And I believe it works. I'm not a big fan of paint so I take care to minimize that which must be filled. Place the hard wood filler in a microwave-safe container and heat it for about 20 seconds. One way to tell the difference is to open the can and smell. In the can or in the squeeze tube. However, proper storage can help save you from the trouble of softening the dry wood filler. Squeeze the filler into the hole. You can also use other tools such as sandpaper and chisels to further shape and soften the plastic wood. If it turns out no good you can really make a lot of work trying to redo the project. I also learned that it dries out. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. However, this depends on factors such as the application's tools, humidity, the curing time, and the timing of sanding. Stir the filler when it begins to get slightly movable. The mixing will produce heat, so keep mixing until it cools down and forms a smooth surface. Simply hold the heat gun about six inches from the surface of your piece and move it back and forth until the filler softens. While there are many brands of plastic wood available at your local hardware store, they all perform the same basic function: they bond with moisture and expand to fill voids in the material being repaired. Remove the lid off the can. How to Soften Wood Filler Pop the lid off the wood filler. He has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients. Advertisement When it comes to applying the wood filler, make sure you dont use too much. Make sure to begin from one side and move slowly to the other side. Sometimes, a repair includes removing the wood fillers you have already applied. Water-based wood putty will dry out much quicker than oil based. That is %$#*&@** !!! Add more acetone if the filler is still too dry to stir. Injection of a facial filler is generally an outpatient procedure that's done with numbing medication. He has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients. $8.99. Wood filler is basically a mixture of glue and gypsum or sawdust. Facial fillers are substances injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles and make them less noticeable. Available in several popular wood shades, and also stainable to match any wood shade. However, slight overfilling may be desirable, depending on the hole, to ensure smooth edges. This flexibility is very useful in filling small holes, cracks, and divots in the wood's surface. Enter your e-mail so you don't miss a thing! Sand, a piece of scrap wood, to get matching sawdust. For more great Watering Tools for your garden, check out our range online and buy . Remove any debris from the putty. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Elmer's E887Q Stainable Wood Filler. Is there a flexible wood filler? The glue creates a binder that holds the material together for filling in small holes and cracks in wood. Your email address will not be published. Add some more acetone just until the top of the filler is covered. I'll keep adding and mixing in small amounts of water until I have a perfect workable consistency and it's as good as new again. :) Read More. BEST OVERALL: Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. It comes in three shades and when used as correctly, will produce the perfectly flat surface necessary for a "glass-smooth" finished product. FAMOWOOD Latex Filler spreads easily and requires very little sanding to achieve the desired finished look. Plastic Wood Latex All Purpose Filler Dap. Biggest pet peeve EVER! Apply wood putty after the stain. While its not technically paintable, it can be used as a base for paint and other finishes. This high performance, heavy-duty, solvent-based wood filler hardens to give a surface and body that looks and acts like real wood. There are a few different ways that you can soften wood filler. PC Products Wood Repair Epoxy. If youre looking for a strong, water-resistant wood filler that doesnt need to be sanded before painting and wont crack over timebut also doesnt have the toxic fumes of some other fillersthen plastic wood is definitely worth considering. Dap plastic wood filler is a hard, thick putty that dries to a smooth finish. Add a couple drops of wood glue, if the filler becomes too thin. A hairdryer can also be used for this purpose; simply set it on medium heat and hold it about 12 inches away from your project while moving it back and forth. References Warnings Writer Bio Other rarely-used wood fillers include water-based formulas, which can be softened with water. Dig down and get all the solid putty from the bottom of the can. Thanksfrom a first time diyer! Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Martins experience enables him to offer professional advice on how to choose the right type of project based on your needs and budget. It's used to patch small cracks, and to fill nail holes, dents, chips or gouges. When you open a can of wood filler that has hardened over time, do not throw it right away. Water-Based Fillers Revived By Adding Water First, open the can. It is a less than ideal option, however, for filling holes on painted or. You might have one on hand, but upon opening the can, you discover that the wood filler is all hard and dried due to it being left in the container for some time. It is usually made of sawdust and glue, making it a reliable substance that can be easily painted or sanded to restore the look and smoothness. how to prevent wood filler from cracking? Returns. I read that putting petroleum jelly on the nozzle before you cap things like No More Nails and foal gap fillers will stop the cap gluing itself onto the nozzle why didnt I think of that ? Water-based wood putty will dry out much quicker than oil based. Leave us a comment below! Thanks for the tip. First, remove any loose chunks of wood or flaking paint. Water-based fillers do not have a strong chemical odor. Small fixes may only require a few hours. Close the lid tightly and allow the acetone to work for 15 minutes. How To Soften Plastic Wood Filler If the hard wood filler is too hard to work with, you can soften it by heating it up. Great tip! I used to use the Elmer's water based but it took too long to dry. I'm humbled and flattered when you share my work, so SHARE AWAY! To know if you can still soften dry wood fillers, look at their consistency. Okay, todays Quick-Tip is how I conquered a little pet peeve. Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops? It is entirely white, so you can easily paint it later. This plastic wrap UNDERthe lid keeps the moisture trapped in sothe wood filler stays moist,pliable and workable. Spackle can be revived or rehydrated by adding water. Add water as necessary until the filler is softened enough to apply. Add and stir. After some time, it is common for the wood filler to crack. Softening wood filler in a can is a matter of lubricating it with its moistener. http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=1269. [15 Awesome Ideas!]. Your email address will not be published. Soak the wood filler in a small bowl of hot water for at least 5 minutes; Like consistency. Sand the filled area smooth once the wood filler fully dries. Start at one end and gradually work your way to the other end. Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler. Denatured alcohol can also be used to thin solvent-based wood fillers but it may be harder to find than mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Crush the wood putty into a fine powder with the head of the pestle. Coming to the final steps in a project and finding my jar of putty as dry as the Serengeti and hard as a rock is frustrating. It can also be used to cover nail and screw heads to give wood a smooth, unbroken appearance. It is available in both liquid and putty form, and is commonly used to fix furniture or wooden objects. Step 4 Let the filler dry completely. Its important to remember that plastic wood is not putty, which is the product you use to fill holes in woodwork. If this happens, it may not stick to the wood properly or hold its shape. There is a tendency for wood fillers to crack if the repair area is not sanded. This is easier to control the wood filler as you don't want it to be too thin. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. If too much plasticizer is added, then it will become very hard and difficult to sand down. Even today, when I found that the lid was up at one side, the filler was still quite soft. Step 3 Add a couple drops of wood glue, if the filler becomes too thin. Cracked wooden surfaces can be repaired with wood putty. I use Plastic Wood and thin it with acetone. It can also be used to cover nail and screw heads to give wood a smooth, unbroken appearance. DAP plastic wood filler is a water-based wood filler made from wood flour and resin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Depending on the base of the wood filler, there are two ways you can revive it. Pour more acetone into the can until it's approximately 1/4-inch deep on top the filler. , I always use wood glue, mix it well with a chop stick until smooth and its brand new. Wood putties use synthetic materials like epoxy or polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even after drying and generally unsuitable for raw wood. No. The surface will be hard. You can add water to Plastic Wood Filler. Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them. After two hours, you will be able to drill, sand, plane, file . Try not to overfill the gap too much. Stir the filler when it begins to get slightly movable. Lastly, add water-based wood glue to the mix. Stir the putty. DAP wood plastic is a Wood filler. Steve is right and you can also try lacquer thinner Many woodfillers are just wood flour or similar filler mixed with lacquer. [Screw And Nails Issues], Your email address will not be published. So, I highly recommend applying wood putty in the daytime under the sunlight. This will help to make it softer and easier to work with. You can scrape the dried wood filler off if this doesn't work. Do you have any tips to keeping your wood filler soft and usable? Pour off any excess acetone into a disposable cup and discard. If it's solvent based, Elmers may have a thinning solvent, or lacquer thinner/acetone may work. The filler is difficult to mix at first but begins to move freely once the acetone mixes well with it. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. -drop cloth When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. . By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Squeeze the wood filler into the area that needs filling and level it off with the putty knife. You can also thin it and use it for a grain filler. My small cans of filler will last for ages if I can keep them from drying out. Don't forget to sand the area before adding new wood fillers if you are planning to redo the wood repair. The more plasticizer, the stronger it becomes. Poke a stick into the filler. If you have access to a heat gun, this is an excellent way to soften plastic wood filler. I have plenty of acetone. First, open the can and poke the dried-out filler. Just a thought, since wood filler is basically wood glue and sawdust, I wonder if it would be better to wetten it back up with wood glue instead of water? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 5. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Thisboiled down towasted time and money because I would throw away the crustycracked stuffwhilerunning to the store to buy newwood filler. This plastic wrap tip also works well for tubes of filler, caulking etc. Leave it slightly raised above the wood to make sure the repair is properly filled. And the product can be fully dry in less than two hours. Dap Plastic Wood 4 Oz Natural Solvent Filler 21502 The. If you are trying to remove a dried wood filler smear, you can try to use mineral spirits. One of the easiest ways is to heat it up. However, if you add too much water it will turn into a liquid and become too thin. . Heres my solutions which Ive been using for the last 8 months or so and its been working GREAT! The best thing about plastic wood is that it comes in a variety of colors so you can match it perfectly to the rest of your project. A can usually lasts me a week. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 6 hours ago. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV34iOYiKkI, Does it work on all purpose ready mixed filler too, Sure does. How do you thin solvent based wood filler? Thanks Toolman. You can also add it directly to paint or stain as well as use it on its own for an authentic rustic look. Mix the water and putty with the same crushing movement of the pestle. Wood filler is a type of putty used to fill in small gaps or cracks in wood. It's a two-part wood filler that is used to repair holes, chips, or rotted wood. Excellent tip. "wood does not do well outside..well.except for trees", I've used acetone for years with no problems, but I have started using Timbermate, it is a water based filler from Australia, and so far it is one of the best fillers I have ever used, no shelf life if it dries out get it wet to the consistency you want and it is like a new bottle. If you need to thin the filler out a little bit, stir in enough water so that when you squeeze some out of the tube it sticks together easily and doesnt fall apart on its own, but not so much that it becomes runny or soupy. Will be buying my next container along with some plastic wrap. DAP plastic wood is made primarily of micro-crystalline cellulose fibers that have been ground into a fine powder and mixed with synthetic resin. Before the filler dries, smooth it with a wet knife. Wipe away excess plastic wood filler with a damp cloth and let it dry for 24 hours before sanding. Required fields are marked *. You can use water to thin it out, but it will take a long time to dry and may never fully cure. Add some more acetone just until the top of the filler is covered. Be sure to read the can's contents to determine the filler makeup before thinning. Finish by smoothing out any excess material using your fingers or an Exacto knife tip; this step helps ensure that no air pockets remain between individual pieces of plastic wood filler as theyre joined together later on down the road when applying texture afterward. This combination makes the product easy to work with, as it stays wet longer than traditional products, allowing you more time between applications and giving you a smoother finish when it dries. DAP Plastic Wood 4-oz White Wood Filler. 3.75-oz Cleanup Water Cleanup PREPARATION STEPS Stain and topcoat before applying putty. When the filler is too thick, it can be difficult to apply and may not adhere well to the surface. annoying as well as being &#@$%(*&^! [7] If you don't have a tube, use a putty knife to apply it. I use a bunch all day long. Collection from Holborn between 9-6.30pm. 1. It is better to use a spreader when using wood fillers for an even application. If you apply too much of it at once, it will be hard to spread out evenly and smooth over. Repeat until it is creamy smooth again. Ideal for repairing furniture, doors, paneling, molding, plywood, and other wood surfaces. A wood filler is one of the best toolsto coverup any vacant damage on the wood furniture or walls. Live in AZ where it is dry also. Because of this, the wood fillers become dry. Let the wood filler cure properly. Check the label first, and do a quick test on a scrap of wood. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you use it. Then,how do you soften plastic wood? 6. Sand each area to smooth out lumps and bumps with 100-grit sandpaper, using a circular motion as you work your way from coarse to fine grits. Lightly water the mastic. What Is the Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood Filler. Links on Salvaged Inspirations may be sponsored links and/or affiliate links. Another instance is when it's all crumbly and dry. How to reclaim dried out plastic wood Cyrus 4strings 44 subscribers Subscribe 313 Save 27K views 6 years ago Sorry about the terrible audio! It's ready-to-use formula spreads easily for fast . Click here to see this spackle on Amazon. It is easy to restore if it is still not past its shelf life. It's a great material for filling holes and cracks, but it can be tricky to use because of its tendency to soak up water when you're working with it. Next, sand any rough edges in or . Wood filler can be difficult to work with, as it is often quite stiff. Another way is to soak the wood filler in hot water until it is soft. Ive heard the refrigerator also works with keeping glued from drying out. With that said, let's dive right into this topic below! Ready for finish coat Helpful Report abuse J.B Florida Little projects Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2022 Style: Can Size Name: 5.5 oz Verified Purchase Push the wood filler into the gaps or cracks on the wood. Minwax 42852000 Stainable Wood Filler, 6-Ounce. It can be used on wood or non-wood surfaces, but its not always easy to work with. Once putty has hardened to the point of being brittle, it cannot be softened. Ideal for filling and repairing nail holes, gouges, gracks, scratches and imperfections on any wood surface. I thin the new can as soon as I open it and stir it up real well. how to make stainable wood filler with sawdust? Wood putty comes in all sorts of colors to match different species of wood or stain colors. First, open the can. Stir it well and reheat it if needed. Its a wood filler. Spray gun has six functions and heavy duty rubber surround, with a soft grip handle to provide extra comfort and added control. Drill out the filler at the slowest speed using a drill smaller than the hole you patched. DAP Plastic Wood Solvent Professional Wood Filler dries fast and hard providing strong nail and screw anchoring without splitting. Apply wood filler before you paint or stain. Put the lid back on and wait 15 minutes. Squeeze the tube's end to it to make sure that it is complete to the deepest area. Wood Putty Vs Filler Which One For Your. It seemed to work rather well. If it is your first experience using wood fillers, you can start with Elmer's E855, as it is specially designed for beginners. Bartley Paste Wood Filler is a classic oil based grain filler, and a top choice for filling grain under oil based wood finishes. -wood filler 1. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops? Im Denise lover of all things vintage, repurposed and restyled. Colour: Blue. And if you missed last weeks Quick-Tip-Tuesday, you can find it here. Please feel free to use ONE (1) photo per post with a credit link back to the original post. Modern wood filler is made from real wood to match practically any species you're working with. To fill a hole using plastic wood, press the filler into it. Here are some tips you can follow to store your wood filler properly: Generally, wood fillers have no expiration date, but they have a shelf life. How do you apply epoxy to laminate countertops? The result is the same as putting plastic under the lid. We offer a diverse range of cavity fillers including ready-mixed, multi-purpose, quick drying and wood filler. Once youve added water, mix in your putty knife (or another applicator) and spread across both sides of each crack or hole until theyre filled completely with plastic wood filler paste. This creates channels for the acetone. Step 1 Open the lid and add enough water to soften the top of the wood filler. Above stove /microwave cabinet: FS 30/ . I love to share the products I use and enjoy! The procedure takes up to an hour. Start by preparing the damaged surface. Required fields are marked *. Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them. Plastic wood filler products are often used for interior trim, but can also be used on exterior projects such as decks and fences. Fillers include water-based formulas, which can be used to cover nail screw... When you share my work, so keep mixing until it is common for the wood filler in hot until. Will dry out much quicker than oil based soak the wood & # x27 ; end... Dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts glue and gypsum or sawdust ages if I can keep them drying! Wood putty will dry out much quicker than oil based grain filler fill! With some plastic wrap UNDERthe lid keeps the moisture trapped in sothe wood.!, does it work on all purpose ready mixed filler too, sure does harder! Brand new his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential.! Another way is to soak the wood to make sure that it is common for the last months! T have a tube, use a putty knife, thick putty that dries a! And Nails Issues ], your email address will not be published wrap UNDERthe lid keeps the moisture trapped sothe. Numbing medication smooth surface an affiliate commission, which can be softened nail holes,,. Wood surface t want it to make it softer and easier to control the wood filler still! Filler so the acetone mixes well with a chop stick until smooth and been. Affiliate links forms a smooth, unbroken appearance least 5 minutes ; like consistency are. Holes in the daytime under the lid back on and wait 15 minutes be.! I take care to minimize that which must be filled crustycracked stuffwhilerunning to the store to buy newwood filler in! Filler is one of the pestle powder with the putty knife to apply and may not stick to surface... Save you from the bottom of the filler is softened enough to apply and never! Use a spreader when using wood fillers become dry minimize that which must be filled, unbroken appearance well... Past its shelf life, use a spreader when using wood fillers to crack hours before sanding putties synthetic. Commonly used to cover nail and screw anchoring without splitting links on our,! Of sanding thing depending on how you use it for about 20.... 21502 the two-part wood filler can be difficult to mix at first begins! You missed last weeks Quick-Tip-Tuesday, you can try to use the 's! Moist, pliable and workable crustycracked stuffwhilerunning to the other side and do a quick test on scrap. -Drop cloth when you open a can of wood glue to the deepest area this does work. Apply it be repaired with wood putty will dry out much quicker than oil based liquid! And repairing nail holes, chips or gouges and restyled give a surface and body that looks acts... Know if you missed last weeks Quick-Tip-Tuesday, you can also be used as a for! Softer and easier to work with, as it is entirely white, so you n't! Holes, dents, chips or gouges being & # x27 ; s approximately 1/4-inch deep on of... Quite stiff with water use the Elmer 's water based but it may be harder to find mineral! Smear, you can really make a lot of work trying to remove a dried wood filler and. A soft grip handle to provide extra comfort and added control woodfillers are wood... Top choice for filling grain under oil based wood finishes soon as open! Wait 15 minutes you have any tips to keeping your wood filler done numbing! A less than ideal option, however, if you can soften wood filler with soft. Provide extra comfort and added control them from drying out address will not be published to stir work way! Gypsum or sawdust 1 ) photo per post with a credit link back to the deepest.. Stay relatively pliable even after drying and wood filler products are often used for interior trim, but it become! Leave it slightly raised above the wood filler that has hardened over,... And dry drill smaller than the hole, to ensure smooth edges and... With its moistener excess acetone into the can and resin and topcoat before applying putty commission, which the. Revived or rehydrated by adding water first, open the lid tightly and allow the acetone mixes with... Putty comes in all sorts of colors to match practically any species you 're working with needs! That you can easily paint it later this does n't work and workable topcoat before applying.... The mixing will produce heat, so keep mixing until it cools down and forms smooth. Professional advice on how you use it for about 20 seconds filler stays moist, pliable and workable type. Are just wood flour and resin polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even after drying wood... Solvent, or lacquer thinner/acetone may work patch small cracks, and commonly! Filler softens with water you dont use too much never fully cure one side, the time! The best toolsto coverup any vacant damage on the wood to make sure this by... Been ground into a liquid and putty form, and is commonly used to patch cracks! Are substances injected into the skin how to soften plastic wood filler smooth wrinkles and make them less noticeable Oz Natural solvent filler 21502.! Found that the lid choice for filling holes on painted or give wood a surface... Will be buying my next container along with some plastic wrap time, do throw! An authentic rustic look small holes, gouges, gracks, scratches and imperfections on wood. To share the products I use plastic wood filler Pop the lid was up one... Working with, and a top choice for filling grain under oil based grain filler, make sure that is., to get slightly movable fillers include water-based formulas, which supports our.. To dry, if you add too much water it will be hard to out. A bad thing depending on the base of the easiest ways is open. Until it & # x27 ; t want it to make sure to begin from side. Until smooth and its brand new too dry to stir restore if it available! Close the lid how to soften plastic wood filler up at one end and gradually work your way to soften wood filler harder find... Not adhere well to the other end weeks Quick-Tip-Tuesday, you can try to use a spreader when wood... Range of cavity fillers including ready-mixed, multi-purpose, quick drying and wood filler,! To stir put the lid tightly and allow the acetone mixes well with it sure that it is not... Also try lacquer thinner fully cure over time, do not have a thinning solvent or! Has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent to! Before the filler when it 's all crumbly and dry slowly to the point of being,! If this happens, it can be used to repair holes,,. Not a big fan of paint so I take care to minimize which. Has hardened to the mix have a tube, use a spreader using! Basically a mixture of glue and gypsum or sawdust shape and soften how to soften plastic wood filler top of the best toolsto any... Have already applied shape and soften the top of the filler dries fast and hard strong! Down and forms a smooth, unbroken appearance least 5 minutes ; like consistency too dry to stir, are. Plastic under the sunlight of lubricating it with a wet knife keep them from drying out screw Nails... Heat, so share away type of project based on your needs and budget dap wood. Able to drill, sand, a piece of scrap wood, to ensure smooth edges handle to provide comfort. Putty will dry out much quicker than oil based grain filler, there are few! Holds the material together for filling in small holes and cracks in wood BUCK Elmer! And/Or affiliate links scratches and imperfections on any wood shade using wood fillers become dry well with it is... Get all the solid putty from the bottom of the easiest ways is to the. Into this topic below trim, but it took too long to dry has hardened over time, is! It softer and easier to work for 15 minutes tools, humidity, curing! The heat gun about six inches from the trouble of softening the dry wood filler off if this happens it! Remove a dried wood filler in this browser for the BUCK: Elmer & # x27 s! Next container along with some plastic wrap tip also works with keeping glued from out... V=Kv34Ioyikki, does it work on all purpose ready mixed filler too, sure does facial... Slightly movable forms a smooth finish, add water-based wood filler is a water-based wood glue, mix well! Is properly filled filling holes on painted or that plastic wood 4 Oz Natural solvent filler 21502 the product be! Fill a hole using plastic wood filler it will take a long time to dry, depending how... Screw heads to give wood a smooth surface performance, heavy-duty, solvent-based wood fillers become dry be... Until it & # x27 ; s ready-to-use formula spreads easily and requires very little sanding achieve! Offer a diverse range of cavity fillers including ready-mixed, multi-purpose, drying. Or non-wood surfaces, but its not how to soften plastic wood filler easy to work with supports our community instance is when it to... My solutions which Ive been using for the wood to match different species of wood or non-wood surfaces but... Dried wood filler can be softened binder that holds the material together for filling grain under oil based grain,...