With so many wood fillers on the market, picking the right one can be tricky. Different products vary in strength, consistency, and application, and the wrong choice can mean your repair won’t last. Here are the top 10 things to look at before choosing a wood filler.
1. Application Environment
Water-based fillers are suited to indoor use, while solvent-based or epoxy fillers perform better outdoors. Water-based fillers clean up with water, while solvent-based options require mineral spirits or acetone.
2. The Job You’re Tackling
Fine fillers are great for scratches and small dents, while coarser fillers suit larger voids. Always match the filler to the repair type.
3. Drying Time
Drying times can range from 15 minutes to several hours. Quick-drying fillers are convenient, but thicker layers always take longer. If you’re new to repairs, slower drying fillers give you more control.
4. Consistency
Thick, putty-like fillers are ideal for holes, while thinner fillers are designed for spreading across porous or open-grain wood.
5. Packaging
Fillers come in tubs, tubes, or sticks. Tubs are cost-effective for larger projects, tubes are handy for quick jobs, and sticks are best for small nail holes or fine touch-ups.
6. Colour and Finish
If the repair will be visible, colour matters. Some fillers come in natural wood tones, while others are white and need staining or painting. Always check that the filler is labelled as paintable or stainable.
7. Strength
Not all fillers are equally strong. Chalky or powdery fillers are fine for light-duty indoor jobs, but for structural or exterior repairs, you need something tougher—like epoxy-based systems.
8. Sanding and Workability
Some fillers sand smooth easily, while others are harder and may clog sandpaper. If you want a seamless finish before painting, choose a filler known for easy sanding.
9. Shrinkage and Cracking
Cheap fillers often shrink as they dry, leaving gaps that ruin the finish. Stronger products with epoxy bases bond directly to timber and hold their shape long term.
10. Longevity
The biggest factor is how long the repair will last. For indoor cosmetic jobs, any decent filler will do. But for outdoor or structural timber repairs, wood repair epoxy like Sellaseal DT is the only choice that offers lasting strength and weather resistance.
The Bottom Line
There’s no single “best” wood filler—it depends on the job. For quick, light interior fixes, standard fillers are fine. But if you want strength, durability, and a repair that won’t fail, wood repair epoxy like Sellaseal DT is the smarter investment.