Nail hole fillers are essential products for professional woodworkers and DIY devotees. You use them to conceal minor scratches and fill ugly holes brought about by hardware removal.
You can also use real wood putty to fill nail holes and keep your wood floors and furniture elegant for ages. But with so many hole fillers in the market, how do you choose the best putty for nail holes?
We’re real wood experts who spent hours researching and testing filler for nail holes. We chose each product based on its features, effectiveness, and quality. Take a look.
Our Top Picks
Best Putty for Nail Holes
- 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair – Best for Small Hole Repair
- E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best Painters Putty for Nail holes-Elmer’s
- DAP 12346 Drydex 5.5 Oz Raw material – Best for interior and Exterior Use
- Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty – Most Trusted Nail hole filler
- Nail Hole Patch, 5.3 oz – Best Easily Paintable Spackling
- Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Putty – Best Putty for Repairing Drywall
- Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler – Best for Filling Nail Holes
- J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty – Best Repair Putty
- Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098 – Best User-Friendly
- Donald Durhams 076694000046 4-Pound Putty – Best Nail Hole Filler
- Loctite 1999131 Loctite Multi-Purpose Repair Putty – Perfect Under Water Putty
- Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Ebony – 8 oz By Goodfella – Best Grain Filler
- Mohawk Fill Stick (Fil-Stik) Furniture Cabinet Putty Filler – Best Wax Stick Filler
- FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Best Nail Hole Fillers
Best Putty for Nail Holes Reviews
1. Best for Small Hole Repair – 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair
- MAKES REPAIRS 3X FASTER than traditional vinyl spackling
- QUICK AND EASY repair for nicks and nail holes
- FOR HOLE REPAIRS up to 3" in diameter
- PRIMER ENHANCED spackling compound for great hiding power
- RESISTS FLASHING of paint
If you need to fill holes up to three inches deep, this product could be a superb fit. It makes filling small nail holes a breeze as it makes repairs three times faster than traditional vinyl spackling.
This product is one of the best nail hole fillers because it makes durable repairs. Once you have used it on wood flooring and other surfaces, it’ll take a while before repairing the sections. It won’t shrink, sag, or crack.
It stays right where you put it, concealing the imperfections excellently. If you have small ugly holes in your walls and other surfaces, try this product, and you’ll be satisfied.
Apply this spackle with a putty knife or the flat end of the tube. It takes just a few minutes to dry. Gently sand it to create a smooth surface and paint over it to match the nearby wood.
If you need to fill nail and screw holes you’ve made with your anchors, get this product. It’s easy to use even if you have zero experience filling nail holes.
It may be the best nail hole filler you’ll ever use. For professional results, buy actual sandpaper, and your walls will be flawless.
What We Liked Most
- Ease of use
- It covers small nail holes like a beast
- It’s sandable
- You can paint over it
What Could Be Improved
- It’s too thick that getting the stuff out can be challenging, but it’s for a good course.
2. Best Painters Putty for Nail holes-Elmer’s – E855 Carpenter’s Wood Filler
- Paintable and sandable
- Sands easily to a smooth finish
- Resists shrinking and cracking
- Easy water clean-up
- Paintable and sandable
Ugly holes or chips in your wood flooring or wood furniture do not have to mean the end of your treasured possessions. You can do hole repair at home with Elmer’s carpenter’s wood filler.
Elmer’s carpenter’s wood filler is the best as it fills holes and sands quickly. It is paintable and sandable, and it does not shrink or crack. Cleaning is straightforward; use soap and water.
It is solvent-free. This product is ideal for different applications. Use it to fix holes in your wood trim, art, carpentry, etc. Keep the lid on this filler for nail holes, and open the doors and windows for fresh air.
In other words, work in a well-ventilated space because it is toxic. It is best to use a fan or operate from outside. Apply light coats and scrape away excess filler with a damp cloth after a minute of drying.
If you plan to paint the finished product, begin with a primer coat because paint absorbs separately from wood filler portions.
If this hole filler dries out in the jar over time, add some water to maintain the desired consistency. Please keep the container in a ziplock bag to stop the product from drying out.
What We Liked Most
- It provides a smooth finish.
- It is simple to clean.
- It can be painted and sanded.
- It contains no solvents.
- It never shrinks or cracks.
- It is long-lasting.
What Could Be Improved
- If not properly stored, it dries out.
3. Best for interior and Exterior Use – DAP 12346 Drydex 5.5 Oz Raw building material
- This unique feature is the signal it is ready to sand paint
- Convenient easy-to-use squeeze tube
- Interior and exterior use
If you love doing wood repairs and fixing other things around your house, this wood filler could be ideal. Using this product is one of the most convenient methods of fixing holes. It is a special custom blend filler specially formulated for indoor and outdoor use.
It comes in a handy squeeze bottle and peculiar dry time measure. So, you can quickly tell when the product is ready for sanding to avoid making costly mistakes.
Apply the wood grain filler to change color when it reaches the optimal dry time. When you freshly apply the product, it turns to pink, but it will turn white once hardened.
The filler is specially formulated to offer a smooth surface that you can easily sand. It comes with 5.5 oz of a compound, sufficient to cover nail holes in the walls.
So, if your project is massive, you may want to dig deeper and look for another product suitable for massive projects. For great results, clean the surface, remove all chips, sand the treatment area, and apply the product.
Let it dry for two days. Sand the filler and paint it to match the surrounding wood. You may need to apply two coats for a flawless finish.
What We Liked Most
- Optimal dry time indicator
- Sandable when hardened
- Suitable for interior and exterior use
- Simple to use
What Could Be Improved
- It may be challenging to squeeze the product from the bottle
4. Most Trusted Nail hole filler – Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty
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Minwax has become a trustworthy brand for wood care and finishing products. Minwax Wood Putty is a non-hardening wood repairing finish you can use for wood repairs. Use it to fill nail holes, and cover minor scratches.
The most noticeable feature of this wood filler for nails is its ease of use. It does not necessitate the use of any specialized equipment. Furthermore, you do not need to sand the surfaces after using this product.
On top of that, you can fill gaps and fill small holes with your fingers, and it won’t affect your skin. The product is a pre-mixed putty used to touch up screw holes and hide other minor defects in finished wood, bare wood, painted trim, and stained wood.
The filler is simple to work with and necessitates no sanding. Because it does not harden, it stays soft for simple application and effortless blending into the nearby surface.
It bonds well after drying and will not crack, shrink, or fall off the surface. Use this product to fill screw holes and narrow cracks that would be difficult to deal with since it is easy to apply.
This filler is available in various colors, which increases its flexibility, making it a superb choice for several DIY projects.
What We Liked Most
- Simple to use
- It does not require sanding or any special tools.
- Available in a variety of colors
What Could Be Improved
- The restIt takes longer to dry.
5. Best Easily Paintable Spackling – Nail Hole Patch, 5.3 oz
- Shrink-resistant spackle with EZ-Dab Applicator in a handy squeeze tube
- Fill nail and screw holes, cracks and gouges in walls and ceilings
- No troweling or sanding required
- Dries in one hour, is paintable, and cleans up with water
- White, 5.3 oz
Expert Woodworkers globally have relied on red Devi to produce high-quality grain filler covering wood imperfections for decades. This spackling compound is an excellent choice for repairs or renovating homes or offices.
You can use this ingenious filler for nail holes, cracks, screw holes, and other impairments in your home’s interior and exterior. It is available in a bucket containing 236.59 milliliters of wood filler, which is adequate to fill small holes.
It dries quickly for a professional look. You can paint it in minutes and have a long-lasting, seamless finish. This traditional vinyl spackling quick dries to give the surfaces a professional look, even if the user is a complete novice.
You can paint it in just a few minutes and have a long-lasting, flawless finish. Use the filler on Plaster, drywall, stucco, painted trim, wood, etc. Use a putty knife to apply the Nail Hole Patch to the surfaces and allow it to dry.
Once dry, this spackling compound is permanent and will not crack or peel. The size of this product is half-pint. It may sound like a lot, but it hardly fills a teacup.
It is fantastic for filling gaps and other minor scratches. However, if your project is vast, it’ll be expensive for you.
What We Liked Most
- Simple to apply
- No sanding is required.
- Paintable in minutes
- It gives off a professional appearance
- After drying, it will not shrink or crack.
What Could Be Improved
- The pot is tiny, but it makes up for it in quality
6. Best Putty for Repairing Drywall – Erase-A-Hole The Original Drywall Repair Putty
- Great for filling nail holes and cracks in walls
- Easier to use than most wall putty
- Requires no putty knife
- Simply swipe, wipe and paint
If you need to quickly fill small nail holes and gaps in walls with a simple applicator, this product could be perfect. It enables you to effortlessly upgrade your home or apartment and get your down payment quickly if you’re low on cash.
This product is terrific for restoring drywall, wall plaster, and finished wood holes. Because it is so simple to use, you will finish repairing in minutes, and college kids or first-time property owners will be able to renovate drywall without using special tools.
This is a wall putty for filling holes, but it is also ideal for plaster repair. Just apply in a circular motion, then wipe with a damp cloth before painting.
You don’t have to depend on someone else to touch up those ugly holes for you. You’ll do it yourself, save a few dollars, and get some experience.
If you have a hole in the drywall from a removed wall anchor, this product will cover it with minimal muss or fuss and without any special equipment.
Keenly follow the direction on the can smooth it out with the cap edge, and it will be perfect. Use it to repair damaged drywall, and it will fill the dent.
What We Liked Most
- Ease of use
- No need for special tools
- resists cracking and shrinking
- Paintable and sandable
- dries quickly
What Could Be Improved
- Can be messy
7. Best for Filling Nail Holes – Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
- TWO-PART FORMULA chemically bonds with surface to adhere permanently
- QUICK, DURABLE REPAIRS to damaged and rotted wood
- USE ON MOST WOOD-BASED interior or exterior surfaces
- Permanent, non-shrinking repairs
- Sandable in 15 minutes
Most DIY hobbyists and professional handypersons prefer multipurpose wood filler. This could be a fantastic match if you are similar to them. Use the product to make quick, durable repairs on types of wood floors
As a result, you can use it to restore hardwood floors and restore rotted wood. It is the best wood filler for filling nail holes. Another appealing feature of this product is that it dries in just fifteen minutes, enabling you to sand it in as little time as possible.
After filing, it will take you just twenty-five minutes to prepare it for painting. The Bondo home solutions wood is ideal for anyone who values efficacy and time.
To make long-lasting repairs, mix it first. It will never shrink or crack, and because it is water-based, you can safely use it for indoor and outdoor maintenance.
When cured, the hole filler for wood behaves like natural wood. You can sand it and paint it just like regular wood. The water-based wood filler absorbs stains and paints so well that the repaired area is barely noticeable.
Because it is water-based, it does not emit a foul odor when used and does not endanger the environment or your health. The product dries quickly, allowing you to finish your project faster and focus on other things.
What We Liked Most
- It provides long-lasting repairs that will not shrink or sag.
- It is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
- It is easy to stain, sand, and paint.
- It is waterproof-
- It dries quickly.
- What Could Be Improved
- It’s challenging to mix the filler appropriately
- Short work time due to quick drying time
What Could Be Improved
- The rest is a bit flimsy
- Assembly is very sensitive
8. Best Repair Putty – J-B Weld 8257 KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy Putty Stick- 3.5 inch
- ✔️Item: Wood Repair Epoxy Putty
- ✔️Size: 1 oz
- ✔️Shear Strength: 500 psi
- ✔️Max. Temp.: 250 Degrees F
- ✔️Characteristics: Hand Mixable, Can be Machined, Drilled, Tapped, Sanded, Filed, and Painted After Cure
J-B weld 8257 is a unique custom blend for repairing missing wood chunks. The wood putty is suitable for all types of wood, including natural pine. So it is the go-to option for various household repairs.
Once mixed, the putty binds at 900 psi and will not rot or shrink. So, it’s a solid material for making durable repairs. When you stain or sand, it’ll imitate all the properties of natural wood.
You could use it for home repairs, holes, and other cover flaws in the wood. Also, use it to replace small pieces of missing wood. This product is simple to use, in addition to being fast drying. You cannot pour it into cracks or small holes.
It is suitable for filling surface-level gaps due to its thick plastic consistency. The filler is an excellent choice for external wood filling. Since it is a resin filler for wood, get the mixing ratio right the first time.
Don’t pinch it; instead, cut it with a knife. Cut as much as you can use within ten minutes because it becomes less pliable with time. Mix it extensively and ensure you’re through in two minutes.
There should be no contrasting colors. Quit Avoid touching it once it’s in the right place, and wait for at least one hour before exposing it to high stress. Return the remains to their original can and tightly seal them.
What We Liked Most
- It cures and sets quickly.
- It behaves like wood once cured.
- It sticks to various surfaces.
- It’s simple to use.
What Could Be Improved
- Only suitable for small projects.
- It is not appropriate for internal use.
9. Best User-Friendly – Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098-U Fix it Fast Wall Hole Filler
- All-in-One compound, applicator & spreader
- Fills holes < 2 inches, scratches or other wall imperfections caused by screws and nails
- Resealable top allows product to be used for multiple repairs
- No sanding required for smaller repairs
- For interior use only
ADFORS by Saint-Gobain Fix it Fast is the perfect solution for quick and straightforward wall repairs. Because of the innovative design, the compound can flow straight from the putty knife to effortlessly fill small holes caused by nails and screws.
Fix it Fast can also fill dents and scratches or flaws in walls or Plaster. This filler is quick and easy to apply. After using you’ll find that it blends into your white matte wall well.
You can hardly tell there was previous damage. This product has a built-in putty knife that makes your work easy without additional tools. Another great feature of this product is that it is resealable so that you can store it for future use.
You can easily clean the built-in putty knife with a wet towel before you reseal and store it. It may shrink a little when it dries and, therefore, you may need to do some touchups.
You do not need to do any sanding when using this product. It is ideal for interior use only.
What We Liked Most
- Easy to use
- It comes in a resealable pack
- It perfectly blends into your wall
- Dries quickly
- It comes with an inbuilt putty knife
- It does not need sanding
- Ideal for interior use
What Could Be Improved
- May shrink after drying
10. Best Nail Hole Filler – Donald Durhams 076694000046 4-Pound Rockhard Water Putty
- Water Putty, Makes long lasting repairs in wood, plaster, drywall, stone, tile, concrete and other materials
- Easy To Use, Use indoors or outdoors must be kept painted on outdoor work
- Will Not Shrink and Easy to use and ready when you need it - just add water and mix
- It never shrinks and has great bonding strength
- Used to fill holes and cracks in wood, plaster, furniture, stone, and concrete
Donald Durhams 076694000046 4-Pound Rockhard Water Putty is a gypsum-based powder filler. Durham’s hardens when mixed with water. This product has excellent bonding properties that are hard to achieve with some products.
You can use it to patch holes in wood, Plaster, stone furniture, and concrete. Because this is a powder, it never dries out and becomes ineffective like pre-mixed fillers and putties.
The 3:1 water to powder ratio works well, but you can adjust the amount of water to create the consistency you want. It is simple to clean. It is rock hard when dried, making it suitable for various surfaces.
This product is easy to use for a DIY project. Using this product to fill deeper holes may shrink a little, requiring you to add an extra coat. It also gives you an excellent finish because it sands well.
It takes stains well, depending on the surrounding wood. When dry, you can drill, screw or paint it. This product withstands any weather, making it ideal for external use.
This filler allows you to add your preferred stain color to your mixture to create your dream effects. Since this product is in powder form, it has a long shelf life.
What We Liked Most
- Easy to use
- It has a long shelf life
- Cleans easily
- Sands well
- It takes stains and paints perfectly
What Could Be Improved
- May shrink just a little after drying like most products
11. Perfect Under Water Putty – Loctite 1999131 Loctite Multi-Purpose Repair Putty
- All Purpose: Hand-mixable and fast-setting moldable adhesive for small emergency repairs that bonds to damp surfaces and can cure underwater
- Two-Part System: Consists of an epoxy resin putty and hardener putty to produce a hard, tough, permanent, and waterproof bond on a wide range of materials
- Fast and Easy: Simply knead and apply putty to rebuild and bind and after 60 minutes can be sanded, drilled, and painted
- Resilient: Does not shrink and is resistant to water and most common solvents with high impact resistance that won’t crack when drilled
- Versatile: Molds into different shapes and bonds for sealing pipes, fixing leaks, repairing items and bonds to metal, masonry, brick, wood, glass, ceramic, rubber, fiberglass composite, and more
Loctite 1999131 Loctite Multi-Purpose Repair Putty is a two-part system filler. It consists of an epoxy resin putty and a hardener putty forming a rigid, waterproof, and permanent bond on various materials.
The product is a hand-mixable and moldable sealant that bonds to wet surfaces and cures underwater. This product is excellent for drilling, sanding, painting, and shaping.
Apart from working on wooden surfaces, you can also use it on ceramic, aluminum, plastic, metal, and brick. This filler has a powerful bond that dries fast. Wear gloves when kneading the mixture.
This is a perfect product to work with underwater, for instance, in repair work in your pool, an aquarium, or maybe a plumbing repair job.
This is a quick solution if you have a large job or work on a spot where you will not need a smooth surface. A liquid epoxy mix will be perfect if you have a small job, tiny holes and cracks, or want a smooth finish.
Initially, this product has a foul odor, but it eventually clears away once it dries up. It dries up blue you may paint your preferred color over it.
What We Liked Most
- Perfect to use underwater
- Easy to use
- It dries up fast
- Bond up well
- It is mouldable
- suitable for multiple surfaces
What Could Be Improved
- It produces an unpleasant odour, but it clears away shortly after use
12. Best Grain Filler – Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Ebony – 8 oz By Goodfella
- ⚒️ HIGH QUALITY & MONEY SAVING: Save time and money with this wood filler that does not shrink, sink, or crack, and has excellent adhesion. Only need to apply once, and it flawlessly accepts any finish or stain! In fact, this product can be mixed with any pigment, tint, stain or dye.
- ⚒️ DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: This is the most innovative, easy-to-use, water-based wood filler in the WORLD. Designed for professional woodworkers but perfect for your everyday DIYer, too.
- ⚒️ HARDY & CONSISTENT: As any woodworker will tell you, they throw hardened wood filler out all the time. But Goodfilla offers an unlimited shelf life since it reconstitutes with water and is freeze-thaw stable.
- ⚒️ MADE FOR EVERY HANDY-PERSON & WOODWORKER: Whether you have furniture to repair, a floor to finish, a craft to complete or an instrument to design, this is YOUR product. Sand, stain, tint, prime, fill and seal every knot on your to-do list. Goodfilla is so easy to sand you'll be amazed by how much time you save. BONUS: It's a green product; Zero VOC, zero waste and non-toxic.
- ⚒️ USA MADE & 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Your experience with this product is our number one priority. If your Goodfilla wood filler doesn't do everything you need it to do with ease, we'll refund your money up to 365 days with no questions asked!
Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Ebony – 8 oz By Goodfella is a multipurpose water-based wood filler that you can use as grain filler, knot filler primer, etc.
You can use this product to smooth out deep grooves in hardwood floors, scratched doors, window sills, tables, furniture, and other wood surfaces that require attention. Every time, the results are high-quality.
This filler is easy to use, even for first-time DIYers. It has a dense consistency, absorbing well in the wood grain, and might not work well if you are trying to fill a gouge.
This product has an easy-to-use screw-on lid that effortlessly goes back on, preventing it from drying out during storage. You can easily use the plastic jar’s lip to scrape off the excess wood filler and return it to the pot for future use. This cuts down on waste.
The consistency and texture of this product are very creamy and smooth, similar to wall plaster. It spreads quickly and smoothly, filling deep holes and cracks without much pressure.
It dries very fast and as hard as oil-based wood fillers, which sand smoothly and evenly. It also absorbs stains very well.
What We Liked Most
- It’s versatile
- Easy to use
- Spreads smoothly
- It takes stains very well
- Fast drying
- Excellent packaging
What Could Be Improved
- It is not ideal for exterior use
13. Best Wax Stick Filler – Mohawk Fill Stick (Fil-Stik) Furniture Cabinet Touch Up Putty Wax Filler
- EASY TO USE- No drips and no mess! No heat or special tools required.
- DO IT YOURSELF- These semi-hard putty sticks give you the flexibility to fill in nicks, scratches, or open corner joints on furniture, trim, door jams, cabinet doors and chair legs easily and flawlessly yourself!
- 12 POPULAR COLORS- This pack gives you the most common variety of shades to make it convenient to match a color to your furniture. The colors included are: Medium Brown Walnut (M230-0207), Extra Dark Walnut (230-0209), Light Walnut (M230-0206), Lt. Red Mahogany / Cranberry (M230-0218), Black / Java (M230-0224), Deep Mahogany (M230-0115), Heritage Oak (M230-0333), Nutmeg (M230-0411), Med. Rock Maple (M230-0237), Natural Tone (M230-0102), Natural (M230-0100) and White (M230-0202).
- VERY VERSATILE- Use it for a variety of repairs including nail or screw holes, nicks, scratches, cracks, etc. - virtually any indoor wooden surface in low traffic areas!
- TRUSTED BRAND- Trusted since 1948, Mohawk Finishing Products is the leading manufacturer and distributor of professional wood and leather touch-up repair and finishing products.
The Mohawk Fil-Stik is a semi-hard putty in stick form that guarantees the best results in filling scratches, nail holes, cracks, and other imperfections.
This product is excellent for filling small nail holes in crowns. It is available in various colors to complement your finish. When using this product, dirt from your hands gets pulled in easily but not to worry because it has protective paper.
This product is not suitable for countertops because heat may destroy it, but it is ideal for surfaces like cabinets.
Simply rub it into the damaged areas to fill them, then scrape away the excess with a plastic leveling card or putty knife for an even, leveled surface. It works well on most wooden surfaces that you do not use frequently.
When using this product, you do not require special tools. You simply rub it in and wipe it off. It has permanent colors that do not run and are fade-resistant.
To improve the durability of this filler, use an oil-based topcoat. Before working on your surface, ensure it is dry and clean.
What We Liked Most
- Easy to use
- Ideal for small nail holes
- It comes in a various colors
- It does not require special tools
- Fade-resistant
What Could Be Improved
- It is not ideal for spaces with lots of traffic
14. Best Nail Hole Fillers – FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
- Dries in 15 minutes
- Won't crack or shrink, solvent free – low odor and easy water cleanup
- Can be sanded, drilled or planed
- Stainable and paintable
- Interior/exterior use
FamoWood wood filler is one of the best hole fillers for repairing minor cracks. It’s a water-based wood filler suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
It’s also helpful in filling nail holes in outdoor projects. It is a high-strength wood filler that will not crack or shrink when dry.
One of the reasons we consider this repair putty a high-performance wood filler is the recognition that it works rapidly and efficiently. It will spread fast, fill the gaps, and take the correct shape. It takes approximately twenty minutes to harden.
You can sand and drill it without destroying it. On top of that, you can stain over it to make the repaired portion look like wood. It has a simple soap and water clean-up.
The tintable wood filler is even exceptional as it accepts all types of wood stains and paints, making it a superb option for different DIY repairs and projects.
Because of its high-strength formula, this nail filler is appropriate for outdoor use. It is also odorless and contains no toxic elements.
What We Liked Most
- easily paintable and sandable
- produces no upsetting odors
- High strength formula that won’t crack or sag
What Could Be Improved
- You need some skills to use it effectively
Best Putty for Nail Holes Comparison Table
Types of Wood Filler for Nail Holes
Wood repair is essential to keep the wood surface refined and stop further deterioration. We use wood and wood glue to hide wood imperfections and fill holes.
Different types of wood filler for nails exist water-based and solvent-based fillers. Each type has unique properties, so you must understand them well before buying them.
Solvent-based fillers
A Solvent based wood filler is simple to apply, available in various colors, waterproof, and works well with a paint or wood stain. They are suitable for filling nail holes.
Water-based wood fillers
Some water-based wood fillers are more flexible than their solvent-based counterparts as you can dilute them with water and use them in tasks requiring a thinner filler.
Water-based fillers dry in fifteen minutes and have a simple soapy water clean-up. Solvent-based fillers need mineral spirits for clean-up.
Wood Spackle – It’s a hardening formula, and it is pink in color but turns white when dry. It’s excellent for indoor use.
Putty- include polyurethane and epoxy and is suitable for beginners due to its plastic-like consistency.
Fillers- consists of sawdust and wood fibers and are suitable for interior use.
Facts to Consider When Buying Putty for Nail Holes
Nail hole fillers have made it simple to repair holes left by screws or nails on walls and wooden furniture. You don’t need a specialist to fix holes for you.
You can do the work if only you could get the best putty for nail holes. However, deciding which nail hole filler to go for is daunting, mainly if you’ve never used one before.
Fillers differ in application and type, making it even more challenging to pick one. Consider the factors below to help you choose the best putty for nail holes.
Types of repairing materials
Do you need to repair wood, metal, drywall, or plastic? Some wood fillers are applicable for different surfaces, while some only work for a specific project. It’s a brilliant idea to buy a flexible filler so that you can use it for varying tasks.
Type of filler
Each material requires a different type of filler. You can use putty and wood filler on wood. Fillers for drywall include spackle, joint compound, and wood filler. Ensure you know the sort of material you’re fixing to get the suitable filler.
Drying time
Drying time determines how fast you can complete your project. Some fillers dry within minutes or hours, while others may take a few days, such as wood putty. Go for a filler with a reasonable drying time based on your project.
Pre-mixed or not
Some fillers come pre-mixed, while others need you to blend the ingredients following the manufacturer’s instructions. Each has its pros and cons.
It helps to buy a product that requires you to mix it yourself because it allows you to put additional substances to boost durability. You can also make minor changes to suit personal preferences.
Amount of filler you need
Wood fillers come in different sizes. Buy a wood filler size compatible with your project. If you need to cover small holes, opt for a smaller size, and if you need to repair rotted wood to fill massive holes or cracks, pick a larger size container.
Color
Filler for nail holes comes in different colors. Go for a filler that matches the decor of your home.
Better still, buy a wood filler you can stain to match the nearby surfaces and stop it from sticking out like a sore thumb.
Non hardening or hardening
Some products dry quickly after application, while others are soft and hardened with time. Select a filler you can efficiently work without losing the material.
A non-hardening putty is malleable and gives you ample time to be creative. On the other hand, a hardening putty dries rock hard after the specified time and will not be liable.
Indoor or outdoor use
Some fillers are suitable for exterior use only, while others are appropriate for interior use only. However, some are flexible and can work excellently indoors and outdoor.
Settle for the flexible one because it’ll give you more value for your cash since you can use it as the need arises.
Adhesiveness
Consider the texture of the surface you’re working on to help you pick a filler with the correct adhesion. Filler adheres differently based on the roughness or smoothness of a surface.
For example, non-hardening filers are ideal for finished wood, while non-hardening ones are perfect for rough surfaces.
How to Prepare Wood Filler
Off-the-shelf wood fillers are simple to use, and you can pigment some to match the colors of the wood you are working on. Here’s how to make your DIY wood filler.
Materials Needed
- Putty knife
- Cardboard or scrap wood
- FIne-grit sandpaper
- Electric sander, file, or rasp
- Tack cloth
- Craft stick
- Wood glue
To make sawdust, sand a section of sample wood that resembles the project material with an electric sander. Remove impurities from sawdust. Place the sawdust on cardboard.
Add wood glue and stir gently with a craft stick till you achieve a cookie dough consistency. Apply the filler to your project and sand with fine-grit sandpaper. Wood glue hardens quickly. You’ve ten minutes to prepare and use the wood filler.
How to Use Wood Filler on Nail Holes
Wood filler comes in two varieties: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based fillers are creamy in texture and are simple to apply and remove. Solvent-based fillers are oily and sticky, making clean-up challenging if you wait for them to dry.
Solvent-based fillers benefit from drying rock-hard and are much stronger than their flaky water-based counterparts. However, the filler does not need to be super strong for nail holes.
Here’s how to use the water-based wood filler. The process may differ based on the product you’re using.
Equipment
- Water-based wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Clean cloth
- Putty knife
Step 1: Prepare the wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Many nail holes have a tiny space to fill, so applying the filler with your finger is better. Apply a small amount of filler to your index finger. Use a putty knife to fill big screw nails.
Step 3: Insert the filler into the nail hole and swipe it around. Repeat as needed to fill the nail hole fully. It’s best to gently overfill the nail hole, leaving a tiny, smooth ridge over the space.
Step 4: One advantage of using a pasty water-based filler is that you can use it as sandpaper. Sand off the excess and dents with your finger after the paste has hardened for about 15 minutes. You can also use a clean cotton cloth as a sanding tool.
If you do an excellent job with your finger, using actual sandpaper might not be necessary. However, sandpaper will always produce a better finish.
Step 5: Sand the filler lightly with extra-fine sandpaper in a few gentle passes. You’re simply smoothing out the filled area, which removes excess filler from the wood around it.
Step 6: It is unnecessary to extract any wood. Use a clean cloth or a self-adhesive cloth to clean the surface. If you rub too hard with a tack cloth, you may risk embedding wax into the surface. After thoroughly cleaning the surface, it’s time for primer, seal, paint, or stain.
FAQs
What to fill nail holes with?
Fill nail holes appropriately and permanently using spackling paste on plaster walls and drywall. You can also use a wood putty on finished wood. You can use everyday household items such as toothpaste or bar soap from making a quick repair.
What is the best filler for screw holes?
Fill the screw holes with spackling or wall joint compound using a putty knife. Let the spot dry before lightly sanding it. Cover anything bigger with a bridging substance before applying the patch for maximum strength.
What is the best way to fill nail holes in trim?
Apply a small amount of filler to your index finger. Insert the stuffing into the tiny hole and swipe it around. Repeat as needed to fill the gap. It’s advisable to slightly saturate the spot, leaving a subtle, smooth hump over it.
Which is one is better: spackle or wood filler for nail holes?
They may all do the job for some time, but each serves a specific purpose and has a preferred location. Opt for caulks for corners, wood filler for flat areas, and spackle for drywall.
What is the best spackle for nail holes?
The best spackle should have toothpaste-like consistency and fill everything, including a six-inch hole. It should dry in thirty minutes, making hole repairs a breeze.
Conclusion
Over time, even the strongest walls, wooden furniture, and wood floors in every house will take a beating, leaving small cracks, gashes, and rough gouges.
Although holes in a wall may seem intimidating, it is one of the most straightforward DIY repairs you can do if you find the best putty for nail holes.
Our top pick for best nail hole filler is 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair. It’s sandable, paintable, easy to use, and works as marketed.