Best Putty for Nail Holes

Professional woodworkers as well as DIY enthusiasts need nail hole fillers. They can be used to hide minor scratches or fill in ugly holes caused by the removal of hardware.

Real wood putty can be used to fill in nail holes, preserving the beauty of your wooden floors and furniture for many years. How do you pick the right putty to fill nail holes when there are so many on the market?

I am an expert in wood and have spent many hours researching and testing nail hole fillers. Each product was chosen based on features, quality, and effectiveness.

If you are doing this with your kids, check out our latest guide on the top 10 tools for kids so they can play along with you.

Table of Contents


The Best of the Best

Review of the Best Putty to Fill Nail Holes

1. The best for small hole repair - 3M High strength Small Hole Repair

This nail hole filler is a great product to fill in holes that are up to 3 inches deep. This nail hole filler is perfect for small holes. It can be repaired up to three-times faster than vinyl spackling.

This product is one of the most effective nail hole fillers I have ever used. I’ve tried it on hardwood flooring, as well as other surfaces. This spackle is durable and will not crack, shrink or sag. It will stay exactly where you place it and hide imperfections perfectly.

This spackle dries quickly after being applied with a putty blade or the flat end on the tube. I sand the surface to make it smooth, then paint it to match nearby wood.

The product can also be used to fill in screw and nail holes caused by anchors. This product will work even if you are a novice at filling holes. It is simple to use and gives professional results.

Overall, this is a nail hole filler I would highly recommend. Your walls will be flawless if you use sandpaper!

What I like the Most

  • Easy of Use
  • It hides small nail holes with the same ferocity as a beast
  • Sandable
  • You can cover it with paint

What could be improved?

  • The material is too thick to remove the sand, but this is a good course.
3M High Strength Small Hole Repair

2. Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler - E855 Carpenter's Putty is the best painter's putty for nail holes.

My go-to method for fixing ugly chips or holes in furniture or wood flooring at home is to use Elmer’s carpenter’s wood filler. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is my go-to solution for these types of problems.

This product is quick and simple to use. The wood filler quickly fills in the holes and can be sanded. It’s also paintable, sandable, and won’t crack or shrink. It’s also easy to clean, as you only need water and soap.

This wood filler’s ability to be used in a variety of applications is another thing that I like. This filler is great for fixing holes in art, wood trim, carpentry or other wood products.

It is important to work in an area that has good ventilation and keep the lid closed when not in use. To ensure that I get enough fresh air, I use a portable fan or go outside.

After a minute, scrape off any excess wood filler using a damp cloth.

When I paint the final product, I start with a primer because wood filler absorbs paint differently.

I will add water if the wood filler in the jar dries over time. This will maintain the desired consistency. I keep the container inside a ziplock to stop the product from drying.

Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is a great solution to repair holes in wooden items at home. I would highly recommend trying it!

What I like the Most

  • It gives a smooth, even finish.
  • Cleaning is easy.
  • You can paint and sand it.
  • This product is solvent-free.
  • The material never cracks or shrinks.
  • The effects of the product are long-lasting.

What could be improved?

  • It will dry out if not stored properly.
Elmer's E855 Carpenter's Wood Filler

3. Drydex 5.5 oz Raw material - DAP12343 Drydex is best for both interior and exterior use.

This wood filler is a great way to repair holes in wood. I love doing repairs around the house and repairing things. This is the easiest way to fill holes!

This wood filler has been specially formulated to be used indoors and outdoors. The product comes in an easy-to-use squeeze bottle that has a unique measure of dry time. This allows you to quickly determine when the wood filler is ready for use.

The wood grain filler changes color when you apply it to show that it has reached the ideal drying time. It turns pink when it’s first applied but becomes white after has hardened. The filler has been specially formulated for a smooth, easy-to-sand surface. It comes in 5.5 oz bottles that are enough to cover nailholes in walls.

If you are working on a large project, it may be worth looking at other products that would work better for your project. To get the best results, you must clean the surface and remove all chips. You should also sand the area to be treated, before applying the wood filler.

Let the filler dries for two days, then sand and paint to match the wood surrounding it. You may need two coats depending on how severe the hole is. Overall, this wood filler is a great product for those who want to repair holes in wood.

What I like the Most

  • Dry time indicator with Optimal Dry Time
  • Sandable after hardening
  • The product is suitable for both interior and exterior use
  • Easy to use

What could be improved?

  • The product may be difficult to squeeze out of the bottle
DAP 12346 Drydex 5.5 Oz Raw building material 5.5-Ounce

4. Most Trusted Nail hole filler - Minwax 13616000 Wood Putty

Minwax is my go-to brand for wood care products and finishes. Minwax Wood Putty is one of my favorite products.

This wood repair finish is perfect for covering minor scratches and fixing nail holes.

This wood filler’s ease of use is one of its most notable features. It doesn’t require any special equipment, and you don’t even have to sand it after use. You can also fill in small gaps with your fingertips without having to worry about damaging your skin.

Pre-mixed putty can hide minor imperfections in wood and conceal screw holes. It is suitable for stained, painted, or bare wood.

It’s easy to use and does not require sanding. It is soft and easy to apply, as it does not harden.

It will not crack, shrink or fall off once it has dried. This product is perfect for filling small cracks and screw holes that are difficult to repair.

Minwax Wood Putty comes in a variety of colors. It is incredibly flexible, and makes it an excellent DIY product. Overall, I would recommend this product for anyone who wants to easily repair and touch-up their wood surfaces.

What I like the Most

  • Easy to use
  • No special tools or sanding is required.
  • Available in many colors

What could be improved?

  • It takes a longer time for the result to dry.
Minwax 13616 3.75 Oz White Wood Putty

5. Best Easily Paintable Spackling – Nail Hole Patch 5.3 oz

Red Devil has always delivered high-quality fillers to my projects. I use this spackling material to repair and renovate homes and offices.

This filler is so clever! It can hide nail holes, cracks and screw holes on both interior and external wood surfaces. This bucket contains 236.59 milliliters, which is ideal for filling small holes.

Red Devil’s spackling compounds are known for their quick drying times. I can paint it in minutes and get a professional-looking, seamless finish that lasts long.

This vinyl spackling can be applied by both beginners and experts.

This filler can be used on a variety of surfaces including plaster, drywall and stucco. It is also great for painted trims, wood, and even painted trim. It is applied with a putty blade and allowed to dry. It becomes permanent once it dries and will not peel or crack.

This product comes in a half-pint, which may not sound like much but is perfect for filling small gaps and scratches. For larger projects it can be expensive.

What I like the Most

  • Easy to Apply
  • No sanding required.
  • Paintable in Minutes
  • It has a professional look
  • It will not shrink after drying.

What could be improved?

  • It is small, but the pot makes up for its size in quality
Homax Nail Hole Patch 5.3 oz

6. Best Putty to Repair Drywall - Erase A Hole The Original Drywall Repair

This product is great for filling small wall gaps and nail holes quickly. The simple applicator allows me to upgrade my apartment or home and get my security deposit refunded if I am low on money.

This putty can be used to repair drywall, plaster and wood holes. It’s easy to use and I can repair drywall in minutes. Even as a student or first-time home owner, it is possible for me to renovate drywall using no special tools.

This is not only a great wall putty to fill in holes, but also works well for plaster repairs. It must be applied in a circular motion and wiped with a wet cloth before painting.

It’s not necessary to wait for someone else to fix those ugly holes. You can save money and gain valuable skills by doing it yourself.

This product can cover a hole that I’ve made in my drywall due to a wall anchor that has been removed. It doesn’t require any special equipment and is easy to use.

It will be perfect as long as I read the instructions on the can, and use the cap edge to smooth out the product. It can be used to fill in dents and repair damaged drywall.

What I like the Most

  • Easy of Use
  • No need for Special Tools
  • Resists shrinking and cracking
  • Paintable and sandable
  • dries quickly

What could be improved?

  • Can be messy
Drywall Repair Putty

7. Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler is the best for filling nail holes.

This multipurpose wood filler is a must-have for anyone who loves DIY and fixes things around the home. This wood filler is great for all types of floors, hardwood or rotted. It is great for filling in nail holes.

This product dries quickly in only 15 minutes and is ready for sanding. It takes only 25 minutes to prepare the surface for painting after sanding. I save a lot of effort and time by using Bondo wood filler.

To ensure that the repairs will last, I mix it up first. It behaves like real wood once it has cured. It’s easy to sand and paint, and the wood absorbs paint and stains so well that it is almost invisible.

It’s also great that it is water-based. This means it won’t harm my health or the environment. It’s safe to use for both indoor and outdoor repairs. This product is perfect for those who value efficiency and want to complete their projects quickly.

What I like the Most

  • This product is durable and will not shrink, sag or shrink.
  • The product is suitable for interior and exterior use.
  • You can easily sand and paint, as well as stain.
  • The product is waterproof
  • It dries quickly.
  • What could be improved?
  • Mixing the filler correctly can be difficult
  • Quick drying times can reduce the amount of time you need to work.

What could be improved?

  • The rest of the book is weak
  • Assembly is extremely sensitive
Bondo Home Solutions Wood Filler

8. Best Repair Putty J-B Weld KwikWood Epoxy Wood Repair Putty Stick-3.5 inch

J-B Weld 82557 is my favorite wood repair product. This custom blend is perfect for repairing missing wood pieces in any type wood, even natural pine.

The putty I use binds to a 900-psi pressure and will not shrink or rot. I am confident that my repairs will last a long time. It looks natural when I sand it or stain.

This wood putty can be used to repair holes in wood and cover flaws. It is also used to replace small pieces of missing wood. It is very easy to use and dries fast. It is difficult to pour into small holes or cracks.

The thick consistency of the plastic makes it ideal for filling gaps at surface level. The first time I used this wood filler, the ratio of the resin was right.

It becomes less flexible with time. I use it as quickly as possible, within 10 minutes. It is thoroughly mixed for two minutes in order to avoid any contrasting colors.

I don’t touch it once it is in the correct place and I wait for at least one hour before I expose it to high levels of stress.

I always return any remaining putty to its original container and tightly seal it for future use. J-B Weld is my first choice for household repairs. It has never let me down.

What I like the Most

  • It cures quickly and sets.
  • Once cured, it behaves just like wood.
  • The adhesive is suitable for a variety of surfaces.
  • Easy to use.

What could be improved?

  • This product is only suitable for small-scale projects.
  • This product is not suitable for internal use.
J-B Weld Tan KwikWood Wood Repair Epoxy

9. Saint-Gobain FDW9098-U Fix It Fast Wall Hole Plugger is the best user-friendly product.

Saint-Gobain FDW9098-U Fix It Fast Wall Hole Plugger

  • All-in-One compound, applicator & spreader
  • Fills in holes up to 2 inches and other wall imperfections such as scratches, dents or other damage caused by nails and screws
  • The product can be used to repair multiple items with the resealable lid.

The ADFORS Wall Hole Filler by Saint-Gobain Fix It Fast Wall Hole filler is the best choice for quick and simple wall repairs. The putty knife’s innovative design allows compound to flow directly from it, filling holes left by screws and nails.

This filler can be used to repair holes in plaster or walls, as well as filling dents and scratches.

It is easy to use and blends perfectly into my matte white wall. It’s nearly impossible to tell if there was any previous damage.

The built-in knife makes my job easier, and I don’t need to use any additional tools. It’s also resealable to use in the future. The putty blade can be cleaned with a damp towel and then resealed.

It may shrink slightly when it dries and require some touch-ups. However, I have never had to sand the product. This product is only suitable for interior use.

What I like the Most

  • Easy to use
  • The product comes in a resealable bag
  • The wall perfectly blends in with the product
  • Dries quickly
  • The tool comes with a built-in putty blade
  • Sanding is not necessary
  • Ideal for the interior

What could be improved?

  • After drying, the shrinkage may occur
Saint-Gobain ADFORS FDW9098-U Fix it Fast Wall Hole Filler

10. Donald Durhams 076694000046 4 Pound Rockhard Water Putty

DURHAM’S Rock Hard Water Putty, 4lb Container

  • Water Putty is a long-lasting repair material for wood, plaster, drywall and other materials.
  • Use inside or outside, but must be painted on outdoor work
  • It will not shrink and is ready to use when you are – simply add water and mix.

Donald Durhams Rockhard Water Putty, 4 Pounds, 076694000046 is the perfect solution for your patching requirements. It is a great gypsum powder filler. I like that it doesn’t dry out or become ineffective, unlike other pre-mixed putties and fillers.

It is a great adhesive for to patch holes in stone, concrete, wood, plaster, and plaster furniture. It dries hard and is suitable for a variety of surfaces.

It is easy to clean and you can adjust how much water you use to get the desired consistency. It may shrink slightly when used to fill larger holes, but adding another coat will work.

The product is easy to sand and gives a great finish. It also takes stain well depending on the wood surrounding it. Once it is dry, you are able to drill, screw or paint the product without any issues.

This is perfect for outdoor use as it will withstand all weather conditions. You can also add the color of your choice to the mixture for the desired effect. It has a long shelf-life because it is in powder form.

What I like the Most

  • Easy to use
  • The product comes in a resealable bag
  • The wall perfectly blends in with the product
  • Dries quickly
  • The tool comes with a built-in putty blade
  • Sanding is not necessary
  • Ideal for the interior

What could be improved?

  • After drying, the shrinkage may occur
DURHAM'S Rock Hard Water Putty 4lb

11. Loctite Multipurpose Repair Paste Loctite Perfect Under Water Putty 1999131

Loctite All Purpose Epoxy Repair, 2 oz., 1 Stick

  • All Purpose: A hand-mixable, fast-setting adhesive that can be used to make small repairs and is waterproof.
  • Two-Part System consists of epoxy resin putty, hardener, and hardener hardener to create a permanent, waterproof, hard and tough bond.
  • It’s fast and easy: Just knead the putty and apply it to rebuild and bind. After 60 minutes, you can sand, drill, and paint.

Loctite Multipurpose Repair Putty is my favorite filler for various materials including wood, ceramics, plastic, aluminum and metal. This two-part filler system consists of epoxy and hardener, creating a strong bond.

It can also bond to surfaces that are wet. The mixture is easily shaped and applied because it can be hand-mixed and molded. When kneading, I use gloves. It dries blue but you can paint it over once it is dry.

This product is ideal for pool, aquarium, and plumbing repairs. This product dries quickly and can be used for drilling, sanding and painting.

For a small job or for a smooth finish, I prefer liquid epoxy. The product is strong and has an initial foul smell, but once it dries out the smell disappears.

What I like the Most

  • Use it underwater
  • Easy to use
  • It dries out fast
  • Bond up well
  • The material is moldable
  • Multi-surface surfaces compatible

What could be improved?

  • The product has a strong odor that disappears shortly after usage
Loctite Epoxy Putty All Purpose Repair 2 oz

12. Best Grain Filler - Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler - Ebony - 8 oz By Goodfella

Based wood & grain filler – Ebony – 8 oz by Goodfilla

  • This wood filler is high quality and will save you money. It does not shrink or sink and it has excellent adhesion. It only needs to be applied once and will accept any stain or finish! This product is a great way to mix any color, dye, pigment or tint.
  • DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: This is the most innovative, easy-to-use, water-based wood filler in the WORLD. Designed for professional woodworkers but perfect for your everyday DIYer, too.
  • HARDY & CONSISTENT: As any woodworker will tell you, they throw hardened wood filler out all the time. But Goodfilla offers an unlimited shelf life since it reconstitutes with water and is freeze-thaw stable.

Goodfella’s Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Ebony – 8 oz is my go-to wood filler for any project requiring filling in wood grain, knot holes, and other imperfections on wood surfaces.

I can confidently use it to fix deep grooves on hardwood floors, tables, furniture, doors, and window sills and always get high-quality results.

Even if I am a first-time DIYer, I find this wood filler easy to use. Its dense consistency allows it to absorb well into the wood grain, though it may not work well on gouges.

The screw-on lid design makes it convenient and prevents it from drying out during storage. I can use the jar’s lip to scrape off any excess wood filler, which I can return to the pot for future use, cutting down on waste.

This product’s creamy and smooth texture makes it easy to spread quickly and evenly, filling deep holes and cracks without applying too much pressure.

It dries quickly and becomes as hard as oil-based wood fillers, allowing for smooth and even sanding. It also absorbs stains well, making it versatile for any project.

What I Liked Most

  • It’s versatile
  • Easy to use
  • Spreads smoothly
  • It takes stains very well
  • Fast drying
  • Excellent packaging

What Could Be Improved

  • It is not ideal for exterior use
Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler Ebony 8 oz By Goodfilla

13. Best Wax Stick Filler - Mohawk Fill Stick (Fil-Stik) Furniture Cabinet Touchup Putty Wax Filler

(Fil-Stik(c)) Putty Stick 12 Pk Assortment

  • EASY TO USE- No drips and no mess! No heat or special tools required.
  • DO IT YOURSELF- These semi-hard putty sticks give you the flexibility to fill in nicks, scratches, or open corner joints on furniture, trim, door jams, cabinet doors and chair legs easily and flawlessly yourself!
  • 12 POPULAR COLORS- This pack gives you the most common variety of shades to make it convenient to match a color to your furniture. The colors included are: Medium Brown Walnut (M230-0207), Extra Dark Walnut (230-0209), Light Walnut (M230-0206), Lt. Red Mahogany / Cranberry (M230-0218), Black / Java (M230-0224), Deep Mahogany (M230-0115), Heritage Oak (M230-0333), Nutmeg (M230-0411), Med. Rock Maple (M230-0237), Natural Tone (M230-0102), Natural (M230-0100) and White (M230-0202).

The Mohawk Fil-Stik is my go-to product for filling scratches, nail holes, cracks, and other imperfections as a semi-hard putty in stick form. It works wonders for small nail holes in crowns and comes in various colors to match your finish.

To use it, I rub it into the damaged area and scrape away the excess with a plastic leveling card or putty knife for a leveled surface. It’s perfect for cabinets and most wooden surfaces that don’t get frequent use.

I don’t need any special tools to use this product, and it has protective paper to keep dirt from my hands from getting in. However, it’s not suitable for countertops since heat may destroy them.

This filler has permanent colors that don’t run and are fade-resistant. To increase its durability, I recommend using an oil-based topcoat. Before starting, ensure the surface is dry and clean for the best results.

What I Liked Most

  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for small nail holes
  • It comes in various colors
  • It does not require special tools
  • Fade-resistant

What Could Be Improved

  • It is not ideal for spaces with lots of traffic
Fill Stick Fil-Stik Putty Stick 12 Pk Assortment for Wood Furniture

14. Best Nail Hole Fillers - FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler

Sale es FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Pint, Natural 24 Oz.

  • Dries in 15 minutes
  • Won’t crack or shrink, solvent free – low odor and easy water cleanup
  • Can be sanded, drilled or planed

As an AI language model, I do not have preferences or experiences to speak from, but I can rewrite the paragraph in the first person point of view.

FamoWood wood filler is an ideal hole filler for repairing minor cracks, and I am impressed by its performance. It’s a water-based wood filler that I can use indoors and outdoors, and it’s excellent for filling nail holes in outdoor projects.

I appreciate its high-strength and fast-acting formula, which spreads quickly and fills gaps efficiently while retaining its shape.

It hardens within twenty minutes, and I can sand and drill it without damaging it. Moreover, I can apply stain over it to make the repaired portion look like wood. It also has a simple soap and water clean-up.

The tintable wood filler is exceptional because it accepts all types of wood stains and paints, making it perfect for DIY repairs and projects.

Its high-strength formula makes it ideal for outdoor use, and I appreciate that it’s odorless and contains no toxic elements.

What I Liked Most

  • Easily paintable and sandable
  • Produces no upsetting odors
  • The high-strength formula that won’t crack or sag

What Could Be Improved

  • You need some skills to use it effectively
FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler Pint Natural 24 Oz

Best Putty for Nail Holes Comparison Table

Types of Wood Filler for Nail Holes

Wood repair is essential to refine the wood surface and stop further deterioration. We use wood and wood glue to hide wood imperfections and fill holes.

Different types of wood filler for nails exist water-based and solvent-based fillers. Each type has unique properties, so you must understand them well before buying them.

Solvent-based fillers

A Solvent based wood filler is simple to apply, available in various colors, waterproof, and works well with a paint or wood stain. They are suitable for filling nail holes.

Water-based wood fillers

Some water-based wood fillers are more flexible than their solvent-based counterparts as you can dilute them with water and use them in tasks requiring a thinner filler.

Water-based fillers dry in fifteen minutes and have a simple soapy water clean-up. Solvent-based fillers need mineral spirits for clean-up.

Wood Spackle is a hardening formula that is pink but turns white when dry. It’s excellent for indoor use.

Putty- includes polyurethane and epoxy and is suitable for beginners due to its plastic-like consistency.

Fillers- consist of sawdust and wood fibers and are suitable for interior use.

Facts to Consider When Buying Putty for Nail Holes

Nail hole fillers have made it simple to repair holes left by screws or nails on walls and wooden furniture. You don’t need a specialist to fix holes for you.

You can do the work if only you get the best nail-hole putty. However, deciding which nail hole filler to go for is daunting, mainly if you’ve never used one.

Fillers differ in application and type, making it even more challenging to pick one. Consider the factors below to help you choose the best nail-hole putty.

Types of repairing materials

Do you need to repair wood, metal, drywall, or plastic? Some wood fillers are applicable for different surfaces, while some only work for a specific project. It’s a brilliant idea to buy a flexible filler to use for varying tasks.

Type of filler

Each material requires a different type of filler. You can use putty and wood filler on wood. Fillers for drywall include spackle, joint compound, and wood filler. Ensure you know the material you’re fixing to get the suitable filler.

Drying time

Drying time determines how fast you can complete your project. Some fillers dry within minutes or hours, while others, such as wood putty, may take a few days. Go for a filler with a reasonable drying time based on your project.

Pre-mixed or not

Some fillers come pre-mixed, while others need you to blend the ingredients following the manufacturer’s instructions. Each has its pros and cons.

It helps to buy a product that requires mixing it yourself because it allows you to add additional substances to boost durability. You can also make minor changes to suit personal preferences.

Amount of filler you need

Wood fillers come in different sizes. Buy a wood filler size compatible with your project. If you need to cover small holes, opt for a smaller size, and if you need to repair rotted wood to fill massive holes or cracks, pick a larger container.

Color

The filler for nail holes comes in different colors. Go for a filler that matches the decor of your home.

Better still, buy a wood filler you can stain to match the nearby surfaces and stop it from sticking out like a sore thumb.

Nonhardening or hardening

Some products dry quickly after application, while others are soft and hardened with time. Select a filler you can efficiently work without losing the material.

A non-hardening putty is malleable and gives you ample time to be creative. On the other hand, a hardening putty dries rock hard after the specified time and will not be liable.

Indoor or outdoor use

Some fillers are suitable for exterior use only, while others are appropriate for interior use only. However, some are flexible and can work excellently indoors and outdoors.

Settle for the flexible one because it’ll give you more value for your cash since you can use it as needed.

Adhesiveness

Consider the surface texture you’re working on to help you pick a filler with the correct adhesion. Filler adheres differently based on the roughness or smoothness of a surface.

For example, non-hardening filers are ideal for finished wood, while non-hardening ones are perfect for rough surfaces.

How to Prepare Wood Filler

You can use wood fillers that are available off-the-shelf. They are easy to use and you can color them to match the wood. Here’s a guide on how to make DIY wood filler.

Materials Required

  • Putty knife
  • Cardboard or scrap wooden
  • Sandpaper with a fine-grit
  • Electric sanders, files, or rasps
  • Tack cloth
  • Craft stick
  • Wood glue

Sand a sample of wood similar to the material for your project with an electric sander. Impurities can be removed from sawdust. Place the sawdust onto cardboard.

Add wood glue to the craft stick and gently stir until it reaches a cookie-dough consistency. Then, apply the filler and sand with fine-grit paper. Wood glue hardens quickly. The wood filler can be prepared and used in ten minutes.

How to Fill Nail Holes with Wood Filler

Water-based wood filler and solvent-based wood filler are available. Water-based wood fillers have a creamy texture that is easy to remove and apply. Solvent-based products are oily, sticky and can be difficult to clean up if they have not dried.

Fillers based on solvents are stronger and dry more quickly than water-based alternatives. Filler for nail holes does not have to be extremely strong.

How to use water-based woodfiller. The method may vary depending on the product that you are using.

Equipment

  • Water-based Wood Filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Clean cloth
  • Putty knife

Step 1: Prepare wood filler as per the instructions of the manufacturer.

Step 2: Since many nail holes are small, it is best to apply the filler using your finger. Filler can be applied to your index fingers. Fill large screw nails with a putty blade.

Step 3: Insert filler into nail hole. Swipe it around. Repeat the process as necessary to completely fill the nailhole. Overfilling the nail hole is best. Leave a small, smooth ridge on the surface.

Step 4: A water-based pastey filler can be used as sandpaper. After the paste has dried for 15 minutes, use your finger to sand off any excess or dents. Use a cotton cloth to sand the surface.

You may not need to use sandpaper if you are able to do a good job with your fingers. Sandpaper produces a superior finish.

Step 5: Lightly sand the filler with extra-fine paper in several gentle passes. By smoothing the area filled, you remove excess filler around the area.

Step 6: No need to remove any wood. To clean the surface, use a clean cloth. You can embed wax in the surface if you use a tackcloth too hard. It’s now time to apply primer, sealant, paint or stain after thoroughly cleaning the surface.

FAQs

What can you use to fill in nail holes?

Use spackling on plaster and drywall to fill in nail holes permanently. Wood putty can be used on finished wood. Use everyday items like toothpaste or bar soap for a quick fix.

What is the best filler to use for screw holes?

Use a putty blade to fill the screw holes. Let the area dry completely before lightly sanding. For maximum strength, cover any larger area with a bridging material before applying the patch.

Read: Which screws should I use for my cabinets?

How do you fill in nail holes on trim?

Use your index finger to apply a small amount. Insert the filler into the small hole and swipe it around. Repeat until the gap is filled. You should slightly saturate it, leaving a smooth, subtle hump.

What is the best wood filler or spackle for nail holes?

Each has its own purpose and location. They will do the job, but only for a short time. Choose caulks to seal corners, wood filler to cover flat surfaces, and spackle to repair drywall.

What is the best nail spackle?

The best spackle will have a consistency similar to toothpaste and should fill in all holes, even those up to six inches. The spackle should dry within thirty minutes. This makes hole repairs easy.

The conclusion:

Even the most durable walls, wood furniture, and wooden floors will eventually take a beating. This can leave small cracks, rough gouges, or gashes.

If you use the right putty to fill nail holes, you can easily repair holes in walls.

3M Small Hole Filler is our top pick. It is easy to use and sand.

Check out our guide on The Woodworking Symbol of Feet and Inches

Thanks for reading!

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