The Best Wood Repair Putty
Chances are you’ve encountered the challenge of dealing with wood damage. Whether it’s chips, cracks, or holes, these imperfections can be quite unsightly and compromise the structural integrity of your furniture. That’s why the best wood repair putty is a must-have for anyone who loves restoring or repairing old furniture.
So what makes a wood repair putty stand out from the rest? Let’s check out the top options and discover which one will best suit your needs.
Wood furniture is a popular choice for many homeowners because of its natural beauty and durability. However, over time, even the highest quality wood can get damaged.
So it’s always handy to have a reliable and effective solution for repairing these damages. This is where wood repair putty comes in.
It allows you to fix minor damages without having to replace the entire piece. You’ll be amazed at how much you can restore your furniture with just a small amount of putty.
But not all wood repair putties are created equal.
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KwikWood
KwikWood is definitely the best when it comes to wood repair putty. It’s hand-mixable and easy to shape, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced DIY-ers.
It’s extremely versatile and suitable for both interior and exterior applications – it doesn’t have any stinky fumes like other wood fillers, so you can use it indoors without any issues.
Its 15-25 minute work life allows you enough time to make any necessary adjustments before it sets.
And once it does set, it becomes as strong as wood and dries to a natural-looking light tan color that blends seamlessly with most types of wood. You can sand, drill, or even paint over it after just 60 minutes of drying time.
But what truly sets KwikWood apart is its durability. Unlike other wood fillers that can shrink or crack over time, KwikWood remains stable and will not rot or pull away from the wood.
This makes it a long-lasting solution for repairing any type of damage on your furniture.
How to Use KwikWood
To get started with using KwikWood, you will need to prepare the surface of your damaged furniture. Make sure to scuff sand the area with 220 grit sandpaper to help the KwikWood adhere better.
Check out our sanding before painting furniture and preparing furniture for painting posts to help you out with these steps.
Wear disposable gloves and cut off the amount of KwikWood you need from the roll with a utility knife or break it off with your hands.
Next, knead the KwikWood with your fingers until it is a uniform color. This should only take about a minute.
If the repair requires intricate details, consider using mold putty or hot glue to create a mold of the shape needed.
Otherwise, you can simply shape the KwikWood by hand or use a putty knife to flatten and smooth it onto flat surfaces.
After you have shaped and smoothed the KwikWood onto your furniture, let it dry for about an hour. If necessary, you can sand it down for a smoother finish using 220 grit sandpaper.
Now you can finish your repair project by painting or staining the KwikWood to match the rest of the piece.
Our guide on how to use KwikWood goes into more detail and provides helpful tips and tricks for using this amazing wood repair putty.
Bondo Wood Filler
Bondo is the next best wood filler after KwikWood. Bondo Wood Filler is a versatile and durable two-part formula that chemically bonds with surfaces to create permanent repairs.
It dries super fast in just 15 minutes, allowing you to continue working on your repair project without any unnecessary delays.
One advantage of Bondo Wood Filler is its thin consistency, which makes it easy to apply and spread over damaged areas.
It can also be built up to fill larger dents or holes, giving you more control over the repair process.
Additionally, it can be sanded, painted, and stained in just 25 minutes, making it a quick and convenient solution for any wood repair project.
However, one drawback of Bondo Wood Filler is its strong odor, which can be overwhelming. It’s important to use this product in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
As mentioned, it has a quick drying time, which also means you need to work fast after mixing it together. This may be a challenge for beginners or those not used to working with fast-drying materials.
Check out our Bondo Wood Filler review for a more in-depth look at its pros and cons.
How to Use Bondo Wood Filler
If you’re new to using Bondo Wood Filler, don’t worry! With a few simple steps, anyone can use this cost-effective and reliable option for repairing wood furniture.
To get started, make sure the surface of your furniture is clean and free from any debris or residue. This is so Bondo adheres properly to the damaged area.
Check out our guide on how to clean furniture before painting for some helpful tips.
Next, prepare the Bondo by mixing equal parts putty and hardener on a disposable surface. Make sure to only mix what you can use in 5 minutes, as that’s how long it takes for the mixture to start drying.
Then, apply the Bondo to the damaged area using a putty knife or spreader, overfilling slightly to allow for sanding down later.
Once it’s dry, sand it down using medium or fine-grit sandpaper, making sure to follow the direction of the wood grain.
This will prevent any scratches or imperfections. For larger areas, you can use a power sander with 220 grit sandpaper for faster and easier results.
Repeat the process until you get a smooth and even surface. And if needed, apply a second coat of Bondo for any remaining dips or imperfections.
Our post on Bondo wood repair tackles more about using this wood putty, including tips for successful application.
Other Wood Repair Putty Options
Aside from KwikWood and Bondo, there are plenty of other wood repair putty products on the market. Here are some options and what we think of them.
We have also listed the best wood fillers for furniture here that we have personally tried and tested.
Plastic Wood Filler
Plastic Wood Filler is a popular choice for repairing small cracks and damage on wood furniture. It can be used straight out of the container, making it easy to apply even for beginners.
One great advantage of this product is that it doesn’t shrink or crack as much as other latex wood fillers, allowing for longer-lasting repairs.
It also comes in a variety of colors that can be easily matched to your furniture’s wood color, giving you a seamless repair.
Another pro of Plastic Wood Filler is that it has very little to no smell, making it a great option for those sensitive to strong odors.
And since it can be sanded down and painted or stained, you have the freedom to customize the finish to your liking.
However, one limitation of Plastic Wood Filler is that it may not work well on larger or deeper damage. It’s only for very small cracks and repairs, up to 1/8 inch deep and 1/4 inch wide.
If you use it on a larger area, it may take several applications for the desired result. So its best to use Plastic Wood Filler for minor wood furniture repairs and touch-ups.
Durham Water Putty
Durham Water Putty is another option for wood repair. It comes in powder form, which you can mix with water to create a thick and moldable putty.
It’s said to be versatile and can be used on various surfaces such as wood, plaster, drywall, stone, tile, concrete, and more.
Like other wood repair putty products, it can also be sanded down and painted or stained after drying.
While it boasts of making long-lasting repairs, Durham Water Putty is not very strong in my opinion.
It may be suitable for filling small holes or cracks, but for larger or deeper damage, it may not hold up as well. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering using it for your wood furniture repairs.
And that wraps up our guide to the best wood repair putty for furniture!
Whether you’re a DIY-er or just looking to fix some minor damages, these products are sure to make your repair process easier and more successful.
Make sure to read instructions carefully, take necessary precautions, and follow our guides when working with any wood repair putty.
More Furniture Repair Tips
- Staining Wood Filler
- Repairing Veneer With Wood Filler
- How to Use Wood Filler on Plywood Edges
- How To Repair Veneer Edging
- How To Repair Chipped Paint On Wood
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