, test the stain so that you know how it will look before you commit to staining your furniture, floor, or any other wooden surface.
Q: What is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?
The main difference between wood putty and wood filler is that putty typically remains somewhat pliable, which allows it to shrink and expand with the cold. This makes wood putty suitable for filling large gaps in a wall. Wood filler hardens to a consistency that’s similar to wood because it contains sawdust and wood fibers. Wood putty is made primarily of plastics.
