Top 5 Best Wood Filler for Plywood Edges [Reddit Choices]
Wood fillers are essential in any woodworking project. They are used to repair wood to give it a professional look. For example, if the piece of wood you are working on has scratches, holes, dents, or cracks, you can repair them with the best wood filler for plywood edges.
It is easy to do some DIY furniture or cabinet repair at home with the right wood filler. However, selecting the right wood filler for plywood is not always an easy task since there are plenty of options on the market. In addition, different products contain various formulas to suit different projects.
Wood fillers also vary in terms of texture and consistency. If you are serious about finding the best wood filler for plywood, our guide and reviews will help you. We have recommended top products that deliver exceptional results for your woodworking projects. Read on to find more.
Top 5 Best Wood Filler for Plywood Edges
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We have samples of top 5 quality wood filler for plywood that will help you get a professional look; compare our unbiased reviews, which will help you decide which one is suitable for your projects.
1. Elmer’s E887Q Stainable Wood Filler
This stainable wood filler is ideal for exterior and interior use. The exterior wood filler works amazingly well to conceal the edges of the plywood for a nice finish. In addition, the wood filler is resistant to cracking and shrinking, so you don’t need to use several layers.
The filler is made of real wood fibers, making it ideal for staining, sanding, and painting. It comes in a tube of 3.25 ounces which is best suited for small filling projects. However, if you are handling larger projects, you might consider buying wood filler for large holes.
The filler has an orange cap which keeps it in good condition for a longer time. In addition, it works well with high-speed sanders to give your plywood a professional finish after application.
Pros
- It matches perfectly with the wood.
- Great for small gaps and cracks.
- It doesn’t crack or shrink.
- Great for interior and exterior applications.
- Works well with high-speed sanders.
Cons
- It dries up easily after opening.
- Grainy, which makes it unusable.
- Not suitable for larger projects.
2. Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty
This is another great wood putty that you can use to fill nail holes and other small imperfections. It works well for both finished and stained wood. This wood putty is pre-mixed, so it matches the Minwax wood finish stains perfectly.
You can use this woof filler to repair minor gouges, nail holes, and scratches. The non-hardening wood putty is easy to apply, and you can get it in a wide range of colors to match your wood. It is available in cherry, natural pine, walnut, early American, and red mahogany.
If you are working on different types of wood, you can achieve smoother finishes with this wood putty. Applying the wood putty is straightforward, and you don’t need to do any sanding. It provides a perfect bond with wood for a professional appearance.
Pros
- It comes in different colors.
- The wood putty doesn’t harden.
- Great for repairing minor imperfections.
- It is easy to apply.
- It makes your wood look beautiful.
Cons
- It doesn’t harden.
- Dries out quickly.
- It doesn’t match properly.
3. DAP 00585 Latex 6oz, White All-Purpose Plastic Wood Filler
If you need a wood filler that you can use for a wide range of applications, the DAP 00585 Latex 6oz is great. This is a high-performance wood filler best suited for small filling projects. In addition, this is a solvent-based wood filler that works well to repair holes, cracks, and gouges.
The wood filler hardens well to create a stronger bond than the wood. You get professional-grade results on your projects since it is made of real wood that resembles the wood. The heavy-duty filler is easy to cut, sand, paint, stain, varnish, screw, and plan, among others.
You can drive nails and screws since the anchoring is strong and it doesn’t split. This plastic wood filler provides fast drying and hardens well. It is crack-resistant, and it doesn’t shrink like other wood fillers. The wood filler also leaves a smooth finish on your projects.
Pros
- Provides easy water cleanup.
- Stronger and hardens well.
- Provides smooth finishes.
- The filler is easy to use.
- It provides great results.
Cons
- Dries up a few days after opening.
- Contains harsh chemicals.
- The packaging should be more durable.
4. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
Water-based wood fillers dry quickly and are easier to use compared to solvent wood fillers. If you need an environmentally safe water-based wood filler, get the FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler.
This stainable wood filler has gone through quality testing. You can stain, paint, drill, plan and sand this filler after application and nail it just like the real wood. It dries pretty quickly in less than 15 minutes without shrinking, crumbling, or cracking.
The wood filler is best suited for indoor and outdoor projects. It doesn’t contain toxins or solvent fumes. Cleaning it is effortless with water and soap. It also has a low odor, and it provides professional-quality results on your DIY projects.
Pros
- It is paintable and stainable.
- Solvent-free and has no odor.
- Offers quick drying in 15 minutes.
- Ideal for interior and exterior use.
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
Cons
- Not stainable as advertised.
- Cracks quickly.
- It has a short shelf life.
5. Elmer’s E861 Carpenter’s Wood Filler
This wood filler for carpenters is great for handling small filling repair jobs. The wood filler is sandable and printable, and it doesn’t shrink or crack. Therefore, you won’t need to add several layers. In addition, the solvent-free wood filler works well on internal and external applications.
It is easy to apply, and it also sands easily to give a smooth finish on plywood. So whether you want to fill nail holes, hardwood floor gaps, or molding strips, this filler works well. In addition, it comes in a tube that is easy and quick to use.
You can also get it in six different colors to suit your requirements. Finally, you can trust the performance of this wood filler since it comes from a company with over 65 years of experience in offering the best adhesive solutions.
Pros
- Easy to sand for a smooth finish.
- Available in a wide range of colors.
- It is easy to clean.
- The filler doesn’t shrink or crack.
- It is sandable and paintable.
Cons
- It is too lightly colored.
- Squeezing the content from the tube is hard.
- Too light and dries flaky.
How to Paint Plywood?
It is essential if you understand how to paint plywood to get a professional look. Therefore, I will take you through some essential steps to guide you through painting plywood the right way.
- Fill deep holes
The first thing you should do is fill the pocket holes, deep dents, and nail holes with a wood filler. Let it dry overnight. In some cases, you can experience the wood filler shrinking as it dries up, so you can add another coat.
When doing this, remember to round the plywood edges. You can do this by running your screwdriver across it.
- Apply joint compound
After that, the second step you should follow is to apply the joint compound. Do this with a putty knife and spread the joint compound on the surface. Again, ensure that you spread well and achieve a uniform surface.
To ensure the edges are uniform and smooth, conceal the exposed edges using the joint compound and smoothen it. Ensure that you cover all the holes or crevices. Please leave it to dry overnight.
Next, take your random orbital sander and sand the joint compound down. This step can be messy so ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and have the right breathing and eye protection. After sanding the joint compound, wipe the dust with a wet rag or a tack cloth.
Buying Guide on Finding the Rigth Wood Filler for Plywood Edges
Purchasing the right wood filler for your DIY projects is great. However, there are some crucial things you should consider when choosing the perfect wood filler. This buying guide should help you understand these essential things to check when buying wood filler for plywood.
Water-based or Solvent-based
You can either choose water-based or solvent-based wood fillers. Water-based fillers have cellulose, gypsum, and wood fiber. On the other hand, solvent-based wood fillers contain vinyl or exterior wood filler epoxy. Therefore, I would recommend solvent-based wood fillers when purchasing wood filler, especially for repair and outdoor projects.
This is because such wood filler resists water, humidity, and other factors, unlike water-based fillers. The main advantage of a water-based wood filler is quick-drying, and they offer easy handling. These wood fillers work well for gaps and cracks, but I would recommend a solvent-based wood filler if you are handling larger gaps and gauges.
Stainable Wood Fillers
You can find wood fillers in a wide range of colors. The most important thing is to select a wood filler that matches the original material you want to repair. If it is hard to get the perfect match, you can choose to buy a wood filler for staining or a paintable one. To achieve the desired interior look, apply resin or polish on the dry and hardwood filler.
If you don’t do that, the part you are repairing will have a different color. Not all products are paintable, so you need to check wisely. For example, solvent-based wood fillers are easier to paint and stain as compared to their water-based counterparts. You can as well consider tintable wood filler, which you can tint before you apply the right shade.
Thickness
Another essential consideration to check is the thickness. You can either get wood fillers in two major consistencies. One is the putty thick, and the other one is the pancake batter-like consistency. If you need it for plywood edges, go for the thicker paste. You also have the option of adjusting the consistency by putting more water or solvent.
Packaging
The packaging of wood fillers varies depending on the usage. For instance, a tube wood filler is ideal if you want to repair small cracks or fill small holes. But if you are handling bigger DIY projects, you can opt for bucket packaging. On the other hand, if you need thick, consistent wood fillers, do not buy tube packaging. This is because you need to use a lot of effort to get the filler out of the tube.
Dry Time
How much time does the wood filler take to dry? If you need a faster drying time, a water-based wood filler is the way to go. These fillers dry quickly in 1-2 hours. On the other hand, solvent-based wood fillers take a lot of time to dry. They can take as long as 24 hours-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some wood fillers claim they are stainable while they are not. If it is difficult to find a wood filler that matches the furniture, stainable wood fillers are the best. Solvent-based wood fillers are the best since they are easy to paint and stain compared to water-based fillers.
You can use different ways to conceal the edges in plywood to give it a professional look. The first method you can use is applying wood filler. The main aim is to develop a solid surface that you can sand to eliminate the roughness. This method is easy and inexpensive.
Another way you can make the plywood edges look good is to attach a face board to cover the plywood. Lastly, you can apply edge banding, which is a thin adhesive strip. You can find it in various wood species to match your needs.
You can finish plywood edges for painting using banding that covers the edges of the plywood. This banding is easy to use, and it works with various types of plywood. You get it in a roll with glue, although it is not sticky, so you should apply some heat.
The other method you can use is a wood filler which is great for smoothening edges and filling gaps. A wood filler can take longer to apply, but it gives it a fantastic look. Applying wood filler is easy because you need to use a putty knife and use your fingers to smoothen the filler in the gaps and cracks.
Connecting two pieces of plywood end to end depends on the purpose. You can make different types of connections, including butt joints, scarf joints, rabbets, box joints, finger jointing, and much more.
Depending on the type of joint you want to make, achieving permanent joints requires using screws and glues to make it stronger. In some cases, you can find some connections that are stronger than that of the plywood panels.
Applying edge banding is one of the best ways you can hide the exposed plywood edges. If you do it properly, you will have a nice solid wood piece with a professional look. To apply the edge banding, you need to use a utility knife and a household iron.
Iron banding takes less time, and you get the roll already pre-glued. Your work is only to activate the glue using the household iron. With this method, you don’t require to use special tools. First, sand the edges of the plywood and then cut the desired strip. Apply heat to the edge banding, and it will stick perfectly on the plywood.
Final Thoughts
Wood fillers are necessary for any DIY repair project. While there are many brands of wood fillers on the market, knowing which one to pick can be an overwhelming experience. This is why we have researched the market to provide you with top options of the best wood filler for plywood edges.
We have given you top product recommendations that work well to match your projects. We have also given you some buying tips to make your whole buying experience easy. I hope with this information, it will be easier for you to pick the right wood filler for plywood edges.
