Great Gear: Phil's Favorite Filler

When filling blemishes in my painted projects I like to reach for this classic filler that's fast and convenient.
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[@dpvbischoff]

I have a can of that stuff in my workshop that is at least 60 years old. I know that because I was four years old when I watched my Dad use it to patch a hole my Mom burned into our laminate kitchen countertop. I have kept it all these years for nostalgia, but never used it. The label looks ancient, and i dont think it has changed. Sometime last year I had a need for some filler, and I recalled how durable that patch done by my very un-handy Dad was. It looked like crap but it lasted for as long as my parents owned that house. Its the first time I ever used it, and it worked perfectly for my need.

[@gizmobowen]

I inherited some of this from my wife's grandfather. I haven't used it much, but I used it once in a strange application and it is still working, much to my surprise. I needed some counterweights for a temporary video screen that I made out of PVC pipe. In the feet, I put in some gravel and then I poured in some putty to keep the gravel in place. I really didn't think the putty would stick to the pipe, but it's been in their for years and still works perfectly. Thanks for showing me some other applications. I'll have to dig out the can and try it again.

[@tomcovimngtom2254]

I used this product for years . But I added wood glue instead of water, it would dry a lot faster and once it was dry would not come out. I worked in a lumber company in California for 34 years. We did a tons of repairs. Now 76 yrs.old. Wish I was still there.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Now I'm going to have to try that. Interesting idea.

[@tomcovimngtom2254]

Mix in a disposable cup, and mix quickly. It can and will harden right in the cup if not used faster. Used this on wood windows to repairs damage wood. Sand well and paint ...done

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks for the tip, dude! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

You're welcome. Simple is better sometimes.

[@danielgeng2306]

I’ve been using Durhams for 35 or 40 years, great stuff.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Agreed.

[@garyreadler4886]

Thanks for the info Phil, I like that you can mix what you need. Usually, those pre mix cans are way more than I need , then during storage they get hard as a rock in the can and tossed.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Yeah, I got sick of using those tubs a couple times then basically chucking them afterwards cuz it dried out ... or got moldy - that is not pleasant.

[@JimE6243]

I think I remember that stuff in my grandfather's garage from when I was a kid................70 years ago. JimE

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

This stuff has been around for a long time. And it's made right here in Des Moines, IA. Keep the can covered, and this lasts for years and years.

[@johnnyb95678]

I have been using Durham's for years. First found out about it in my uncle's workshop eons ago. This stuff is great! Thank you for sharing.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

You're welcome. It's surprising how long it's been around.

[@kenerickson4923]

I use it all the time. I always have a can in the shop

[@egbluesuede1220]

never saw this before! Wish I had know about this before.....but seems like it's available everywhere and really reasonably priced. Amazing!

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Get the big container. Never run out.

[@TerryYakish]

Right on, Phil. 70 year old woodworker here who learned about Durahm's from my father. Only thing for painted projects. When I was very young we used to actually mold the animal figures like it shows on the can. Like to find an older container. "Rocky" used to be way cooler.

[@pearl7477]

I have been using Durham's for many years, for many of the reasons Phil mentions. I would add, it's not only for painted surfaces! I have made several of my tool stands with a darker wood and for contrast, birch dowels to fill the pocket holes. In those hard to reach areas, I use Durham's to fill the holes. I use a transparent finish, and you cannot tell the difference between the birch dowels and the water putty. Easy to work with, apply, and sand. Buy it once and it will last you a lifetime. Some people use Bondo, but that will dry out. Also, the only product to use for glazing old windows, in my opinion. Everyone needs a can of Durham's.

[@dpmeyer4867]

Cool

[@ron0126]

I wonder if you could add a bit of a powdered aniline dye to tint it?

[@Z22ZINFS]

Would it work on the edge of plywood shelves instead of me gluing on a vernier of wood? Maybe not perfect, but better than just a plywood edge?

[@stevenrayhoward]

I have been using Durham's for over fifty years - first introduced to it by my grandfather when I was just barely 16 - 70 years ago! I've even added stain (water-based - of course), mixed it with glue (just do not like the results - unless a good overcoat of paint was the final covering). Not a better prep for finishing exists IMHO. - Woodprobie

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Here's another one mentioned mixing with glue. Definitely going to try that. The pre-stain idea also interests me.

[@jimbalz3017]

How about cleanup? Does it just peel off silicone, like wood glue, when it's dry?

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

It does peel off silicone. On putty knives and such, I just scrape it off with another knife or a carbide scraper.

[@chrishymen9401]

Any problems with it popping out due to wood movement over time?

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Not that I've experienced. That could perhaps happen if you tried filling a large blemish all at once.

[@stevesclocks]

I used it on some deep screw holes in an outdoor project and several did pop out due to wood movement. The holes were 3/8" in diameter and at least 1/4" deep. The wood moves with moisture at a different rate than the putty. I may try it again using the suggestion above with Titebond III wood glue.

[@catdeddy8427]

Durham’s must have improved the product since I used it over 30 years ago. I was very disappointed then because it shrank and actually became loose in the knot holes.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Interesting. That hasn't been my experience with the stuff I've used over the last 10ish years.

[@LaVernSkarzenski]

To clarify this subject, I just received an email from Lori Troyer, Vice president of sales and marketing for Durham's Water Putty and she assured me it is made in Des Moines, Iowa. She says, "We are aware of the product listing on Amazon that states it is made in China, and are trying to get that corrected, but it is a process! " So I stand corrected. My apologies. LaVern

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

I don't envy trying to get that correction made. The giants are hard to steer.

[@prozack1312]

I’m pretty sure this stuff contains asbestos because it uses some type of talc that is a component of asbestos.

[@WoodsmithShowandmagazine]

Pretty bold generalization.

[@LaVernSkarzenski]

Looks like good stuff. Amazon says it is made in China though.

[@stevenrayhoward]

Surprised? You can bet your britches bottom that it did not originate there... Been around for over 80 years - a LONG time before Nixon opened up the doors to China for western trade (an event which will, eventually (IMHO) be one of the greatest wedges used to destroy the Republic which gives us the freedoms we have come to enjoy). [With apologies to all for my brief venture into controversy!] 🤗

[@LaVernSkarzenski]

@@stevenrayhoward I agree with you completely. I am just saying that it is stated on Amazon that it is made China.

[@GeraldJensen]

Their website says RH Brands, Inc. purchased the Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty product in 2022 and continues to manufacture the putty in Des Moines, IA

[@LaVernSkarzenski]

@@GeraldJensen Perhaps they make it in more than one place. Maybe for worldwide distribution?

[@stevenrayhoward]

@@LaVernSkarzenski In a world where cost is king and labor is expensive, there are certainly interesting things that are done to keep cost of goods sold at a minimum while keeping profits as high as possible. After all, is this not the purpose for a business to exist and the backbone of the motivation that has built the success of our amazing republic?