What Is Wood Putty Used For?
What Is Wood Putty Used For?
Wood putty is a useful material for filling small holes and cracks in wood surfaces. It can fill gaps around screws, knots, and nail heads, repairing scratches and imperfections, fixing loose joints within frames or furniture pieces, creating a smooth surface where needed, and even providing a smooth base for painting.
Wood putty comes in both water-based formula that is easier to sand down as well as oil-based formulas that offer superior durability. It is also available in a range of colors to match the natural color of the wood it’s being used on.
What’s The Difference Between Wood Filler And Wood Putty?
Wood filler and wood putty are both materials used to fill holes, gaps, and dents in wood. The primary difference between the two is that wood filler is composed of pieces of sawdust mixed with a binder that dries to form a hard surface, while wood putty tends to be soft and pliable when applied.
Wood filler ready-made and available in hardware stores, whereas wood putty must be mixed onsite from a powder or paste base and solvent.
Wood filler takes longer to dry but provides a stronger and more durable hold than wood putty; where as,wood putty generally moistens faster than the same volume of wood filler but doesn’t offer as secure an adhesion.
How Long Will Wood Putty Last?
Wood putty typically lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years depending on the environment it is exposed to, its quality and how much wear and tear it gets.
It can last longer in summer months when temperatures are moderate, but might not hold up as well in extreme weather conditions such as during a long winter or in places with high humidity.
The quality of the wood putty also has an effect on its lifespan – higher grade putty will typically last longer than the cheaper varieties due to the better adhesion properties which help it withstand more use.
Additionally, regular maintenance such as sanding, touching up paint chips and regularly cleaning off any dirt or debris can also extend its life span.
Can You Use Wood Putty To Fill Gaps?
Wood putty is a great option for filling gaps in wood. It can be used to fill cracks and holes, smooth out uneven surfaces, and repair damages caused by wear and tear.
Unlike other materials such as sawdust and epoxies, it adheres to the surface of the wood and provides a seamless seal that resists shrinkage and cracking over time.
Additionally, wood putty is easy to use – simply knead the putty until it’s soft enough to shape with your hands then press it into the gap before sanding or painting when needed.
How Do You Apply Putty To Wood?
To apply putty to wood:
- Start by cleaning the wood surface with a sandpaper or steel wool to remove any dust, dirt and debris.
- Next, apply a layer of primer over the wood for better adhesion. Using a putty knife or wide-blade tool, scoop some putty onto the knife and spread evenly over the entire area that needs patching.
- Make sure to feather the edges out so there are no hard lines on the new material. Allow drying time specified on product packaging before proceeding with finishing touches – either paint or stain.
- Finally, once dry use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches or lines left by the putty and your job is done!
How Long Does Wood Putty Need To Set?
Wood putty typically needs to set for between 4-6 hours before it has completely cured. The time needed will depend on the size and depth of the area that is being filled, as larger areas need more time for the putty to fully harden.
Also, if wood putty is exposed to humidity or high temperature levels, then this can cause it to take longer to cure. Once completely cured, wood putty will last for many years without cracking or breaking down.
Should I Use Caulk Or Wood Putty?
Whether you decide to use caulk or wood putty depends on your specific application. Caulk is a flexible sealant that is used on many surfaces such as windows, doors and even tile work, while wood putty is a thicker paste-like material that typically fills holes in wooden surfaces.
If you are trying to fill gaps between two pieces of wood, such as window frames or doorframes, then caulk may be the best option due to its flexibility and ability to bridge any small gap between the two pieces.
However, if you need something thicker like an adhesive, filling holes in wooden objects then wood putty is likely the better choice.
