Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: What’s the Difference?
While wood putty and wood filler are both used to fill holes and cracks, they serve different purposes.
- Woody putty is oil-based and ideal for finished wood pieces in moisture-prone areas.
- Wood filler is water-based and ideal for filling small holes, cracks, and gouges, in wood you’d like to paint or stain.
| Feature | Wood Filler | Wood Putty |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Unfinished wood | Finished wood |
| Composition | Wood fibers + binding agents | Synthetic compounds (plastic/oil-based) |
| Hardening | Dries and hardens completely | Remains pliable |
| Sandable | Yes | No |
| Stainable/Paintable | Yes (stainable versions available) | No staining; some are paintable |
| Indoor/Outdoor Use | Mostly for indoor; some two-part fillers for outdoor | Better for outdoor due to flexibility |
| Application Surface | Before finishing (raw wood) | After finishing (stained/painted wood) |
| Shrinkage | Can shrink or crack when drying | Resists cracking or shrinking |
| Ease of Removal | Difficult once hardened | Easier to remove while soft |
| Drying Time | Quick (30 min to few hours) | Slower (2–8 hours or more) |
One major distinction not fully captured in the table is structural integrity. Wood filler, especially two-part epoxy types, can reinforce weak areas and even be drilled or screwed into after curing. Putty, on the other hand, is purely cosmetic. It’s ideal for hiding surface flaws but offers no support or bonding strength, it’s not designed to rebuild material.
Filler integrates into the prep phase, it’s applied before sanding, staining, or sealing. It becomes part of the substrate. Putty, by contrast, is a post-finish product, applied after everything else. It’s a finishing touch, not a prep tool. This difference can affect timing, labor, and outcome depending on your workflow.