If you’ve ever used wood filler, chances are, you’ve ended up with cracks and uneven surfaces due to shrinking. It’s not just you. Wood fillers, especially water-based ones, tend to shrink as they dry. Understandably, this can be frustrating and sometimes even costly.

So, how can you achieve a smooth, lasting finish on your wooden projects?

Today, we walk you through everything you should know about wood filler, from techniques to products you can use. Read on to learn how to fix wood damage the right way and discover a super-effective non-shrinking wood filler!

What Is Wood Filler?

Wood filler is a product that professionals and hobbyists use to repair damage on wooden surfaces. It usually comes in as a paste that can fill holes and other imperfections.

Wood filler is perfect for certain repairs because it dries solid, and you can sand and saw it. In most cases, you can also paint over the wood filler. Nobody would be able to tell that the surface had a crack to begin with.

However, there are many types of wood filler, and results may vary depending on the brand. It’s important to do your research beforehand to identify which wood filler is best for you.

What Is Wood Filler Used For?

Wood filler can be used for the following:

• General Repair: You can use wood filler for patching holes and cracks in walls, furniture, and loose wood joints. It’s great for fixing imperfections in plywood and even antiques!
• Hanging Pictures: If you have loose holes for hanging pictures, you can use wood filler to stabilize nails and wires. Moreover, you can use it to tighten drawer knobs.
• Fix Door Bumpers: Wood filler is useful for tightening loose door trims and bumpers.
• Art and Other Repairs: In some cases, people may use wood filler for 3D printing and casting missing pieces on furniture.

Wood Filler vs. Wood Putty: Key Differences

Wood filler and wood putty sound the same, but they’re actually different products. So, which one should you choose for your project?

Here’s a quick guide on wood filler vs. wood putty!

Wood Filler	Wood Putty
– Made from wood fibers and a binder (often water- or solvent-based) – Dries hard and solid – Can be sanded, stained, and painted – Designed to be applied before finishing the wood – Best for indoor use and structural repairs	-Made from plastic or petroleum-based compounds; does not contain actual wood fibers – Stays somewhat flexible (doesn’t harden completely) – Usually not sandable – Applied after the wood has been stained or sealed – Better for finished wood (like furniture touch-ups) and some outdoor applications due to its flexibility.

Reasons Why Wood Filler Shrinks

Wood filler may shrink for various reasons.

• Water Evaporation: Being water-based means that the liquid in wood filler evaporates once it dries. The evaporation causes the wood filler to shrink and sink into the hole or crack.
• Improper Mixing: If you have a powdered wood filler, you may have mixed too much water during preparation. The excess moisture leads to a greater loss in volume after drying.
• Temperature and Humidity: Hot weather can cause wood filler to dry too quickly. This leads to uneven drying and cracking in the finished product.
• Porous Surface: In some cases, wooden surfaces can absorb moisture from the wood filler, causing shrinkage.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Wood Filler from Shrinking

If you have a traditional wood filler that’s prone to shrinking, there are some ways for you to address the issue. In this section, we give you tips for preventing wood filler from shrinking.

• Apply in Layers: You can apply the filler in many layers instead of one thick coat. Wait for each layer of the filler to fully dry before applying the next coating.
• Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Avoid adding too much water to the filler so as not to weaken it.
• Overfill the Crack: You can slightly overfill the area to compensate for shrinkage. Once it sets, you can sand over the product.
• Control the Environment: Controlling your work area’s temperature and humidity may help the wood filler set correctly.
• Follow Proper Drying Times: Never sand over damp wood filler. Sanding too early can cause the filler to settle unevenly and shrink.
• Seal Porous Surfaces: You may also try sealing porous wood surfaces to prevent the filler’s moisture from seeping into the wood.

Last but not least, you can use a non-shrinking, high-quality filler like Durham’s Wood Putty!

Non-Shrinking Wood Filler

Non-shrinking wood filler is a specially formulated type of filler that maintains its shape as it cures. This makes it great for filling deeper holes and wider cracks while eliminating the need for repeated applications.

You can use non-shrinking wood filler for flooring, woodworking, furniture restoration, and other repairs. It’s a durable and versatile option that blends with the surrounding wood for a smooth finish.

Where Durham’s Water Putty Fits In

Durham’s Water Putty is a product that combines the advantages of wood filler and wood putty!

As the name implies, Durham’s Water Putty is a water-based product that’s easier to sand, saw, and paint than regular wood putty. While it’s water-based, it still resists shrinking better than most wood fillers,only minimal shrinkage may occur if it’s applied too thickly or mixed with too much water.

What’s more, Durham’s Water Putty dries as hard as rock. It’s suitable for outdoor use when combined with the proper sealants!

Why Durham’s Water Putty Doesn’t Shrink

Durham’s Water Putty is primarily composed of molding plaster and dextrin. When mixed with water, the molding plaster undergoes a chemical reaction that causes the putty to expand.

As the putty expands, it fills natural holes in the wood, helping it stick to the surface. Once cured, it forms a rock-hard mass ideal for wood repairs.

In short, Durham’s Water Putty doesn’t shrink because it uses chemical reactions instead of water evaporation. The whole process makes Durham’s a reliable filler that doesn’t develop dips and cracks!

How to Use Durham’s Water Putty for Best Results

Using Durham’s Water Putty is incredibly easy. Here’s how you do it for the best results.

• Mix Water In: Into a clean dish, mix three parts of the dry putty with one part of water. You can add the water little by little until you create a smooth dough-like consistency.
• Prepare the Surface: Make sure the repair area is clean and dry. Don’t use the putty on smooth concave surfaces, as the putty may not stick.
• Work Quickly: Durham’s Water Putty hardens quickly, so it’s best to work fast. You may add a small amount of vinegar to delay the putty from setting.
• Press Firmly: Press the putty into the cavity firmly to fill in every nook and cranny. Scrape the excess putty off with a putty knife and clean around the area with a damp cloth.
• Dry Thoroughly: Allow the putty to harden for at least 8 hours, depending on the size of the project. Only sand the putty once it’s thoroughly dry.
• Seal the Putty: For outdoor uses, you’ll need to apply paint or other waterproofing coatings.

FAQs

Can I stain over Durham’s Water Putty?

Durham’s Water Putty doesn’t stain well due to its hardness. You can, however, paint over it or color the putty directly.

To do this, mix a dry water-based pigment into the putty. Avoid oil-based pigments as they may prevent the putty from drying.

We recommend experimenting with the colors first to see which ones don’t affect the mixture.

Is wood filler waterproof?

No. Wood filler is typically not waterproof. In most cases, you’ll need to apply paint or sealant to make the surface waterproof for outdoor use.

Durham’s Water Putty may come loose if the surrounding wood absorbs moisture. Paint will also peel off if the putty is still damp during application.

How long does Durham’s Water Putty take to dry?

It takes 20 minutes for Durham’s Water Putty to harden into a solid soap consistency. At this stage, you can use a putty knife to scrape off excess material. For art projects, this is also the best time to carve into the putty.

At 40 minutes, the Durham’s Water Putty turns very hard, and it may be difficult to cut into it. That said, you should wait at least 8 hours for the putty to dry completely. The drying time will vary depending on how big the patch is.

How deep of a hole can I fill with Durham’s Water Putty?

Durham’s Water Putty is best for shallow holes and cracks about ½ inch deep. In this case, you can apply the putty in a single layer without issue.

If the gap is over 2 inches deep, you need to apply Durham’s Water Putty in two or more layers. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Finally, for holes deeper than 2 inches, you should use a solid backing material like wood or mesh. The backing provides structural support to the putty and reduces the amount of putty you need to use.

Will Durham’s Water Putty crack over time?

While Durham’s Water Putty is highly durable and stable, it can crack if not used correctly. Never use Durham’s Water Putty on areas that experience movement and stress, such as floor boards. Also, make sure to dry the putty thoroughly before sanding and painting!