Top 11 Best Wood Filler for Plywood Edges

Wood fillers are helpful because they allow you to repair some of your most valuable wooden items. For example, you use them to repair nail holes, dents, scratches, cracks, and even exposed edges in some plywood products.

But with so many wood fillers in the market, each claiming to give you an edge over the other, how do you pick the best wood filler for plywood edges? That’s where I come in handy.

I have considered the high-strength formula and other environmental factors in creating this detailed list of the best finish for plywood edges. Take a look.

What is a wood filler?

A putty-like substance used to fill gaps, cracks, and imperfections in wood.

Our Top Picks

Best Wood Filler for Plywood Edges

1. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Best for Repairing Small Cracks
2. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler – Best Filler for Interior Repairs
3. Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty – Best Filler for Multiple DIY Projects
4. Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Best Filler for Skilled Woodworkers
5. Timbermate Red Oak Hardwood Wood Filler – Best Tintable Wood Filler
6. DAP 00585 Latex 6oz – Best Stainable Wood Filler
7. Elmer’s E861 Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best for Repairing Shredded Edges
8. Carpenter’s Wood Filler, Interior 6 Ounces – Best for Restoring Old Pieces
9. Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler. Clear Gel – Best Most Affordable Wood Filler
10. J-B Weld 8258 KwikWood – Best Wood filler for Interior and Exterior Applications
11. Elmer’s E842L Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler – Best Everyday Use Wood Filler

Best Wood Plywood Filler Reviews

1. Best for Repairing Small Cracks – FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler

FamooWood wood filler is one of the best real wood fillers I use to repair small cracks. It’s a water-based wood filler that’s great for indoor and outdoor applications.

I also use it to fill nail holes on outdoor projects. It’s a high-strength wood filler that doesn’t crack or shrink when it dries.

The realization that this product works quickly and efficiently is one reason I consider it a high-performance wood filler. It spreads quickly, fills the gaps, and takes shape. It takes about twenty minutes for it to harden.

I also find it easy to sand, smooth, drill, and plan. Furthermore, it is a stainable wood filler suitable for plywood edges. In short, I stain it over to give the repaired section a beautiful wood-like appearance.

Finally, the wood filler is easy to clean up with soap and water. This tintable wood filler is phenomenal because it accepts all types of stains and paints, making it an excellent choice for various repair and DIY projects.

This product is best suited for outdoor use due to its high-strength formula. Furthermore, it is odorless and contains no harmful ingredients.

What I Liked Most

High-strength formula
I could stain and paint over it
It’s a low odor formula

What Could Be Improved

You have to be skilled to use it

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2. Best Filler for Interior Repairs – Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler

This product is more than glue with an orange cup. It’s the best filler for plywood as it contains real wood fibers for better painting, staining, and sanding.

It’s ideal for indoor and outdoor applications and won’t crack or shrink after the paint application. It is suitable for use even with high-speed sanders.

The wood filler securely holds the screws and nails in place so that you can use it for interior repairs. This resealable tube is ideal for small jobs that may not require a pro to handle.

It’s the best wood sealer for indoor and outdoor use. I use it to fill holes if I do not want any places where water may poo. The filler is stainable, but it will not be an exact match to the wood around it so the patch will be noticeable.

Compensate for this using a lighter shade as the filler to make the patch darker than the remainder of the wood. It takes some force to get the stuff out because it is a thick paste.

But, overall, as long as you don’t need it to hold a lot of weight, the product is excellent for odd repair jobs in random pieces of wood around the house.

What I Liked Most

It works as described
It’s ideal for small jobs, and you need no experience to use it
It’s re-usable

What Could Be Improved

It’s tough to get the stuff out, but it’s for a good cause

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3. Best Filler for Multiple DIY Projects – Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty

Minwax has established itself as a reliable and reputable brand of wood care and finishing product lines.

Minwax Wood Putty is a non-hardening wood repairing finish that allows you to repair wood flaws, fill nail holes, and finish ugly scratches and cover seams.

This product’s most prominent feature is its ease of use. It does not require any specialized equipment to be used. Furthermore, no sanding is required after the application of this product.

And with your bare fingers or with a utility knife, you can fill in all of the cracks in your plywood table surfaces. The product is simple to remove, and you can rub the excess product away from the plywood surface

The only issue with this product is that it takes a little longer to dry than its water-based counterparts. Because this product is simple to apply, use it to fill holes and narrow cracks that would otherwise be challenging to deal with.

Apply the product to various wood surfaces, including sanded, painted, stained, scratched, and bare. The availability of this filler in multiple colors increases its versatility, making it an excellent choice for numerous DIY projects.

What I Liked Most

Easy to apply
It does not need sanding or specific tools
Available in multiple colors

What Could Be Improved

It takes a long time to dry

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4. Best Filler for Skilled Woodworkers – Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler

Although the Goodfilla wood filler is intended for professional woodworkers, you can repair plywood edges or seal small cracks.

You save time and cash with this wood filler because it does not shrink, sink, or crack and has excellent adhesion. In addition, you only need to apply it once before staining or painting plywood edges.

It accepts any finish or stains flawlessly. So, you do not have to worry about the previously used paint. You can mix this product with any pigment, tint, paint, or dye.

Goodfilla is a green product, which means it produces no waste and is non-toxic. Although it’s ideal for minor repairs, it is the most effective filler for larger holes or gaps.

This filler dries quickly and is also simple to remove with water. You throw away hardened wood filler is thrown out all the time.

Goodfilla, on the other hand, has an infinite shelf life because it quickly reconstitutes with water and is freeze-thaw stable. So, you can use all of it without wasting anything. 

This is your suitable wood filler, whether you are repairing the furniture, finishing a floor, finishing your craft, or designing an instrument. Use it to prime, fill, tint, sand, and seal each knot on your list. 

Goodfilla is so simple to sand that you’ll be surprised at how much time you save.

What I Liked Most

I can use it on almost all wood species
It’s simple to sand
It works as advertised

What Could Be Improved

Meant for professional woodworkers 

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5. Best Tintable Wood Filler – Timbermate Red Oak Hardwood Wood Filler 8oz Jar

Hardwood Timbermate has made it to our list of the best wood filler for plywood edges for a good reason. The product features a water-based formula to repair plywood edges and fill small holes.

The filler is very user-friendly, and you do not need any experience to get pro results. Use it for your plywood works, such as small repairs, and you’ll be happy with the results. 

You can use a flat spatula for application. It’ll spread and fill all the tiny cracks beautifully. Using a wide flat spatula, remove all the excess product and return it to the bucket packaging after use.

This incredible feature offers this product an upper hand over tube packing. Even more good news is that you can tint this product before applying it since it is a tintable wood filler.

Although this product is primarily used for hardwood repairs, it also works well for most plywood repairs. This wood filler, just like several other high-quality products, is ideal for cracks and holes, plus termite damage in some instances.

It is resistant to cracking and shrinking, and it is effortless to clean. That’s why most people prefer it. Even if you improperly apply the filler, you can remove it by watering it down. 

What I Liked Most

Suitable for edges
Dries and hardens pretty fast
Tintable and stainable product

What Could Be Improved

Staining results may not impressive

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6. Best Stainable Wood Filler – DAP 00585 Latex 6oz

The DAP plastic all-purpose wood filler is a solvent-based wood filler that hardens the wood fiber to give you a three times stronger repair than the wood you are working on.

The filler for plywood can be sanded smoothly, stained, planed, varnished, drilled, cut, screwed, coated, and painted. In addition, this filler provides hard screw and nail pinning with no splits.

Other benefits of this wood filler you will appreciate are its resistance to cracks and shrinkage, plus its ability to dry hard and quickly. It is a professional-grade wood filler made from real wood fibers.

So, it looks and acts like real wood. Wear gloves and follow all of the instructions on the tube packaging. You can paint over it on exposed edges outside your house. The product will perform well.

Follow the instructions, leaning heavily on the side of caution by allowing it to dry for a little more than two days. Then, you’ll be delighted with the strength of the DAP when you drill starter holes into it. It’ll be as strong as the wood that you’ll fill in.

What I Liked Most

It’s powerful and resists cracking and shrinking
It’s easy to use even with no experience
It’s stainable

What Could Be Improved

It’s expensive if you’re working on a massive project

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7. Best for Repairing Shredded Edges – Elmer’s E861 Carpenter’s Wood Filler

Elmer’s E86 carpenter’s wood filler is up next in our list of the best finish for plywood edges. It’s best-selling products, and professional woodworkers and carpenters highly recommend it.

The product features a pancake batter-like consistency and comes in beautiful tube packaging. The filler is ideal for repairing the shredded edges of your home’s cabinet building.

The most intriguing factor about this product is its ease of use. It spreads and fills seamlessly and needs little effort to repair and fill holes. Furthermore, you can sand the surface afterward to achieve a smooth and definitive finish. 

The more good news about this product is that it can be painted and stained. It is highly recommended you use a primer over your sanded surface before applying paint to achieve the best results.

It is also easy to clean, which helps avoid stains, and it only requires water. This product is unquestionably among the best available on the market for those looking for a low-cost filler that will not shrink or crack.

It is a highly dependable product that does not break, shrink, or tear after drying, providing you with a long-lasting lovely experience. The filler can be used for indoor and outdoor DIY projects.

Replace the orange cap tightly after use to prevent the thick paste from drying.

What I Liked Most

It is paintable and stainable
Long-lasting and dependable
It is sandable and drillable

What Could Be Improved

Once opened, it dries quickly

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8. Best for Restoring Old Pieces – Carpenter’s Wood Filler, Interior 6 Ounces, E849D8

Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is ideal for repairing holes, dents, scratches, gouges, and defects in any wood species, wallboard, molding, or painted surface.

In addition, the product dramatically resists cracking and shrinking, giving your project a professional appearance for a long time.

It’s easily shapable as putty. It takes reasonable time to dry when working with it, but you need to work a little bit faster. Once applied on the plywood surface, leave it overnight for the best results.

You do not require specialized skills to use the product. It sands down very smoothly, and it’s also easy to sand and won’t crack or tear from the fill joints.

It’s one of the best wood fillers for restoring a more than century-old bungalow. To be on the safe side, store the filler in a Ziploc bag to stop it from drying. You’ll love this wood filler as it is fantastic.

Use it to fill gaps, and you’ll be happy with the results. For water-based products, it applies smoothly, dries quickly, and sands perfectly. You can thin it out with water if you want, and it shrinks very little. Also, it’s lightweight.

The neutral color absorbs stains reasonably well.

What I Liked Most

It’s easy to use
It has a superb consistency
It’s reasonably priced

What Could Be Improved

You have to store it in a ziplock bag to stop it from drying out

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9. Best Most Affordable Wood Filler – Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler

Aqua coat is another excellent wood grain filler and one of the most dynamic and dependable products on the market. As a result, it is a perfect product for interior repairs such as vanities, tabletops, and plywood edges.

This product features a pancake batter thin consistency and is available in a transparent gel. The filler is simple to use and can apply wood filler with your bare fingertips, and it won’t irritate or injure your skin.

Better still, you can use an old credit card to put on the filler and wipe off the excess product with a wet rag. Use it to finish plywood edges, and you’ll be satisfied with the results.

This product is a fast-spreading and drying formula, and using it will be a fantastic experience. The filler, nonetheless, is not stainable or paintable.

Instead, it’s the best wood filler for giving furniture and other plywood items, such as cabinet doors, a shiny and smooth finish. The wood filler comes in pint and quart sizes and is a superior interior repair option.

Whether the damage is to your furniture or another plywood surface, the Aqua Coat wood filler is an excellent choice for daily use.

What I Liked Most

It’s simple to use 
It’s affordable and durable
It dries fast 

What Could Be Improved

It’s not stainable

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10. Best Wood filler for Interior and Exterior Applications – J-B Weld 8258 KwikWood Wood Repair

KwikWood is a hand-mixable epoxy putty designed for wood repair and rebuilding. It will cure to the same density as your wood after mixing and becomes an integrated restoration component.

This wood filler contains no solvents and will not rot, shrink, crack, or detach. You have fifteen minutes to work with this product, so you need to be a little bit fast. However, it’s suitable for exterior or interior applications.

It can be machined, drilled, tapped, sanded, and filed. You can go ahead with your plywood painting ideas after one hour or so.

KwikWood will not rot or shrink. Though the product significantly absorbs stain coloring, test and match first to get a perfect match.

KwikWood is much stronger than ordinary wood and dries to a light tan color. You can use the product to fill exterior cracks, and it will hold well.

Just ensure the wood is not underwater and be keen enough to thoroughly clean the project and ensure it is completely dry before applying the product. 

Because it is an epoxy, get the mixing ratio correct; instead of pinching it, cut it with a knife. Because it will become less pliable over time, only cut as much as you need within five to ten minutes. 

What I Liked Most

It dries out fast
Simple to use 
The instructions to use are clear

What Could Be Improved

It’s expensive if your project is vast

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11. Best Everyday Use Wood Filler – Elmer’s E842L Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler

Elmer’s E842 wood filler is a great product for interior use. It is appropriate for daily use and outperforms some much more expensive products in the market.

Because it is sandable and paintable, it is possible to smooth any wood surface and provide a perfect look following the repair. This product takes twelve hours to dry, depending on how much is used to fill the gaps.

The product also resists cracking and shrinking, which is one of the reasons I adore it. Furthermore, because this is not one of the solvent wood fillers, it is easily cleanable with just water.

This is an excellent interior repair product. Nevertheless, because it’s not very resistant to environmental factors, seal it properly after every use. The filler stain exceptionally well.

For best results, stain just the filler using a tiny paintbrush. Allow it to dry, and then stain your entire piece as usual to give it a great chance of blending nicely. Use it to blend away gouges and tiny holes and not for a large section.

What I Liked Most

It’s affordable
Has a good consistency
It’s effortless to use
It produces no bad smell

What Could Be Improved

The lid is flimsy and causes the product to dry if not well sealed

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Best Wood Filler for Plywood Edges Comparison Table

Types of Wood Fillers

Here are some common types of wood fillers:

Epoxy wood fillers: Epoxy wood fillers are a two-part mixture of resin and hardener that, when combined, create a strong and durable filler. You can sand, stain and paint it to match the surrounding wood surface. I prefer them for repairing windows that will face stress.

Cellulose wood fillers: Cellulose wood fillers are made from a mixture of wood fibers and a binder, made of cellulose or wood dust. I’m a huge fan of using fill sticks to patch any small holes or crevices in wooden surfaces, like trim and molding.

Vinyl wood fillers: Vinyl wood fillers are a combination of vinyl and synthetic fibers, which makes them slightly flexible. They are easy to apply, but they don’t bond as well to wood surfaces. They are perfect for repairing large holes in furniture or other interior items where strength isn’t an issue.

Acrylic wood fillers: Acrylic wood fillers are made from a mixture of acrylic polymers and fillers, such as wood fibers or calcium carbonate. Use them to repair small holes or cracks in wood surfaces, such as furniture or cabinetry.

Latex wood fillers: Latex wood fillers are made by mixing latex and wood fibers. They are easy to apply, dry quickly, and can be sanded, painted, or stained. They repair small holes or cracks in wood surfaces perfectly.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Wood Grain Filler for Plywood

Choosing the suitable wood filler for your repair or DIY project is critical for achieving the best results. For example, some wood fillers may work well in hardwood projects but not in painting plywood edges.

A few factors determine whether or not a particular product is appropriate for your project. This buying guide will assist you in finding your ideal match.

Water-based wood fillers are usually composed of cellulose, wood fiber, and gypsum, whereas solvent-based wood fillers contain epoxy or vinyl.

I strongly recommend a solvent-based wood filler or a wood epoxy filler if you’re working on an outdoor project or repairing tasks. These wood fillers withstand humidity, water, and other environmental factors better than their water-based counterparts.

Water-based or Solvent-based

Water-based wood fillers dry faster and are easier to work with than solvent-based wood fillers.

Water-based fillers work excellently for small cracks or gaps, but a solvent-based wood filler is preferred for huge gauges. Wood fillers come in various colors.

Go for a color that matches the piece you’re repairing. If you can’t get a colored wood filler that resembles your furniture perfectly, use a stainable wood filler.

Then, apply polish to the dried and hardened wood filler layers to achieve a perfect interior appearance. Or else, the repaired section would be visible as a separate patch.

Some products, regrettably, claim to be paintable but do not accept any paint. So, be on the lookout.

Stainable or Not

Solvent-based wood fillers are a bit easier to stain than most water-based products. Staining over wood filler is often a good idea to help you match the color of the wood around it.

Another option is to use a tintable wood filler. You can tint these wood fillers to get the shade of your dreams. Tintable wood fillers are great for interior design.

Thickness

Wood fillers are available in two thicknesses: putty-thick and pan-cake batter-like thin consistency. It is best to use a thick paste on the plywood edges.

Furthermore, you can change the texture of the paste later on by adding your favorite solvent or plain water.

If you filling cracks in hardwood floors, here is the best filler for hardwood floors that I recommend.

Packaging

Wood fillers are commonly available in bucket or tube packaging. You can use a small tube packaging to repair tiny cracks or fill holes. However, large bucket packaging is ideal for large DIY projects or repairing works.

If you’re going to use a filler of thick consistency, do not buy tube packaging. That’s so because paste with a thick consistency takes loads of effort to get out of the tube.

In addition, bucket packaging reduces product wastage by returning the excess filler to the original bucket. 

Dry Time

Dry time is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a wood filler for plywood edges. Most users prefer water-based wood fillers because they dry fast and harden in 1 to 2 hours.

If you have previous experience working with wood fillers, it is highly recommended that you purchase a wood filler with very quick-dry times—it’ll save you valuable time.

If you cannot work with these quick-drying products, then use vinyl-based wood fillers. Solvent-based wood fillers can take up to two days to dry completely.

FAQs

How do you fill plywood edges?

You can use a wood filler to cover a plywood edge. The purpose is to create a solid surface that you can sand down to conceal the roughness of a traditional plywood edge. The advantage of this method is that it is cheap and straightforward. The disadvantage is that it is only suitable for paint-grade builds, and you’ll have to do a lot of sanding to get great results.

How do you cover exposed plywood edges?

You can apply a wood filler or cover it with a solid board. Use pocket holes to attach a board measuring one by two to your plywood. You can also finish the plywood edges by applying edge banding, a thin strip of adhesive veneer. Apply edge banding with a putty knife or household iron. To use the veneer, start with an overhang, then apply heat and smooth with a wooden board. After it has cooled, trim the excess at every end.

Can I use wood filler on plywood edges?

Yes. You can use a wood filler on plywood edges and then sand it down to get exceptional results. Most wood fillers are affordable and easy to work with, even for those with no experience in woodworking. Wood fillers work perfectly to cover exposed plywood edges.

What is the best wood filler for large gaps?

Apply wood putty, available in bucket packaging, or use cellulose filler. Because wood putty is made of real wood, it’s excellent for woodworking projects that include stains and topcoats. In addition, wood putty available in bucket packaging is a cost-effective solution for large holes than those packaged in tubes.

How to cover seams in plywood?

Sand down wood surfaces, paying particular attention to the edges of the pieces at the seams. Then, circularly sand the whole surface with medium-grade sandpaper. Continue sanding until all the seams are smooth and the surface is smooth all the way around.

Conclusion

I can reasonably conclude that wood filler is one of the most practical DIY products for repairing your home’s furniture, wooden floors, and all woodwork. These are simple to apply and provide a new-like appearance at a meager cost.

Our top pick is FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Pint, Natural. It’s durable, produces no upsetting smell, has simple water cleanup, and is affordable.

Next, read about how to make homemade wood filler with sawdust.