
- Sit the wood board on a flat surface. This allows you to add the wood filler to the wood hole evenly and without spilling. Flat surfaces are always best.
- If possible, fill the hole in a climate-controlled space. Extreme temperatures can affect the drying time and quality and prevent your wood fillers from working correctly. ...
- Give the material time to completely dry. Many times, large holes in wood can take a lot of wood filler material, which means a longer drying time. ...
- Rotten wood can sometimes be unrepairable. While it’s always worth a shot, sometimes a hole in wood can be so rotted out that it’s not worth fixing. ...
- Prepare your workspace correctly. This includes:
- Make sure your workbench is clean
- Gathering the right materials like painter’s tape, a drop cloth, craft sticks, glue, disposable paper plates, wood filling, sand, or whatever material you decide to use
- Using an electric sander for sanding and smoothing out the filled area
- Using a vacuum or broom to clean up sawdust and debris
- For larger holes: Make sure you have enough material to adequately fill the hole. For very large holes or deep holes, you’ll want to use a two-part epoxy kit
- For smaller holes: Wood glue, paste, or putty can do the job just fine. ...
What's the best way to fill large holes in wood?
How to Fill Large Holes in Wood: 8 Best Ways
- Method #1: Sawdust and Wood Glue. ...
- Method #2: Wood Filler. ...
- Method #3: Dowels and Wood Glue. ...
- Method #4: Toothpicks and Wood Glue. ...
- Method #5: Epoxy. ...
- Method #6: Putty - Bondo (or Similar Products) Wood putty is similar to wood filler but much thicker. ...
- Method #7: Spackle. ...
- Method #8: Acrylic Caulking. ...
How to cut perfect holes in wood?
Method 1 of 2: Using a Hole Saw to Cut Small Circles Download Article
- Purchase a hole saw and its attachments. A hole saw is a metal circular saw that attaches to a drill.
- Put the hole saw onto its attachments. At the center of the arbor should be a hole that is big enough to insert the pilot bit into it.
- Secure the wood in place and clear the space beneath it. ...
- Center the pilot bit at the center point of your circle. ...
What do you fill a large hole in wood with?
The Best Wood Filler for Large Holes
- Two-Part Epoxy. Two-part epoxy is one of the top choices for patching large holes. ...
- Polyester Paste. Polyester filler is used to repair holes in car bodies. ...
- Spackling Paste. Standard spackling paste is one of the top choices to patch holes in interior wood such as jambs, baseboard or trim of any type.
- Cellulose Wood Putty. ...
- Caulk With Silicone. ...
- Old School. ...
How do you fill in a wood hole?
Steps To Follow
- Choose a wood plug that fits well in the hole.
- After selecting, apply wood glue on the sides of the hole.
- Adjust the wood plug inside the hole.
- Draw force with Hammer or push the plug deep inside the hole
- Let the glue dry, trim the extra wood off the plugs with a handy saw.
- Finally, sand the area of plugging to give a fine look.

How do you fix a 2 inch hole in wood?
0:535:25How to Patch a Hole in Wood Trim | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is an instant bond glue also known as an isocyanurate. It sets up pretty fast so i'll put aMoreThis is an instant bond glue also known as an isocyanurate. It sets up pretty fast so i'll put a bead on one piece and an accelerant on the other piece so it'll set up.
How do you fill a deep hole with wood filler?
How to Do It (Homemade Glue/Sawdust Filler)If the hole passes all the way through the wood, tape off the bottom with a thin piece of wood or cardboard.Mix equal parts wood glue and the sawdust of your choosing. Mix it thoroughly.Fill the hole with your mixture, let it dry, then sand and paint it.
How do you repair a hole in a wood table?
To fill very deep holes, use wood plastic or water putty to fill the hole almost level. Let the filler dry completely, and then fill the indentation with a shellac stick. If a hole or split is very large, don't overlook the possibility of filling it with a piece of wood cut and trimmed to fit perfectly.
How do you fill large holes in wood?
8 Ways to Fill Large Holes in WoodWood Putty. Wood putty is a compound used to repair holes in wood. ... Two Part Epoxy Products. There are a few different ways to fill wood holes with epoxy. ... Wood Glue with Toothpicks. ... Wax Candle. ... Wood Plugs + Wood Dowels. ... Sawdust/Glue. ... Baking Soda & Vinegar. ... Elmer's Glue Stick.
What is the strongest wood filler?
Coming in as our number one pick is DAP Plastic Wood. This all-purpose, solvent-based wood filler is formulated with real wood fibers. It looks and acts like actual wood, except once it hardens, it's three times as strong.
What can I use instead of wood filler?
What Can I Use Instead Of Wood Filler?Wood glue – Fill holes using toothpicks and wood glue.Wood glue and sawdust mixture.Wood putty.Caulk.
Are wood putty and wood filler the same?
Wood putty is denser than wood filler, and it's so pliable you typically have to apply it with a putty knife. Like window glazing or plumber's putty, wood putty is a mixture of plastic and oil-based solvents. Because it doesn't harden like wood filler, wood putty won't shrink or crack, but you can't sand it.
Can you use wood glue to fill holes?
Don't fret; wood glue will do the trick. You can use wood glue as a filler. All you need to do is mix sawdust with the wood glue, apply the mixture to the crack or hole, allow it to dry for 24hours, then sand it. After sanding, you can decide to stain or paint.
What to use to fix a hole in wood?
If the wood’s kept indoors, use a water-based wood filler, primer, and paint, but if it’s kept outdoors, use a solvent-based wood filler, oil-based primer, and paint.
How to fill holes in wood?
Once your wood filler is mixed, use it quickly. Apply the filler to the craft sticks using another craft stick or a putty knife. The craft sticks will act as a support for the wood filler. The filler should be level and even with the surface of the wood.
How to repair a wood sanding board?
Gather your materials. Select water-based wood filler, primer, and paint if the item you are repairing is kept indoors, or solvent-based wood filler and oil-based primer and paint if the item will be placed outdoors. You'll also need craft sticks, disposable plates, PVA glue, wood glue, 120-grit sandpaper, and paintbrushes or rollers.
How to make wood filler orange brown?
The filler is fully mixed when it turns orange-brown in color. Apply the wood filler to the craft sticks to fill the hole. Once your wood filler is mixed, use it quickly. Apply the fill er to the craft sticks using another craft stick or a putty knife. The craft sticks will act as a support for the wood filler.
How long to let wood filler dry before using sandpaper?
Let the filler dry for 1 hour before using 120-grit sandpaper on it. Once the filler is dry, rub it with 120-grit sandpaper. You will need to use a decent amount of pressure when rubbing the filler with the sandpaper. Keep using the sandpaper until it's level with the rest of the wood.
How long does it take for craft glue to dry?
The amount of craft sticks you'll have to use depends on the size of the hole. Give the glue 10 to 15 minutes to dry. Place the craft sticks on the back of the hole and secure them with wood glue. Place the glue around the border of the hole in your wood.
How to make a hole with 3 craft sticks?
For example, if a hole can be filled by 3 craft sticks, lay them flat on a work surface side by side. Pour glue over the back of the 3 craft sticks. Place 3 more craft sticks on top of the first 3 to create a strong layer that's stuck together properly.
Wood Putty
Wood putty is a compound used to repair holes in wood. It is available in both a ready-made form and as a powder that must be mixed with water. It has a color similar to that of wood, so it can be used to blend in holes when wood needs to remain visible in a room.
Two Part Epoxy Products
There are a few different ways to fill wood holes with epoxy. The best way to do it depends on the size and shape of the hole. Epoxy works well because it adheres to and fills the pores and fibers of wood, much like a dye or varnish would. Epoxy can be purchased at most hardware stores, usually sold in two-part resin kits.
Wood Glue with Toothpicks
Wood glue is a fast-drying adhesive that can be used to bond two pieces of wood together. It’s also great for filling in holes and cracks in wood, as it dries clear and is practically invisible. If the wood has a deep hole or is rather large, the glue + toothpicks route is a viable option.
Wax Candle
Sometimes you’re in a pinch and you need to work with what’s available. In this case, a candle can act as a substitute wood filler.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Another option is to use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Mix the baking soda and vinegar together until you have a thick paste. Then, apply it to the hole and let it dry.
Repairing holes with polyester filler
Polyester filler is used to repair holes in everything from car bodies to wood-paneled walls. It’s almost the same concept as two-part epoxy, but the application is different.
The standard spackling paste
There are several key factors you should consider before purchasing spackling paste hoping to fix holes or dents in your walls, woods, trim, or baseboard.
Using Two-Part Epoxy
Epoxy is one of the best options for patching large holes (think windows, floorboards, woods, and sills).
Apply Acrylic caulk with silicone
Acrylic caulking is an appropriate choice of exterior wood filler to use for medium-sized holes in your home.
Using Cellulose fillers
Cellulose filler is designed for filling holes or cracks in the wood that you plan to finish with a stain or a topcoat. Cellulose is made from real wood fiber, won’t shrink when it dries, and sands flat and even.
Using Glue and Sawdust
Fill in the holes of rotted wood by preparing this method for at-home use. You will require wood glue or carpenter’s glue.
How to refinish wood like a pro?
Refinishing wood may seem simple; just buy the stain and apply -- but take it from the furniture makeover experts of Hometalk, much can be done to enhance the staining process. First, make sure you sand the wood- even if you don't see any sort of finish or top coat.
How to restore wood stain?
Naturally Restore Wood. Before grabbing a store bought wood stain, try a natural ingredient. Coco nut oil not only rehydrates your wood, but also restores your wood's natural color and soft glow.
How to stain wood with vinegar?
To stain wood a darker, yet still more natural color, give vinegar a try! You can use either balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on the color you prefer. If you scrub the vinegar in with a wire brush, it will take this great wood DIY to the next level! 3. Repair Minor Nicks & Scratches.
What is bondo wood filler?
Bondo is an alternative to normal wood fillers preferred by many furniture restorers on Hometalk. Mix up your Bondo, apply to the uneven, damaged section, then sand smooth. After, you can repaint the whole piece for an even look. 5.
How to sand wood to get a smooth finish?
First, make sure you sand the wood- even if you don't see any sort of finish or top coat. You must sand with the grain (in the same direction as the wood grain). Start with a coarse-grit, and end with a fine-grit for best results. A nice smooth wood surface will readily accept your stain and it will color evenly.
How long to leave liquid stripper on wood?
To apply liquid stripper, spread it around evenly with a chip brush to create a nice thick layer. Leave the stripper for 30 minutes, then scrape away, following the wood grain. Get the exact step by step tutorial from Finding Silver Pennies on Hometalk. Advertisement.
