Putty Wood Filler HEAD-TO-HEAD | Which Is The Best Wood Filler?

[@NickLuker]

This review is deficient. There was no taste test. But, maybe that's because I deal with a toddler all day, and everything goes in her mouth. It's also, probably, why my vocabulary shrunk from thousands of words to 5: "stop," "no," and "don't do that." I'm sure tee-spring can whip up some "I love the smell of Band-Aids in the shop" shirts.

[@Craftswright]

YOU SIR....get a pinned comment lol

[@NickLuker]

@@Craftswright I can now die happy, satisfied and fulfilled 😂

[@gamingastronaut517]

I recommend the glaze one ;)

[@princealladin5428]

A1

[@Momo_Gt]

Well explained 👏 👌

[@lbutleriii]

1. Spreadability - 1:05 2. Sandability - 2:43 3. Tintability - 3:37 4. Durability - 5:50 5. Cost - 6:43 6. Smell - 8:28 7. Review - 10:43 8. His pick - 12:40

[@cheymelinda]

If the drydex spreads so well why does it dry and crumble immediately after I touch it?? Am I doing it wrong? Even with a puddy knife, it just pulls itself put ofbthe holes.

[@mrs.conscious]

Bless u!!!

[@hstone0808]

A gentleman and scholar!

[@jacquelynharper3659]

I have good interior window sills but due to rain and denting over the years they need to be revamped. I am looking to use a good wood filler for the interior wood, easy to sand, prime and paint. What would you recommend? Preventing from cracking and moisture in the future?

[@strongspear1918]

I have used DAP Plastic Wood without any problems. If you moisten the putty knife or whatever you're using to apply it with a little water, it goes on smooth and doesn't clump.

[@cerir4033]

I've tried that, and tried pressing it in with a teflon type plastic sheet... still behaved crumbly and didn't feel as solid as wood when it dried. I wonder if we are getting old product from local stores?

[@tagpopper4520]

Ty

[@codywright6696]

OK bro.You got me... Lol!! I really didn't think I was going to find a video about wood fillers that I would want to watch all the way through, but the stars have aligned and here it is. You keep bringing up the "silver bullet/unicorn" maybe, just maybe... it's your youtube channel. Lol!! Great video brother! Maybe we could get together sniff some Timber mate and make fun of things someday.. #Subscribed

[@Craftswright]

Sorry this comment got snagged in the spam filter, not sure why, it's from a fellow Cody so it's gotta be good right?! haha Cheers brotha!

[@danalaniz7314]

This is really an excellent video - so much great information in so short a time. I'm on a project where the filler is really important and this is extremely helpful. I guessed the Famowood would be your pick because it was mine early on in the video. I also agree with everything you said about the wood "icing" spackling. I've used it on the bottom of stuff but it looks delicious in the container! I'll definitely subscribe and start working through your other videos. Thanks a lot.

[@LewHarriman]

Beautiful summary! Thanks so much. Everything you found is consistent with my more limited experience, and it sure helps to have a more informed opinion to confirm it. (..And I sure understand the emotional attachment to nasty VOC's... some of my fondest memories from College is the distinctive aroma of Watco Danish Oil finally going onto solid walnut furniture. As one of my classmates put it.. "Putting the oil on at the end of a long project is better than eating dessert!")

[@TyyDaymon]

Love this review lots of facts quick to the point the info I need without a lot of fluff....no one I see is this direct with experience. I love timbermate because you can thin with water mix the pre colored fillers, they never go bad, easy to same and yes the smell is awesome white timbermate has the strongest smell use the precolored one.

[@Craftswright]

I never would have thought that the smell would differ among the tints, that's intriguing. I intended it to be even shorter and to the point, but I also have a tendency to ramble 😂 I think if I had to choose, I would go Famowood latex, but if I didn't have any and my tub of Timbermate was there, I wouldn't hesitate to use it either. Both are pretty great

[@Seeker3876]

Thank you for the review. I really like Timbermate filler. I like how it takes stain. You have piqued my interest in trying Famowood. Plastic wood is the worst filler I have ever worked with.

[@metalworks8189]

Finally someone who reviews for something more than just filling holes. I've been looking for advice on grain filler for oak. This is great!

[@Victoria-pf7hc]

I think you are going to pick the famo one. Great review, exactly what I was looking for and didn't think existed.

[@edwardsmolinsky8401]

I like WOODWISE a water based wood filler which comes in 16 different colors. It’s easy to apply, since easily

[@JamieR2077]

Ok I'm glad I'm not the only one that struggles with plastic wood...

[@Craftswright]

I know, I know, I said "lightning fast review" TWICE.... and then proceed to ramble on for 10 minutes, BUT, at least there's good information in those ramblings 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@guitarsofold100]

I use the wood dust and the finish medium I will finish with..ie shellac or lacquer as the adhesive medium perfect marriage !

[@reacakes]

THANK YOU! I bought the Famowood and Bondo after watching your review. And I definitely found my magical unicorn wood filler 😂. I was EXTREMELY impressed with the Famowood after using plastic wood and Elmer's. The bondo, I had to get for the versatility and durability. Just a tip.. I've been using a wood / metal file to smooth my bondo down and it makes the sanding process feel effortless.

[@chrisbronson5341]

I would love to know Which is the best wood filler for wooden floor pranks that have shrunk Over time and leave a space between the boards .

[@garychen483]

Can I mix tide bond with DAP wood filler? Thanks

[@workforit2270]

If you are in a cold climate area. Bondo will allow spreading time for about 7 minutes. Noticed in summer time (dry/100+ hot) spreading time is 1¹/² minutes.

[@jojo9b859]

Put less hardener

[@workforit2270]

Hardener is distributed by the amount of past. So if you have a little bit of past and allot of hardner it becomes easy to crack. (It's to hard, especially in changing environments that need fluctuations) If you use allot of past and little harder, yes-easily to smooth out. But will gum up when Sanding. Your logic is understood. But your danimic of chemistry with chemical reaction seems to be naive.

[@mikesmusicden]

The DAP Plastic Wood is a lot better than you give it credit for. I've used it for several projects and have had very good results. Dip the spatula or trowel n water before dipping into the product for better spreading.

[@NaNana-ey6jk]

Thank you so much for your help!

[@europaeuropa3673]

Outdoor use. UV affect the filler?

[@ArianaWoods112]

I know I’m late, but from what I’m seeing, if your bondo is drying too fast to work with you’re probably adding to much hardener.

[@johnfranchina84]

Correct, I adjust the amount of hardener to suit the purpose. For a deeper hole the first batch can be quick set and a a bit rough as you are not going to sand it and also, being “rough” spread, will allow the final slow setting batch to key in and spread easy and requiring very little sanding. But he is right, there is no silver bullet and I appreciate all the effort he has made to make this video.

[@eunicom]

Which wood filler would you recommend for an outdoor use like on a porch post? I previously used the Plastic Wood water based filler to fill in my post then primed and painted over. It’s been almost a year now and it’s cracking and peeling off. Would hate to remove it all and start from scratch.

[@RepairRenovateRenew]

i would say use wood hardener before applying the filler so that there isnt as much water penetration, based on comments ive seen trying to get answers for a similar question.

[@hooliator]

You didn't talk about drillability or screwability. If I need to rescrew at a particular point, which wood filler would work best for that?

[@abdomination]

and now I'm leaving the video. thanks haha

[@AshtonMontage]

The wood glue and saw dust mixture is my vote for most drill-able and screw-able. Otherwise, Bondo.

[@feyrband]

Glue and dowel/toothpicks/golf tee. Then your pick for going over that if you want

[@AshtonMontage]

Durham’s “Rock Hard Water Putty” should have been on the table for consideration in this review. It’s really an amazing wood filler for projects to be sanded and painted. Found it at Home Depot.

[@madusonkeeper]

I saw this and wondered about it

[@cerir4033]

thank you, never noticed it... looks like local h depot has it (one of the worst websites ever, every item I search, wants to take me to stock in a city hours away). Thank you

[@gekkogordon]

I recently used LePage Wood Filler a small can like the DAP. I applied it directly and the only thing I can say for now is too strong! Toxic level, I was wearing a clinical mask and P95 mask for paint smokes and still was too strong! I was applying it into plywood floor and I just left the window opened and I hope tomorrow the smell goes away and I expect it does the job! I used it on my bedroom floor which I will cover with vinyl flooring in the following days! Is it normal?

[@katiewertman5515]

Have you used the Bondo wood filler? I don't know if that's a newer product or not but I'm having trouble finding review videos of it.

[@danddb2]

I’m a relatively inexperienced woodworker (which probably makes me a power user of products that are made to cover things up) but I was surprised to find that I’ve never seen some of the products you reviewed. I normally shop for these type products at Home Depot or Lowes and I don’t recall ever seeing the Famowood or Timber Mate products. I was also surprised that you didn’t include Elmers brand wood filler or Minwax wood filler. Are these brands not used by experienced woodworkers? I enjoyed your review in any case.

[@tracysmith9934]

Yes, I was surprised 😯, by not seeing Minwax also, which I will be using to fill in plywood and joists that's been wet from roof leaking for years, . Quick fix till I can afford to replace the lumber and plywood,.Great video , I learned not to inquire about some of the products that you reviewed

[@johnjomp]

Timbermate adds some fungicide to their awesome product. That's the smell folks are complaining about.

[@Craftswright]

I've heard that's what it is too, because it's a water based product. Whatever it is I like the way it smells haha

[@brunoraffo6726]

Thanks. Great and usefull review!

[@spruce_goose_]

Great job. Thank you.

[@egamel951]

Do you have one you recommend for being painted?

[@qnina2007]

Awesome. UNSPONSORED=real opinion=only good reason to watch. Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@everyday_truth]

Famowood comes in 24 oz tubs at $0.37 cents per oz currently at Menards

[@savageredbeard]

I use Bondo lightly now. Bondo is rock hard, but also a PITA to sand. I'd stick to using it on doors or something like that but not expanding or external wood. I use that exact wood glue, religiously but not with sawdust, just as a glue. Also, fyi, I used Bondo on a 1x4, it fell off my ladder and split like a banana.; just food for thought.

[@keithhupp5995]

Does any of it smell like pine?

[@VashStarwind]

This is one of the best videos on wood filler, everyone else says you gotta buy some expensive special made filler, as long as it fills grain it works! haha. One thing I wanted to point out with bondo, which i use all the time, is if you want it to harden slower, use less hardener, just dont use too little other wise it wont harden all the way, but if you use less, and mix it more, usually you can get about a 30min spreading time out of it if you get the ratio right, just do some smaller scale experiments before working on your work piece, cause it is a pain to get off if you dont put enough hardener in and it doesnt harden all the way.

[@DarknessLPs]

I think a good way to add to these videos would either be to cut in an example of you using the product in the described manner (spreading, sanding, tinting, etc.) and I think it would also be great to assign a numeric value (1-10) in each category on screen as you go through and then at the end you have a logical rating scale to say "this is what I think is the best/worst overall" Edit: An additional category that would be great is the value. I say that because you could have the best of the best product but if something that works almost as good is significantly less expensive, it may be better to take that into account during judging.

[@Craftswright]

@Let's Plays You're completely right. To be 100% honest, the video I posted wasn't what I had in mind. I meant it when I said I'm working on another project currently that I royally screwed up, so I needed to find a good wood putty/filler. Everything I tried I kept not liking for one reason or another, which is how I ended up with 7 different kinds haha Anyway, by the time I made this video, I had already repaired everything I needed to and had not filmed it. So the idea came to me to do a super fast, no frills, review/comparison. No fancy tests, no fancy B roll, nothing except a crazy fast "dap spread best, timbermate third, bondo a bit better but dries too fast, etc." The video I intended to make would have been ~5 minutes long, but as I went through each category I found myself giving more detail than I had intended, and deeming it necessary info on top of it all. By the time I had edited it together, I agreed that it could have used some B-roll, or a serious shortening, but I thought WTH, let's give this a shot. See if it's well-received or not. Kinda wanted to try out @struthless 's 70% is good enough philosophy Hope that clears it up bit and I really do appreciate your feedback since it's spot on!

[@DarknessLPs]

@@Craftswright Hi, I absolutely didn't not mean my comment in a disparaging way at all. I have really enjoyed your videos since I started watching when you posted on reddit. Just wanted to provide some suggestions if you decide to make this a sort of 'series' on information (which honestly would be great because there are so many brands of stuff out there that people starting off in a craft have a hard time finding what's worth it and what's just over priced junk.). The fact that you even took the time to make a video about it is more than enough for us because you aren't under any obligation to do so, either way I (and I'm sure others as well) appreciate what you do.

[@Craftswright]

@@DarknessLPs no no no no! I didn't take it in a disparaging way at all, I took it for what it was: well-meant and valuable feedback. I genuinely meant that I was thankful for your comment and found your advice to be spot on! Cheers friend :)

[@DarknessLPs]

@@Craftswright Cheers Bud!

[@gruenokgallu3609]

Minwax Stainable Sandable interior/exterior Wood Filler is by far the best. How did you miss this?

[@arcadiaplace8170]

Thank you. Helped me out tremendously. Not to say - you are very funny in your honesty. Very thorough and systematic. I am that way, so I this style. 👍👍👍

[@Craftswright]

Awesome Arcadia! Love to hear I was helpful and your words are very kind. Cheers!

[@geico1975]

I've used DAP and the pink candy, dude the candy works great with drywall/sheetrock.

[@philsketball]

Where is Durahms wood putty?

[@MCsCreations]

Great video, dude! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Craftswright]

You as well my fellow!

[@barrywuthrich8530]

are you reviewing automotive bondo, or , bondo for wood?

[@kiwigirlNZ]

He’s reviewing the all purpose Bondo. Personally, I highly recommend the auto Bondo.

[@notsofast2325]

I use Plastic wood myself. Did a few videos of using this stuff it works great.

[@grassabrutta]

opinions without opening a single product is kinda weird ... more weird even than your sniffing ... are you sniffing that stuff thru the tins ? wow

[@Craftswright]

Note to self: apply for drug/bomb detection school with my sniffing through tins skills

[@coopersblingadingding4985]

You saved my day. Needed to repair a dresser tops edge. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@jessedover6175]

So , you sniff glue alot huh?

[@terrycorter6162]

I definitely understand the weird smell fetish. I've always loved the Testors model glue Lol I bought a bottle at Hobby Lobby to keep in my desk just for those days.

[@tubemcw]

Is Famowood flexible? I need a product to fill gaps between my floor boards. I've used the Dap products and they've cracked and fallen out. The floor boards move so I need a flexible solution. I was leaning towards the TimberMate until you mentioned the smell which my wife would not be appreciative of. But once dry, it shouldn't smell, right?

[@jackwardley3626]

i would use linceed putty. not used timberbuild but heard its the best around now and most expensive.

[@Rachel9136]

Thank you - we'll give Famowood a try!

[@jacktanner7738]

Sorry. Can't look at the ears.

[@bigbomb5904]

3:25 Hold up I have never tried to sand wood glue but it has gotten stuck on carpet and it is still on the carpet. like I think maybe 5 years ago is when I or someone else noticed it.

[@Jasperlope669]

Only took 4 videos to find the nerd of woodworking youtube. The algorithm knows me well.

[@jamiedees8223]

I’ve been recently using the Dap plastic wood and have been very happy with how it performed. I used another type first from Minwax and it cracked terribly. The cracking with the Dap plastic wood was very minimal and only occurred a little when filling very thick areas all at one time instead of only adding an 1/8 inch at a time as recommended.

[@jajaokera5012]

Informative but i question to what accuracy because it's evident that you haven't used the pink spackle, for if you did, you would know that the pink turns white when it dries.

[@Craftswright]

Oh trust me, I know haha that’s why you get two flavors of frosting from the one DAP 😁

[@ElRipper100]

I bought some Famwood in 23 oz for some aged wood trim. It is very thick and doesn't like to stick to anything. I could not squeeze into the cracks even after thinning with acetone. It seemed best for larger voids. It is solvent based thus better for exterior, sort of like play dough. I like the timber mate for smearing into cracks. The Australian made water base is premo too -not pictured here.

[@Craftswright]

Interesting 🤔 I think the difference is the Famowood I fell in love with is the water based stuff. But that makes sense that the solvent based Famowood isn’t very good because I found the same thing to be true with the DAP that the water based was superior over the solvent - unless quickly filling nail holes like in a cabinet shop then the solvent based makes sense simply because it dries faster. Also, epic username!

[@realtrailerparkman]

during the funk review that red dap metal can, whoo I was smoking a blunt using that it got me so ripped i had to sit down catch my breath and heart rate... lol

[@WillSchachter]

It wood be helpful if you would speak slower to understand the name of the products. Name of product 2nd from the right side. Information is excellent. Thank you so much.

[@leimdog]

Loved the initial "get to the point" review. I'm doing a big project with GARBAGE post-covid plywood and I'm basically finishing every sq in before prime/paint. These fillers got spendy, fast. So I experimented with 45 minute drywall mud. Slap it on, grab my 14" knife, and I filled all the grain. What's your opinion/experience with that? @Craftswright?

[@TimNobody-es5bi]

Use the bondo if you are doing something like filling lockset holes when setting a new door. You can drill your new locksets out. All the other's in the list will not do. Depending on the job, and what to use, is always the hard part.

[@xman4328]

So a review with NO actual information?? No tests done, Just reading labels and guessing... Spackle is NOT wood filler.. The plastic wood MUST be kept label upright and the cap on the bottom. If you had a clue,, you'd know why. It is also very tint-able.. spreadablility can be easily altered if you had even a little knowledge.. Your girly ear rings are an indicator as to why you know nothing about the products in this WASTE OF TIME video!!!@! ..

[@moneymamagillis3867]

Timberwood

[@calebhuntington]

I’m trying to fill in a small bit of missing fake wood veneer on a kitchen cabinet. I’m going to tint the putty, but I need to know: 1. Which of these will have a smooth, eggshell finish. 2. Which of these is stiff enough that it won’t flow and droop while it is setting - given that I’ll be filling a vertical surface. 3. How much does each product shrink?

[@juanitov214]

What about superglue and noodles??? 😝

[@Craftswright]

🤦‍♂️ how could I forget that one! Dropped the ball on this video for sure now haha

[@indyslimshady]

13:30 is where final ranking starts. Thank me later.

[@kaylaburgess2158]

I'm working on am old door, I moved some.of the rotted wood but it seems the rotted goes deep. Will finish what can tomorrow, but what would you, or the others recommend? Note: the door has been out in the elements for a long time, yet the body is strong, save for the few rots.

[@TheCyberMantis]

The water-based DAP Plastic Wood spreads good. You just have to add a little water to it. When you first open the container, it's usually too dry.

[@nonplayablecharacter4815]

Don’t the pink dry to white?

[@Seeker3876]

I was thinking either Timbermate or Famowood. Again, You have piqued my interest in trying Famowood.

[@DidiMiller73]

Ceiling, so working upside down... Terrible gaps in a plywood ceiling done unprofessionally. there's no pretty appealing aesthetics to it at all. What can you recommend to fill such gaps to have a solid looking ceiling?

[@just_delightful]

I just used some of the dap plastic wood stuff- totally agree- spreads like crap, haven't sanded it yet- I don't expect great things

[@sd3544]

I bought the dap plastic wood, i wish i would’ve seen this video before, i had such a hard time with it, I only did one cabinet out of like 20 and it took me over an hour 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@johncgonzales4338]

Another good putty is Patch putty. ( Hard to find anymore ) Used it for 50 years. Accepts stains.

[@st8kout961]

Could have used an indoor/outdoor section, as some products just won't hold up to temp changes as wood expands/contracts.

[@jeffloflin6316]

Paint grade projects for nail holes, drytex all day. Dries fast, doesn't shrink and I'm not building a boat.

[@JoseLopez-wx1xi]

If im just patching up cracks, knot holes, small voids for a wood that i will paint and use in the exterior wood, will titebond III and sawdust be a good solution. Will the expansion and contraction of the wood cause this solution to fail at some point? How deep of a crack can i fill using this solution?

[@dr150]

Really great review. You forgot to include Mr. Woody, which would be at the top in most of your categories.

[@giancarlogrijalva4854]

whats the best one for wood floors that contract and expand

[@riverking937]

That's my question

[@kittylaroux2397]

I love this video it's very informative. And to the point. Thank you for making this video as a woman who has never done this before I need this information. Other wise these things can get overwhelming besides you just can't get this kind of help in the store.

[@no_handle_required]

the 90's called, they want their grunge back.

[@Craftswright]

Good thing grunge is back in style and I'm from the PNW lol

[@mcandles4]

Ace brand water based natural color wood filler is made by Famowood, and is $8.00 for 24oz

[@hugoramirez7289]

The best for all is mixing plastic wood with glue . I tried and very durable,maliable and cheap!

[@johnmulderrig9516]

Which would you recommend for filling finish nail holes in trim that will be painted?

[@warpig372]

I would recommend adding Cyanoacrylate (Superglue) to the list.

[@kathygunderson1216]

Thank you so much for a thorough explanation of wood fillers! Best I've seen so far.

[@ubacow7109]

Will bondo hold up to dimensional instability of using it in wood thought? Will it crack?

[@Jezze2]

You can get 24 ounce of Famowood on Amazon for about $14...

[@tinadriskell4469]

I would have guessed Famowood or timber mate, but I went with Famowood. Also I'm going to go buy some for the 1900 dresser I am working on. Thanks for this review. I needed something like this. Sadly I have to remove what I already did. I missed the 'non hardening" label. Who need non-hardening filler??

[@feyrband]

Usually thats for surfaces expected to expand/contract quite a bit and can cause others to crack or shrink. Probably not good for a dresser though

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Great information. I have been heavily leaning on only wood fillers that are stainable. Seems to be the best choice in most situations.

[@bodudas8346]

we'll okkk,,,,,, it's FAMOwood not Famawood --- I got - I got it

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you for taking the time in breaking down all the wood fillers and results. can you recommend what filler to use. I am re doing kitchen cabinets. filling all the holes from the hardware. I want something thats durable and basically easy to fill with great results after being sanded. I thought the Timber Made would be appropriate. ???? Thank you again !!!!!

[@rolfbjorn9937]

I have a love hate relationship with plastic wood. In Canada it's sold under Lepage, I dont know if the formulation is the same as DAP. I really love it because it cures to a hard filler that adheres surprisingly well, but you waste a boat load of it because it forms a skin and refuses to spread properly. Despite that, it has adhered to the substrate very well once you get to sand it. Very strange behavior. It is not recommended to thin it, but acetone and 99% isopropyl alcohol work. Even if it seems like it turned bad, I tested that it still works 100% fine. I really like the hard finish, hate the application. Elmers makes the ProBond Max filler, it's my favorite. it is water based, exterior rated and dries to a slightly softer finish than plastic wood, suffers somehow from similar spreadability issues, but my god it's durable and it dries quickly. Barely softer, but more flexible, it holds fasteners. Mixing it with some DAP acrylic caulk gives it some extra flexibility at the expense of dry time.

[@Craftswright]

Great info Rolf, I'll have to give the Elmers a go if I can find it down here (can't see why not)

[@markbaxter4613]

A lot as to do with the project. I had to do an exterior repair for porch post. Cut out some rot and added hard word to fill the void. Bondo was perfect. It’s sets really fast so as long as you do small batches and are ready to roll. It worked great. Sanded and painted it was hard to find the repair. With that said I sure wouldn’t be filling nail holes with this stuff or trying to color match on a furniture repair.

[@WV591]

They all suck. Science of wood filler has been stagnant for a long time.

[@destinfarr]

"Lighting fast review..." 16 minutes later... 😆

[@scottvisser8671]

Very thorough and helpful. Thanks. I like famo too where strength is needed. But I like Drydex if just filling small finish nail holes. It sand easier than famo and you can basically sand it with your finger while putting it on. Lastly, I like bondo best when I have larger repairs that require more durability. If you have the right sanding tools, it is great stuff. If you don't, it would be a lot of work.

[@rickingle2335]

If the Bondo work time is only 5 mins you are putting in too much hardener. For larger areas Bondo is king and it has a 10 to 15 min work time if you mix it according to their instructions. If you are running out of hardener before you run out of product you are using too much hardener. If you are really techie, some guys mix by weight on a scale for a very reproducible product.

[@rarecrafting24]

What color is the bondo when it dries?

[@Chris-op7yt]

the timbermate sold here in Oz is almost always the light tan color. once i made a big mistake trying to fill a large hole with an oil based filler. was supposed to dry slower and hence have no cracks...but it didnt dry at all, after several months it was still like plasticine. timbermate does harden up over time when not in use, so may require adding water and elbow grease to re-mix well.