What is the Best Wood Filler?

[@paulyf.107]

Props for being way ahead of the pack - Not 6 months, a year, 5 years!

[@captaincoyote1792]

Hats off, brother….patience and tenacity you do have! Five years!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Thanks!

[@toddh4617]

Thank you for taking this time to do this test! True dedication right here….it’s very much appreciated buddy!

[@MOUTHonesixtyseven]

I use Abatron on my historic home and have loved how it performs.

[@CreepingDeathLA]

The good stuff would have also lasted longer if it had primer and paint over it. Thank you for being super patient over five years to show us test results.

[@smartgorilla]

thats not the point though. just seeing how fillers do and that horrible stuff will rot under the primer and paint..

[@marks4470]

@@smartgorilla no it won’t. Lol smh

[@eddieblanco7827]

Thank you for taking 5 years and giving us this great product information

[@yobee100]

This was very helpful with my decision on what filler to buy. I’m returning the filler I purchased and going with your amazingly well demonstrated pick. Thank you so much for your extreme patience and dedication!

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

So glad it helped!

[@leelunk8235]

SAME

[@kerryfoster1]

Brilliant. A real time and durability test. Honest and useful information. Must be the longest filming time ever!

[@carlosbah4623]

5 years test!!! Good work. ¡Gracias por compartir!

[@gocitypostwebclassifieds3461]

Love the fact you got straight to the point. Thanks

[@rrryder]

Appreciate the well thought through and patient approach to this experiment

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

I had separation in cracks I filled with Bondo wood filler but I like it over all.

[@tijuanaboy3818]

Thank you so much for doing this experiment! Very useful information and answered my questions regarding what exterior wood filler to use, where durability and ability to withstand elements is so critical. I appreciate it!

[@rhondadeakin8051]

Thanks for doing this project and sharing it for all of us to learn from. I used PC Woody 2 part wood epoxy on some minor areas of wood rot that was occurring on my deck.First I dug out all the loose rot then I applied several coats of hardener which I let dry for a full day between coats, then filled with epoxy using firm pressure with a putty knife to pack it in the holes.I waited several weeks before I painted a solid stain matching the rest of the deck. It's been over 2 years and still intact with no cracks or loosening and I live in a wet, harsh, freeze-thaw kind of climate. I will try the Minwax that you used on some minor cracks. Thank you!

[@kooale]

PC products, great stuff for many decades now. Too bad the big box stores won't carry them.

[@treshaterrell2576]

Finally, found someone that did this. Thanks for that! You are awesome!

[@brucestafford1813]

Great, concise review without long diatribe.

[@wayneamedee5693]

I appreciated that video as much as any video I have ever seen..

[@rickyleead9608]

Thanks for the time you put in on this video it helped me on my project 90 which product to buy

[@skyhawaii5446]

Good Video Scott. I have been using a lot of Abatron the past 2 years for large holes, structural repairs, wood rot, termite damage repairs, and historic home projects. Today, it is my go-to product of choice because it is easy to use and it works. While the price of the system seems shocking at first, the net cost is less if one has to replace wood, hire a carpenter to demo and put it in. Abatron is also the best product I have ever encountered as a professional painter for overhead work. Again, thanks for this video and for sharing your test results.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Thanks Sky!

[@kooale]

Abatron & PC epoxies are the real deal

[@thankgodformentalillness6221]

Perfect video. Looking for a stainable wood filler for my deck that my puppy chewed. Will pick up the Minwax.

[@mattodrums]

Thanks for your test! Why did you prefer the Abatron wood filler over the JB Weld Kwick wood? JB looked like it didn't shrink and weathered better.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

I probably should have been clearer. The JB Weld cures some quickly that it’s only good for small patches like this. The Abatron can rebuild huge elements and is structural as well so it’s way more flexible to a range of uses.

[@mattodrums]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog Really appreciate it, thank you! I'm working on some 80-year-old screen/storm doors.

[@matbroxb1008]

Thank you for doing this video. I’m about to refinish an older handcrafted door what is made with 2”1/4 x6 boards. 2nd one I’ve see in this area. I’ve used the Minwax before and I just wanted to see is there anything better. Appreciate the help.

[@svenskaa5496]

I am going to try the Minwax Kwikwood to fill knot holes and other places on my wood deck, here in Colorado Springs, CO. I used Miniwax products back in humid Virginia, and now dealing with ultra dry conditions at high altitude. Thanks for the 5 year experiments you did that really helps!

[@therealunclassified]

Kwik wood was a different brand. Minwax was high performance 2 part, and a ready mix that shouldn't have did well at all exposed to the elements. Depends I guess if it was a water base or not.

[@Aerogrow]

@@therealunclassifiedi always wonder if the 2part brands are too hard for wood as it moves/flexes over the seasons.

[@therealunclassified]

@Aerogrow I don't know. I also wonder if it pops. I also wonder if deck stain solid can go over it or should it get oil primed.

[@brayling4142]

THANK YOU! I'm gearing up to patch, prime and paint my entry way floor! I had watch a video by Bob V (great video all-in-all) in which he promotes MH Ready Patch for plywood floor patch and paint. I was just getting ready to go out the door to purchase a quart of it, when I thought I would look ONE more time...and I found YOU! Then I found LOTS more DIY reviews that said the same things about MH. Now I'm on my way out the door to buy some Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@rickybobby7276]

Wow that minwax wood filler is no joke. I'm only using the high performance one from now on when it needs to hold an anchor or something heavy duty where constant force will be applied.

[@alanjohnson9690]

I have always use 2K polyester car body repair filler. Cures within 20 mins and ready for shaping and sanding.

[@blairnelson4900]

Great review! Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Glad to help!

[@alexl932]

@@TheCraftsmanBlog TRY to use/test the SPACKLING from many new brands like UGL 222 (light), Crawford, Sherwin William spackling plaste for the exterior wood fight against sun, water, durability over n yrs. I tested MH Ready or others they are NO GOOD. Seems Crawford, UGL 222 and SW Spackling plaste is good to fight against WOOD temp contraction/expansion/season changes. I WOULD LOVE TO see u test those 3+ spackling products or more. It's HARD to find a good product to fill EXTERIOR house wood filler for a good paint job last like 20+ yrs (most painters just only remove the loose paint then piant it then 5-7 yrs later need another paint job. I use paint shaver or IR heater or heat gun stripe all old paint to bare wood then such paint job can last 20+ yrs but still we/I have to find a good spackling product to make exterior siding surface fill the imperfects. Wish u also do the same test. I've tested many products but did NOT edit or have time to do more through test like submerge under the rain, boiling water, strong heat over 120 deg F to simulate as sun/4 seasons change/etc). Now I'm wondering why use glue and sawdust to fill a hardwood floor becomes DARK color? What material to fill nail holes won't change color to black/dark b/c seems all wood filler or water or glue using a metal joint knife will cause dark color then I try to use a wood stick to stir or fill nail holes. I'm new to sand hardwood floor this DIY project. Any advice would be big help. Thx.

[@13whitebread]

I have a project repurposing an entertainment center need to fill in between the joints with wood filler then add another veneer over the filler I will take your recommendation and use the winner thank you for the video it helped out!

[@davemowles1389]

Dedicated job, 5 years!? Awesome, thx 1:51

[@Toto-is8ci]

WOW great dedication! Love it.

[@mardyshelton4770]

this is a great experiment, because im also wondering if you have to paint it right away after filling the rot or holes. thank you

[@floydrturbo1]

Excellent process, thanks for doing this test.

[@Aerogrow]

Good stuff; need a test with primer/paint…. I’ve landed on minwax wood filler to patch holes on deck from knots in wood; left on deck for 4 years and has held up shockingly.

[@maryruffcorn5934]

I was looking for information on wood fillers to repair a door jam. Thanks for the helpful information. I Really like your deck railings. Another project I need to do. Can you give me the information on what you used? I like the proportions. Thank you Mary R

[@charlesf9065]

so I've run a similar test, and Ready Patch did fine. Your issue looks like adhesion, not failure of the patch itself.

[@urbandecay3436]

You missed the opportunity to compare it to home made wood files! Now we have to wait another five years to figure that out. Real cool, dude.

[@JayyBird93]

Have you ever worked with PC Woody epoxy paste?

[@BirdzofaFeather]

Great video! Have you ever tested stainable wood fillers to see which if any, look decent?

[@jans8790]

Working on home cabinetry, plan to paint. One small chunk to repair , plus repair around the handles hinges. What would be best? Not a huge job by any means...a vanity for a small bath

[@mikecozzi1040]

Good lecture! I would like to recommend a product you didn't discuss, Mohawk epoxy putty sticks, similar toJ B Weld, it comes in a variety of colors and you can inter mix them, if you read and understand the chart, fantastic results!

[@acornandanchors]

stainable?

[@inhaleexhale]

Thank you. Can you recommend a wood filler for a large hole, large enough to fit one or two steel wool pads, something that a novice could use? It is to temporarily fill the hole in a piece of exterior door trim. Later, the door trim will be replaced.

[@feyrband]

Might just wanna use titebond 3 or some exterior wood glue and screw/glue some actual cut wood in there, then sand/plane it down flush with the rest of the wood and use one for these fillers on the little gaps around the edges of your patch

[@VigilanteMian]

Wow. What a nice experiment. Thanks so much.

[@cynthiayee5116]

Hi Can I use minwax woodfiller for fences carcks like hairline on deck and deck post .Thanks

[@kathygobble1468]

what a great test. Thank you for coming up with a smart way to try out the different products.

[@rockvarney3680]

What a thoughtful and helpful experiment!

[@kingkracker1998]

So far my favorite wood filler is wood glue plus sawdust from the wood I'm using. Course that's all I got to use so

[@bjmcmahon722]

A follower of the #LongGame ...well done.

[@debSilbert]

I've replaced a counter in my RV with tongue and groove flooring. I need to fill some small gaps and some knots. I'm finishing with tung oil. Would the Minwax Wood Filler be a good product to use before tung oil? And will it tint from the tung oil?

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

Would be nice to test Bondi wood filler and Elmer's version of epoxy wood filler. Seems like more brands are coming out with wood fillers and epoxies.

[@camillabella9982]

What can you recommend to fill cracks from chopping board

[@robertplas3947]

Would you recommend the Minwax stainable wood filler for repairing cosmetic cracks/splits in wooden pergola beams? I plan on using solid stain or paint afterwards.

[@nodemever3291]

If it's out of sight or will be painted over then Bondo type auto body filler is my choice

[@Thepearlcapture]

Can I use wood filler on lines of cracks

[@gybx4094]

Nice experiment. Very helpful. So, Florida covers the upper temperature ranges, but I need to use in Michigan. Still, 5 years is a long time.

[@S0URSH0ES]

Have you found something yet?

[@louisgreen3915]

I'm looking all over YT and nobody can help me. I'm trying to dismantle a built in cupboard wall, and I need to get to the screws underneath the woodfiller on the back walls. How is that done? Any help or ideas about getting to the screws would be a godsend.

[@iamric23]

Does anyone know if this could be used in empty screw holes? I have a bureau drawer that needs to have it's slider repaired due to the fact that the screws' became loose after many years. So I am thanking that somehow I can send this filler down inside the screw holes then screw back in the slider bar and it would then have the support it had when it was new.

[@SupersSandor]

love it. that's some good dedication to getting useful information out there. well done.

[@tzk121]

Such a helpful video!! I was already leaning towards minwax but I wasn't sure which one to get. My issue is not structural but it is outdoors and unsightly and I don't want it to spread any further. Your vids are so user friendly...subbed.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Glad to have you!

[@danalaniz7314]

Very helpful and some surprising results. Thanks for sharing.

[@dougburgoyne2418]

Not much of a "real world" test, but useful and appreciated all the same. For example, MH ready patch shouldn't be expected to compete with 2 part systems, large hole type fillers, etc. You would have seen a much different result from MH had you applied a primer and 2 coats of quality latex paint. I only use it for filling nail/screw holes for painted trim applications. It does very well in those situations. That being said...with the help of this review I will probably switch to the 1 part minwood product for filling exterior nail holes and joints. Especially since it's stainable and could be used in stain grade siding and trim applications as well paint. Thank you!

[@avis2986]

I’ve some indoor wood filler (Elmer’s carpenter wood filler), can I mix it with some wood glue and use it outside?

[@ShadowzGSD]

5 years! that's commitment. wonder how sawdust and pva would have done.

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Good question!

[@AnonYmous-ry2jn]

Yes, 5 years! I can find the 15 minutes of curing time tedious, my mind wandering... did you at least have an iPod for music while waiting? 5 years definitely a record for such a test!

[@a.r.moyapapitawaira7369]

Excellent document. Long term experiment. 👍

[@michellearose2648]

Great review. If filling nail holes from vinyl siding removal, would you suggest the Abatron, for structural reasons?

[@lukelebras]

No the wood epox is very expensive and the nail holes you are filling are not structural. From this video, I would use the mines filler.

[@cerea4983]

This is great! Would the Minwax work for filling in wooden screw holes? Can I make it so the screws go in again? Thanks!

[@justintimmons7613]

No for stripped screw holes you really would want to plug them with a glued dowel and redrill a pilot hole.

[@steventrosiek2623]

@@justintimmons7613 wonderful information. Thanks a lot

[@allamericanjay]

Thanks Scott! I'm actually going to be using the Abatron for structure on my front porch pillars which have several areas of decay. 👍🏻🙂

[@josephhunter3227]

I live in San Diego right next to the ocean we use bondo and I know it sounds crazy but it really works great as well 🤙🤙👍👍👍

[@apenza4304]

Coating the wood beneath your repair with a liquid epoxy will consolidate it and help that Bondo stick better. If not water will eventually get between the Bondo and wood rotting away around your repair. Been restoring old houses for 40 years and found this out the hard way.

[@MJHums]

SUPER helpful, thank you! I have a wooden door I needed to repair, but I wasn't sure which wood filler would be the longest lasting and durable. This helped tremendously

[@PanamaSticks]

Thank you. What about something like Dap Plastic Wood?

[@MrDubaux3]

Thank you this answers many questions I’ve had. Stain-ability ??

[@MrDubaux3]

Ended up using the 25$ bucket x3 of the minwax stainable. Excellent product to work with. I used “rock hard” on another project and wondered if it was stainable, this was a painted project w repair

[@vin.handle]

I've used the Elmer's two-part epoxy for a few years on rotted T1-11 siding and it has worked well. It also seems pretty inexpensive. On rotted fascia board I just replace with PVC.

[@JimChagares]

What a great test. Thank you so much.

[@tedzocco-hochhalter9942]

Can a color dye be added to any of these wood fillers? I do artisan hand carved wood bowls from beetle kill pine and other types of wood that have cracks and bore holes that need to be filled. Thanks.

[@VengeFulHemi]

Excellent and informative, thank you.

[@NMIBUBBLE]

The JB Weld stuff looked like it held up really well, so did the normal mini wax stainable wood filler too, The others looked like they had gaps to each of them? MMM That's my two cents.

[@davidt8438]

Before photos would have gone a long way toward showing how it actually held up. Also a little info about prep you did or didn’t do. I guess you’ll have to do it again. See you in 2029

[@ericschwartz9982]

Very helpful. About to start my project and I picked Minwax filler. I got lucky.

[@LowJackAP]

dang thanks for this man really good and informative ! !

[@agatarek_pl]

amazing review, thank you

[@tomyang5991]

Based on the results presented, I thought JB weld kwickwood is the best?

[@jasonkaminski6230]

thanks for sharing!

[@td2994]

Thanks so much for this excellent video! Made my life a lot easier. 😊

[@lsseaside7303]

Thank you so much! What you did will help us all so much!!! Super Impressive!

[@NJroofinggarcia3113]

Excelente solo que mire el video después de usar mh ready patch

[@jefferyyasenchok3521]

Thus question has nothing to do with wood filler but what is the name of that low ground coverage on the end of the video?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

Not sure. Ha!

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Hmmm do I even need any of these, removed a paint glob from the door and it left a small indentation, when I paint over it the indentation might be more noticeable

[@Arnaud58]

The biggest problem with every filler is that it shrinks. Except good quality epoxy ones. They consist of 100% solids, no evaporation. The most important is to have at least moisture possible in the wood. Preferably less than 15-18%. Secondly is to apply liquid epoxy first to try to saturate the wood. Then wait until it's tacky to apply the filler.

[@johnbrooke2764]

Was looking to do some wood repair, thanks.........

[@JacobKnightRiderShop]

Wish you tried Bondo wood filler on the test. Have you tried it?

[@TheCraftsmanBlog]

I have tried it. I used the Minwax High Performance Wood Fuller which is the same formulation as Bondo. Did ok, but not as good as some of the others.

[@scarletpumpernickel3353]

I wish you had addressed the trowel-ability at application. The problem I have is that, as you pass the blade or putty knife across a hole, it pulls the trailing edge of the putty away from the hole over and over. I need large quantities, not a specialty product like JB Weld. thnks!!

[@chrisramos3139]

Scarlet Pumpernickel appply large amount in the hole , let it dry . Nd sand it down

[@kimberlybeasley3112]

I find abatron very easy to use - matching the shape of the wood or simply filling a hole. I found that dipping my putty knife in rubbing alcohol to finish makes it very smooth and helps with the issue you mention. Also, then required less sanding once dry.

[@ohialani]

@@kimberlybeasley3112 Thank you Kimberly and Scarlet, I had SAME question, have tried several wood putties in past and they were SO hard to apply that I eventually resorted to Spackle type filler, not really for this purpose, but held up ok, better than nothing for sure and I had lots of area to cover. Appreciate tip re: putty knife in rubbing alcohol!

[@ryanruan545]

Great test and it helps a lot!

[@lisanewby3583]

Thanks, I’ve made my decision!!

[@jamespotter4878]

Dude! Very impressed with your channel!

[@gsc01972]

Most of the filler don't last because most wood filler don't contract and expand with the wood. When there is temperature and humidity changes..

[@lieflove12]

I've been doing a stairs makeover. There's a piece of wood that's broken off the above the door that leads to the under stair closet. Just thinking out loud here, I'm a renovation newby, but I'm guessing woodfiller won't work. So I'm thinking, I just saw off the broken bit and replace it with a piece of scrapwood that looks similar. Pray for me that I won't crack more of the wood while sawing off the broken end lol.

[@davy1972]

Thanks for this.

[@cometcal2]

great user review

[@jayknot88]

Wonderful. Thanks for the useful info!

[@rubyruby6358]

Just used the minwax stainable on my deck so thanks for the video (hopefully it will hold up as well as your demo) That took a lot of patience! The issue I had with it is the repairs stick out like a sore thumb unless you use a solid or semi-transparent stain. I guess that would be true with any repair product though

[@therealunclassified]

Could've tried to add the stain to the filler. Very tough thing. Filler don't soak up stain.

[@cobovideo]

The best ones were the fillers used towards the center of the board…wood shrinks and expands due to moisture and heat.. so the outside would be the most vulnerable places. Likewise the outside of his board started out in the worst condition. So it is not fair to assume that one filler did better than the other at the same task. However it is fair to assume the two center fillers did a good job and are safe choices.