Any renovation project that involves nails will require hole filler. The house will look awful without filling the drywall hole correctly.
Imagine entering a house, and all the cabinets, baseboards, walls have holes, scratches, or dents. Horrible, huh?
So, you are looking for an easy solution to get rid of this situation, which is why you are here. You have to pay 70+ dollars for a hole path-up service, which is expensive. But it’s easy to do this job yourself when you have the best nail hole filler. You can make the ugly house (due to tiny nail holes) look beautiful in a short time using hole filler and proper paint.
What is A Nail Hole Filler?
It is a paste or glue-like substance that helps to fill in holes. It is usually used for filling holes in walls or woods. Primarily used for filling up holes due to nails, it can also serve other holes or mistakes. It can be used to fill up any dents, marks, or gaps between finished wood.
In addition, applying a stainable wood filler after nail can increase nail durability. Sometimes the pins can come loose and come out, and the nail fillers prevent it from stretching a bit.
It also helps hide any imperfection of a surface. After smoothing a surface with filler, one can get a smooth application for the paint.
Current Best-Selling Items
- 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
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Different Types of Wood Hole Filling Material
There are several types of nail hole fillers available in the market. Depending on the requirements, you can choose your correct hole filler type. Generally, there are three types of wood filler, and they are as following.
1. Wood Putty
The wood putty is most suitable for filling in gaps in wooden surfaces. Putty is usually made of plastic and epoxy. Among all types, the characteristics of putty make it beginner-friendly. It is easy to work with and has less possibility of creating a mess. It has a soft texture and generally does not harden. This flexibility in texture and softness makes it easy to work with.
It works incredibly well to fill holes, but it does not get hard like wood filler. However, if you want to have a putty that gets hard after application, you can use two-part filler formula. This formula dries fast and hardens into a cement-like finish.
After the application of putty is complete, you might have to work a little more. You might want to sand out unevenness and paint over it. The putty can be different in color than the wooden surface. Therefore, to camouflage the filling job, you need to paint it.
2. Wood Filler
A filler has more of a wood-like look and texture. It infuses with wood fiver and sawdust to be similar to wood. It is more potent than putty, as it repairs from inside, but putty is mainly applied on the finishing surface.
You will not need to finish the job whenever you use a wood filler as the filler color also resembles the wood color. Generally, there are three available formulas for fillers; they are epoxy, latex, and powder.
Fillers are ideal for use indoors. Unlike putty, fillers get hardened. If used under direct sunlight, the formula can shrink a lot more than you want.
3. Spackle
Spackle is similar to putty and can be used on wooden surfaces or plaster surfaces. It also gets hardened over time and resembles the wooden texture. However, unlike putty and fillers, the spackle is bright pink in color. Once they start to set, it starts turning white in color to not become too apparent. To get a smooth application outcome, you can sand the excess and paint it over.
Top 3 Hole Filler Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Nail Hole Filler or Wood Putty Reviews
We have picked 8 best-selling wood hole fillers suitable for working on drywall Holes, Wood MDF Board, Baseboard Trim, etc. Look at the detailed reviews, the good and bad aspects, and choose the one that suits you best.
1. Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler
The first wood filler we have on our list is the Home Solution Wood Filler from Bondo. You can use this filler for both newly constructed projects or for old, damaged woods.
Using this fantastic filler, you can quickly fill up nail holes on doors, windows, fences, furniture, etc. It works equally well, both indoor and outdoor. Being water-resistant and having a non-shrink formula, you do not have to worry about using it outdoors.
- 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
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moreover, you can use the hardening solution that it comes with to harden the filler.
The formula is easy to work with. The application is simple, and it takes little time to dry. It takes about 15 minutes to dry. Then you can sand it to give the surface a smooth finish. After about 20 minutes, the surface is all set to be painted. This filler does not take much time to get the job completely done.
Overview
- Brand: Bondo
- Filler Type: Filler
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
- Color: Salmon
Pros
- Durable and robust wood filler
- It takes minimal time to dry and be painted
- Waterproof and non-shrink formula
- Ideal for both interior and exterior use
- It comes with a hardener
Cons
- Hardening quickly can sometimes be inconvenient
2. Amaco Nail Hole and Corner Filler
Amaco brings a unique product for nail hole and corner filling. It has a soft and waxy texture. It does not dry out, and it is used to protect the wood surface.
- Perfect filler for picture frames as well as for sealing cracks and...
- A pliable filler for cracks, crevices and nail holes.
- Works great on wood furniture, crafts and all woodworking.
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The sole purpose of this product is to fill up nail holes. You can use it on cornel filling, picture frames, sealing cracks on an MDF board, or crack furniture, doors, windows surface.
This featured nail hole filler comes in various colors, and you can find one that matches your wooden surfaces. It will be best to find the color you want so you don’t have to paint differently.
So if it matches the color of the baseboard, quarter round, or any other wood surface that you want to fill it with, it will definitely be a good product.
Overview
- Brand: Amaco
- Filler Type: Putty
- Drying Time: N/A
- Color: Different Colors Available
Pros
- Perfect for filling nail holes
- Easy to work with
- It comes in various different colors
- No sanding or painting required
- It has a non-shrinking formula
Cons
- It cannot be painted over
- Does not dry and removable
3. Goodfilla Water-Based Filler to Repairs, Finishes & Patches
Do you need water-based putty? Goodfilla paintable filler will be amazing for both professional woodworking and DIY projects.
You can use this multitasking filler on doors, windows, furniture, wooden floor, cabinets, fences, or other wooden surfaces. It is non-toxic putty.
- ⚒️ HIGH QUALITY & MONEY SAVING: Save time and money with this wood...
- ⚒️ DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: This is the most innovative,...
- ⚒️ HARDY & CONSISTENT: As any woodworker will tell you, they throw...
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is easily paintable and sandable, so you can spray paint on it when it gets dry. This is an outstanding option for filling up drywall nail holes in any interior project.
Once you paint over it, there will be no trace of holes, dents, cracks whatsoever. Moreover, you can use tints, dyes, or paints with it too. You can customize your required color, although it comes with multiple color choices.
Being a water-based filler, the shelf life you get for this product is exceptionally high. Once you buy it, you can use it for a long time. Like having a good shelf life, the product also stays in good condition to fills holes. Its non-shrinking formula and strong adhesive ensure it stays put in places where you have used it. It also does not crack or sink.
Overview
- Brand: Goodfilla
- Filler Type: Putty
- Drying Time: A few Hours
- Color: Different Colors available
Pros
- Water-based filler has a long shelf life
- It has come in multiple colors
- It can also be mixed with tints or paints
- The putty is sandable and paintable
- Non-shrinking and does not crack or sink
Cons
- Tints, dyes cannot be mixed after the filler dries
- Sometimes dries into a different color
4. FamoWood Latex Wood Filler
The next nail hole filler brings by FAMOWOOD. It is also a water-based latex wood filler. Many professional dye workers prefer this due to its simplicity and versatility of usage. You don’t need to mix it with solvents to make it ready, as it is a one-step filler that can be directly applied to the damaged area.
- Dries in 15 minutes
- Won't crack or shrink, solvent free – low odor and easy water cleanup
- Can be sanded, drilled or planed
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This formula prevents it from shrinking or cracking. So, it is useful for also outdoor use and indoor wooden furniture.
Above that, this filler has a minimal odor which makes it easy to work with. You clean up any excess or mistake by only using water. However, it dries down within 15 minutes, so you might have to work fast on larger projects. It is beneficial for both the large hole as well as the tiny hole.
Once applied and dried, it will not budge. The filler accepts sanding and painting incredibly well. So, as you are done using the filler, you can easily rub the surface using a sanding sponge to smooth it out. Afterward, you can also paint over the surface.
This filler comes in a natural wood-like color that can blend in well with several kinds of wood.
Overview
- Brand: FAMOWOOD
- Filler Type: Water Based Wood Filler
- Drying Time: 15 minutes
- Color: Natural
Pros
- No mixing or solvent required
- Works well both indoors and outdoors
- It has a natural color
- It takes sanding and painting well
Cons
- Does not take stains properly
- Can crack if dried under direct sunlight
5. 3M High Strength Hole Repair Tool
3M is hugely well known for creating great adhesive products, and their small hole repair is no exception. This is a fantastic product for being an all-in-one hole repairing kit. It is effortless to use or apply as the container itself is designed to work as an applicator. You don’t need to mix anything or no need other tools to use it.
This spackling paste comes in a tube which makes it very easy to use. You can repair a tiny hole in 3 straightforward steps.
- 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
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You have to squeeze the tube to get the product out. Use a putty knife or applicator to spread it evenly. Then, use the sanding block or tool attached to the cap for sanding out any excess. This spackle comes really handy to give the finishing touch on a large project at the least amount of time.
The spackle is white in color and blends in well with wooden surfaces. Primarily this is meant for interior use. However, you can use it outdoors, too, if you paint it afterward with sealant and exterior paint.
This compact hole repairer is exceptionally handy in any repairing job. It works wonders in repairing small nail holes, cracks, or dents. The outcome of using it results in a neat, smooth, and professional finish. Moreover, the product itself does not shrink or sink.
Overview
- Brand: 3M
- Filler Type: Spackle
- Drying Time: 30 minutes
- Color: White
Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- Spackle, sanding pad, and applicator included
- It works well for small holes
- It can be painted over
Cons
- Cannot fill the larger hole
- The hard plastic tube is not very convenient to use
6. Minwax Wood Putty
Again we have a wood putty on our list, which is from the brand Minwax. It comes in different colors that resemble different woods to easily find one that matches your needs.
- WOOD PUTTY – Minwax Wood Putty is a non-hardening, pre-mixed putty...
- REPAIR CRACKS – The durable wood putty is ideal for filling nail holes...
- WHITE PUTTY – The oak wood putty is pre-mixed to color-match Minwax Wood...
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is ready to use putty, so you do not have to worry about mixing. Just take out as much you need and apply it to minor cracks, scratches, or holes. It is not suitable for larger damages as it has a non-hardening formula.
There is no need for sanding. This putty is most suitable for indoor use and can be used over stains, paints, etc. This easy-to-use product can come in really handy to fix any small imperfections on a wooden surface.
Overview
- Brand: Minwax
- Filler Type: Putty
- Drying Time: N/A
- Color: Different Colors Available
Pros
- Pre-mixed and easy to use
- Available in various colors
- Non-hardening, no need for sanding
- Suitable for indoor use
Cons
- Note suitable to used outdoors
- It is not sandable or paintable
7. Erase-A-Hole Drywall Repair Putty
Do you need a putty that can repair or fill up a nail and screw holes in your drywall joint compound or plaster? Check the Erase-A-Hole Repair Putty. This putty has been available in the market for more than 25 years. It has held onto its reputation over the years with the same old formula. Even being a putty invented a while ago, this works amazingly to repair or fill small holes in woods, crown molding, or plasters.
- Fills holes and cracks in walls fast with a quick use applicator so you can...
- Hand held applicator is compact and portable, perfect for your home...
- Special custom blend of ingredients won’t shrink or crack meaning repairs...
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Unlike the previous fillers, which are more for wooden use, this one is for walls. Suppose you put nails on your wall to hang photo frames or other decorative items, and now you have removed it. You are left with some ugly holes in your wall, and you do not want that. In such scenarios, this product is perfect. Apart from woods, it works effectively on plasters as well.
The putty comes in a tube, and it is easy to apply. You need to rub the product on a hole in a circular motion and might have to use your fingers to fill it up. Then you can simply use a damp cloth to wipe out excess.
Being a compact putty, you can work around an entire space and fix holes without any hassle. After letting it dry for a while, you can sand it and then paint it. The formula is made to not crack, shrink or sink.
Overview
- Brand: Erase-A-Hole
- Filler Type: Putty
- Color: White
Pros
- It comes in a compact tube
- Easy to apply and wipe off excess
- Suitable for wood, drywall, plasters
- It has a non-shrink formula
Cons
- The deodorant-like packaging does not work well for a soft putty
- The application process can be messy
8. Amazing GOOP Adhesive Nail Hole Filler
The last wood filler is from the Amazing Goop. It is so much easy as this spackling paste comes in a tube. It is durable with high adhesive characteristics.
This compact joint compound is suitable for carrying around and using whenever you want. This lightweight spackling filler could be a good one to add to any professional woodworker’s tool kit.
- This product is highly durable
- The product is manufactured in China
- The product is easy to use
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The tip of the tube has a sponge applicator that allows you to use it evenly and smoothly. This additional feature of the spackling paste comes really handy when filling up several holes at once.
Moreover, it is ready to use and does not require any other extra process. Even after application, scraping or sanding is not required. This spackle can be applied on woods, plasters, drywall, wallboards, etc. It is an incredible spackle to use for indoor materials. Being white in color, it blends in well with most white-painted wooden surfaces.
Overview
- Brand: Amazing Goop
- Filler Type: Spackle
- Drying Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Color: White
Pros
- Ready to use spackle
- Sponge tip allows smooth application
- It can be used on multiple surfaces
- No sanding or scraping is needed
Cons
- The applicator gets clogged if not cleaned
- Filler can dry out in the tube
Things to Consider for Buying Best Hole Filler for Nail Holes, MDF, Drywall Holes
We see different types of fillers that are used for various purposes. You need to check something to understand which one will be most suitable for your needs. Therefore, we have shared our guide to buying the optimum nail hole filler so that you can serve your purpose without much inconvenience.
a. Consider Filler Type
We have discussed three types of trim fillers. These also have different forms depending on what they are made of. However, what type you should go for depends on what purpose you are using the filler for.
While purchasing a filler, you need to consider whether you need a hardening filler or a non-hardening filler. Hardening fillers are suitable for the hard surfaces like plaster walls, wood floors, drywall compounds, furniture, etc. They will blend in beautifully with the hard surface and give s substantial effect. However, hardening fillers take more time to get dry. Also, keep in mind that most hardening fillers will need sanding and painting afterward. Fillers or spackles are commonly used when hardening fillers are preferred.
On the other hand, putty is used as a non-hardening filler. These are most suitable for nail holes as they are small and do not require a lot of correction. They can easily cover a small hole and look flawless. Moreover, putty is suitable for surfaces that are painted and finished. You will see different types of color putty also available.
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
b. Drying Time
Drying time is a contributing factor while choosing wood putty, especially for larger projects. When a lot of work is due after applying the filler, you will want the job to be done as soon as possible.
Many fillers can take hours to days to dry, depending on the size of the hole. Usually, putty or non-hardening fillers do not take much time to dry. However, some of them do not even dry to a solid form either. It will take a lot of time for a putty to turn into a somewhat solid state.
On the contrary, hardening fillers or spackling compounds can take hours to dry. Also, you can proceed to the next step, like sanding or painting over the hole until the filler is thoroughly dried and turned solid. Therefore, consider the drying time if you are in a rush to complete a job.
c. Application Process
The application process can be a concern for many while filling up nail holes. Going for putty is the best option for beginners. However, some other form of nail fillers could be more suitable for a job. Therefore, you need to know the application for that particular type of product.
There could be two possibilities. Firstly, some filler needs some processing before application, and. You might need to mix a few things or apply prime beforehand. If you are comfortable doing some sequence of processes, you can choose a filler that needs mixing.
Otherwise, you can choose the pre-mixed formulas. They are easy to use and need no prior processing or mixing. Most of these pre-mixed ones have primer infused, so you do not need to primer a specific area for smoother application.
d. Size of The Hole
You need into consideration the size of the hole you are willing to fill up. Putty, filler, or spackle – all three come in different strength levels.
A putty with low strength can be good enough for a small nail hole but unsuitable for other cracks or damages.
If you want to fill up a wider hole in a solid surface or drywall, choosing a filler can be a good choice. It will turn into a hard and stable surface that can be sanded and painted afterward. After solidifying, these can also support that putty cannot, as it will be soft and gooey.
e. Where to Use the Filler
Where you are applying the filler is extremely important. Not all type of filler is suitable for every use. For example, putty is good for outdoors, while fillers and spackle are good for indoors. A filler that is suitable for indoors can shrink a lot in direct sunlight and ruin the purpose of filling in a hole.
Then again, you need to consider the reachability of the space you want to repair. If it is on the ceiling or hard to reach, you want a filler that comes in a tube. So that the application process is not too complicated.
f. Color of the Filler
Different fillers can come in different colors. In most cases, putty is available in different colors. You can choose one that matches the rest of your surface where you will be applying the putty. However, if you are going to sand and paint on the filler, you don’t need to worry about color.
Fillers usually have a wood-like color and blend in well with the wooden surface. Spackles can be a different color which turns into white in the end. The color of fillers and spackles does not matter much as they need sanding and painting over them. Therefore, the color concern is valid mainly in case you are buying putty.
g. Blendability
Color-matching the surface and the filler is not everything to complete a seamless job. You need to finish the surface too. You need to apply putty properly to avoid lumps, bumps, and sanding dust on the surface. Also, remove any excess product to have a cleaner finish.
For fillers and spackles, you need to level the filler with the surface. To do so, you need to remove excess filler when wet or sand the surface after drying. After the surface is evened out, you can proceed to paint for a seamless look.
Some fillers might not be able to hold paints or not provide a smooth finish after sanding. Therefore, you need to look for a filler that is easy to sand and paint on.
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Homax Nail Hole Patch, 5.3 oz, Spackling | $3.87 | Buy on Amazon | ||
2 | Drywall Repair Putty: A Quick & Easy Solution to... | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon | ||
3 | Mohawk Finishing Products Fil-Stik Putty Stick,... | $7.10 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To Conclude
The importance of filling nail holes in various woodworking, home renovation, and carpentry construction projects cannot be denied. It is a must to achieve the perfect finishing. You can make it perfect while you have the best nail hole filler at your hand, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker.
It will surely be beneficial as most fillers can be used versatilely and on various surfaces.
FAQ
1. How to Use a Nail Hole Filler?
Ans: Firstly, you need to clean the surface where the hole is located. Then apply the filler following the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove any excess product and let it dry. To easily understand, see the video:
2. How to Remove Excess Filler?
Ans: There are several ways to remove surplus filler or hole filler that has been dried. You can scrape it off, dig it, sand it, or drill it.
3. What Are the Best Things to Fill Nail Holes?
Ans: Here, we have discussed different formulas and products for filling nail holes. You can use putty, hole fillers, or spackling compounds from our suggested items.
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