Painter’S Putty Vs Spackle? The 127 Detailed Answer

The primary ingredient in joint compound — or slurry — is plaster of paris, and it’s the product you use to mask and finish drywall seams. You can also use it to patch holes, although it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than putty. One benefit of mud, however, is the ease with which you can grind it up, and another is that you probably already have some left over from your last house remodeling project. You can use mud to fill any hole you would fill with putty.

Share this page

Crawford’s Best Use and Guide for Painters’ Putty

Painters have several tools and materials that are used for simple solutions. The problem is that most painters cannot explain why certain tools or products are preferred. But today is the day you learn why Crawfords Putty is so important to professional house painters’ surface prep, and we offer a Crawfords Putty review for you to understand.

Appropriate materials and tools make the process of any painting project easier. With so many different products coming out today, it can be difficult to judge which is best in terms of use and end results.

When applied and used correctly, Crawfords makes interior trim appear seamless and free of defects. Here we offer not only the composition, but also techniques and tips to guide you in the proper preparation of interior or exterior surfaces with one of the best painting weapons of choice, the painter’s spatula.

Where to use Crawfords

Here’s a trick question! Have you ever seen a nail hole covered with an unidentified material? If you can see the nail hole, the wrong material was probably used or one of the paint materials was applied incorrectly.

We see it all the time, nail holes filled with caulk. While caulking is great, its intended use isn’t to fill nail holes.

Note: As an aside, if you see your house painter using nail hole caulking, you’re in. We all have to learn, but when you’re paying for quality service, your painter should know what they’re doing.

Painter’s Putty is a soft compound designed to fill nail holes and smooth out minor imperfections on wood and other rigid substrates such as PVC and composite siding.

Advantages of painter’s spatula

The cool thing about painter’s putty is its resistance to cracking. Also, unlike caulking, putty is resistant to shrinkage.

painter’s spatula shrinks; however, it shrinks about 90% less than conventional caulking. However, there is a caveat here. The drier the putty is applied, the more resistant it is to shrinkage.

Tip: A trick painters use to resist slight shrinkage is to remove a small amount of putty from the can a day before use.

Painter’s putty dries slowly, but if left unused for a few days, the excess water will be released and the putty will shrink before application. This trick works great with new putty cans.

Why Crawford’s Putty

A few other brands of painter’s putty can be found at places like Home Depot and Lowes. We’ll change the name dropping, but remember that just because it has market share, a particular product isn’t necessarily the best.

So if you’re reading this article, give us credit, and we don’t want to bore you; We just wanted to shed some light on why Crawsfords may not be available in your area.

Price point rules in today’s market, for understandable reasons. Another consideration is the lack of consumer research or knowledge.

Aside from its simplistic concept and determination, Crawfords has environmental benefits that are worth recognizing. There are no hazardous materials or compounds, so gloves are merely optional.

Ready to use, it is comparatively easy to apply and outperforms other brands by offering long-term resistance to cracking, sagging, splitting or shrinkage.

What exactly is painter’s spatula?

Crawfords is a non-toxic filler that contains no lead, asbestos or chemical preservatives. The ready-to-use compound serves as a multi-purpose spatula for indoor and outdoor painting work.

Crawford Putty contains refined natural linseed oils, water-milled calcium carbonates and lacquer-grade titanium.

Crawfords is best used for small cracks, nail holes, hammer blows, bridging wood flaws with knives and much more.

Ease of use and beautiful results make this product a secret weapon painters love to use.

The disadvantages of putty

A handful of painters would argue that putties aren’t the best tool for filling a nail hole, and in many ways they make a good point.

Painter’s putty puts a lot of strain on your fingertips when you have a lot of holes to fill. In extreme or high-production applications, fingertips may become sore and bleed. We can see that this would be a real problem for new builders.

Also, paint fillers generally take a while to harden. However, it can be painted over within a few hours. In some cases this can result in a subtle shrinkage, measured in the micron range, but can be more pronounced on glossier surfaces.

If you’re looking for absolute perfection, a combination of putty and putty or wood putty offers bulletproof results. But for most applications, putty is more than enough.

Tip: A tip for success is to use semi-gloss interior paints that are less viscous. That said, thicker interior paints will bridge the shrinkage, however subtle, should it occur.

Our experience with Crawfords Painters’ Putty

So it’s worth mentioning; We have few total interior finishes for new build houses with painters trowel – we do not offer this service. However, we use painter’s putty for almost every nail hole to repaint our homes.

In some cases, particularly with exterior trim, we will spot primers around the nail heads because they are not recessed enough, meaning there is no actual hole, but more of a 1/64 inch recess.

Tip: Another tip is to keep your hands clean when applying. Consequently, since Crawfords contains linseed oil, the oil will transfer to your hands and can be transferred to other areas and smeared.

Tip: Linseed oil can also leach through cheap vinyl paint. So when applying putty to new wood a good coat of good quality primer is highly recommended.

How to apply painters putty

Suppose you use paint filler to fill small nail holes; It is best to press the putty into the hole with your finger. Some painters try to work the putty with a 5-in-1 paint tool or a palette knife.

Tip: Tooling putty is one of its benefits, but not for nail holes. The knife is better used to shape the putty over larger areas like an outside corner.

Step 1: Take a pinch of putty for nail holes and roll it into your fingers using your index and thumb. After creating a mini ball, take the putty and press the putty firmly against the spot.

Step 2: Spread the remaining materials over the hole with your fingers until it is filled. Remember not to press or rub too hard. Instead, gently glaze over the hole to avoid creating a recessed fill of the nail hole.

Repeat the process until the hole is seamlessly bridged and that’s it! just right? It takes a little finesse, but is relatively easy with practice.

Conclusion and takeaway

Painter’s Putty requires no tools or additional sanding to make those holes or cracks in wood, vinyl, or composite molding look amazing!

Painter’s putty gets the job done with no fuss or additional health risks. We love it! It offers excellent results for most applications and is an essential tool for professional house painters and DIY interior or exterior painting projects.

From the painters of A Touch of Color we now conclude this article. Thank you for reading.

We offer more articles, insights and professional service for Raleigh, NC. Contact us or visit us on our social media!

This article was co-authored by Ryan Owsiany and wikiHow contributor Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Ryan Owsiany is a drywall and paint specialist and owner of Patch and Paint Pros in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience, Ryan specializes in interior and exterior home painting, as well as drywall, plaster and water damage repairs. Ryan holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University. Patch and Paint Pros employ only experienced, friendly painters who understand that proper preparation is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction on any painting project. This article has been viewed 87,174 times.

Article overview

X

Putty is a great material for smoothing out your walls and filling any cracks or holes. First, wipe down your wall with a damp sponge to dampen it and help the putty adhere. Mix 2 parts water and 1 part putty in a bucket and stir until smooth. If you’re only filling small cracks and holes, use a spatula to apply the putty. Simply take some putty on your knife, press it into any crack or hole and scrape off any excess. Wait at least 6 hours for it to dry, then sand and wipe with a damp cloth. When applying putty to the entire wall, to save time, use a large trowel and apply in long, even strokes. Hold the trowel at a 30 degree angle and move it straight up the wall. Allow the wall to dry for 24 hours and then apply a second coat if needed before priming and painting. For more tips including how to protect door and window frames when applying putty, read on!

A frequently asked question is how long putty takes to dry.

Believe it or not, it actually takes between 8 and 12 weeks to dry enough to decorate. Some people don’t leave it that long, but we encourage you to do it.

One of the reasons putty has been used by glaziers for so long is that when it’s painted it never really hardens and dries out completely.

Putty is used as a sealer rather than a fixative and once painted remains reasonably flexible and a good sealant for years to come, not hard not soft.

Usually when you see a run down house with the paint dried and peeling you will also see that the putty has dried completely, it has cracked and fallen off, all the natural linseed oil that keeps it as a good sealant has dried out.

If you have any questions about putty or want to buy putty, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies (also known as pixels or beacons) to improve your experience (e.g. when watching videos) and “performance cookies” to analyze your use of this website and for marketing purposes to support. If you click the “Accept All Cookies” button or continue navigating the site, you consent to having those first and third party cookies placed on your device. If you do not wish to accept cookies from this website, you can refuse cookies from this website by updating your browser settings. For more information on how we use cookies, see our privacy policy.

Different fillers have different levels of absorption, as does the original finish of the wall. This means that when you paint over it, the paint behaves differently on each surface. Ideally, if you use filler you will need to prime it with a diluted solution of your top coat. I suspect you’ve already painted with a regular top coat, which explains why you’re still seeing the filler. To even things out, you’ll probably need to do a few more coats over the filler and feather it into the surrounding wall.

The other issue may be that the walls have been rolled and have a texture while the filler is smooth so it also stands out. The only way to solve this is to apply a few coats over the putty knife with a roller instead of a brush to try and match the texture of the wall around it.

Common material used as a sealant or filler

This article is about the type of material. For the software, see PuTTY. For other uses, see Putty (disambiguation)

Putty is a material with high plasticity, similar in texture to clay or dough, typically used in home construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Although some types of putties (typically those using linseed oil) are slow to polymerize and stiffen, many putties can be overworked indefinitely, unlike other types of putties which typically set relatively quickly.

Use in construction[edit]

Putty has been used extensively in glazing to fasten and seal panes of glass in wooden frames (or sashes), although its use is declining with the proliferation of PVC and metal window frames that use synthetic sealants such as silicone. Glaze putty is traditionally made by mixing a chalk (finely ground chalk) base with linseed oil in varying proportions. In the past white lead was sometimes mixed with whiting.[1] There are a number of synthetic alternatives, e.g. B. Polybutene-based putties in which the polybutene is a low molecular weight oligomer replacing the linseed oil. Butyl rubber is also added to the mix to add some strength and flexibility.

Paint putty is typically a linseed oil based product used only to fill holes, minor cracks and blemishes in wood.

Putties can also be made intumescent, in which case they are used for fire protection, as well as padding sockets in fire-resistant drywall. In the latter case, hydrates in the putty create an endothermic reaction to mitigate heat transfer to the unexposed side.

Water-based putties are more commonly used in woodworking because they emit very little odor, are easier to clean, and are compatible with water and latex sealers.

Polyester putty and epoxy putty are plastics that can be shaped by hand but become stiff and hard after curing. Pratley Putty is an epoxy putty primarily used for bonding steel. Milliput is another epoxy putty. Bondo is a polyester putty.

plumber’s putty [ edit ]

Plumbing putty is the common name that encompasses a variety of products with wildly different compositions, all used to create a watertight seal in plumbing fixtures. It is a pliable substance used to waterproof faucets and drains. The putty is an essential part of a plumber’s tool kit and is often used when replacing plumbing fixtures. Plumbing putty formulations vary, but commonly contain clay powder and linseed oil. Other formulas use limestone, talc, or fish oil. RTV silicone or epoxy caulk can be used in place of putty.

Plumbing putty contains mineral and/or vegetable oils, so porous materials such as marble and some plastics can become soiled.[4]

Other uses[ edit ]

Certain types of putty also find use in the field of terminal ballistics, where the putty can accurately represent the average density of the human body. As such, it can be used, for example, to test projectile penetration or body armor stopping power.

Plasticine and play dough like plasticine and silly putty are common toys. Silly Putty is packed in plastic eggs.

See also[edit]

Here are our tips for concealing putty stains when painting:

1. Make sure the spatula is flush

The spatula must be flush with the wall if it is an unstructured wall. To do this, spread the spatula over the repair edges when applying and sand down after drying. Use your fingers to check the flush as they are more reliable than your eyes.

2. Prime the area

This is necessary for larger repairs. If you only have a few small patches of putty, you can skip the primer and go straight to the next step.

3. Paint the repaired area first

Before removing the roller, use a small brush to cover the area that has been repaired with putty with a thin layer of regular paint. If you don’t do this step, the affected area will have a different texture than the rest of the wall when the work is complete.

4. Paint the wall

Now you can paint the entire wall with your roller. Walk over the repaired area as you would any other area. The texture and color should match perfectly once everything is dry. Try to use a matte color; The shinier your paint, the more visible any imperfections will be.

There’s no reason to be afraid of painting over a wall that’s been repaired with putty! AZ paintings like us see this situation all the time and we promise it will turn out well. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact us. And as always, subscribe to our blog for more insider tips and tricks from local AZ paintings.

Putty is a general term used to describe patching compounds, typically made from gypsum plaster and adhesive.

There are so many variations of Muralo Company’s trademarked product “Spackle” on the market today that choosing the right putty for your wall repair project can be more daunting than the project itself. Here is a quick tutorial on puttying products.

Step 1: Choose the right product for the job. Putty products work well for small holes in drywall. Plaster walls should be repaired with a gypsum product.

Step 2: Lightweight putty products are made with sodium silicate and glue. The extra fine aggregate allows for faster drying times, little to no shrinkage and a smoother finish. Using a light spatula, patch holes that are less than 1″ wide and no more than 1/4″ deep. Use a spatula slightly wider than the hole to fill the hole with putty. Skip sanding by smoothing the surface with a spatula dipped in water. Lightweight putty dries hard but crumbles on impact, so it’s best for small repairs.

Step 3: Use vinyl putty for holes and cracks up to 3/4 inch deep. Layer the putty into the area 1/4 inch at a time, allowing to dry between layers. Vinyl putty typically dries within one to five hours, depending on the temperature, humidity, and depth of the material. Vinyl putty can shrink or crack easily when applied in layers deeper than 1/4 inch.

Step 4: When time is of the essence, take the guesswork out of drying time by using a product like DAP brand DryDex. This vinyl putty will turn pink and turn white after drying.

Step 5: To ensure that all traces of the patch project are not visible, choose a putty with primer added. 3M Patch plus Primer, dries within 30 minutes of application and provides a smooth, unnoticeable finish under the first coat of paint due to the added primer.

Step 6: For projects where the convenience of a lightweight putty and the durability of a vinyl putty is desired, choose a light-weight putty such as Crawford’s Spackling Paste.

Lightweight Putty is a blend of fine and heavy aggregates, creating a durable product that goes on smoothly. High-end, light-bodied putties, such as Crawford’s, can also be used to fill small nail holes in plaster.

— Linda Cottin can be reached at [email protected].

Grout and putty are two fantastic products designed to help you smooth out the imperfections in the walls of your home. However, if you are faced with the decision of having to choose between the two, which one should you go for?

While personal preference definitely plays a role, it really comes down to what you do with it. Before we proceed, however, it’s important to have a good understanding of what joint compound and filler are.

Joint compound, also known as drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing plaster dust and water into a paste. It usually comes in a pre-mixed container and is widely used for masking and finishing drywall seams. There are 4 types of grout on the market. They include:

All-purpose compound : Can be used for all phases of the patching process.

: Can be used for all phases of the patching process. Putty: To be applied to a wall with two dried coats of putty.

: To be applied to a wall with two dried layers of tape. Adhesive Putty: The first and second layers of the putty you want to apply.

: The first and second layers of the mixture you want to apply. Fast Setting Mixture: Dries faster than the other mixes and is excellent for deep cracks and wide holes.

Spackle, on the other hand, is a branded product by Muralo. It is similar to paste and comes in light spatula and heavy spatula.

Lightweight spackle is generally made from vinyl and is used to fill small holes created by nails, pins and needles. Heavier putty is acrylic and is typically used for larger, thicker holes.

Spackle is also sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but powder mixes are also available for those interested. To keep the powder mixes from going bad, make sure you only mix enough for the job you are about to do.

Drywall joint compound vs. putty

Joint compound is a better choice for masking and finishing drywall seams, while putty is a better choice for filling small to large holes in your walls.

Well, that, but joint compound usually dries a lot slower than putty. In fact, after you repair a hole with putty, the surface can be sanded and painted within an hour, while if you repair it with joint compound,

Another benefit of putty is that it doesn’t shrink as much as joint compound after it’s fully dry. Because the putty shrinks so much, multiple applications are usually required to fully finish the surface. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesn’t do nearly as much as putty. These additional grout applications are both time consuming and sometimes tedious.

Finally, Spackle is much easier to use. Most jointing compounds come in a convenient container that is ready to use, and while many jointing compounds will do this, there are some that you will need to mix yourself before applying. Spackle is also a thinner paste that is easier to spread. However, if you don’t want more than a thin coat, joint compound is probably a better choice.

Although putty dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to work with, joint compound is much easier to sand down. In addition, the joint compound is also denser, thicker and more durable all around. The best part? You can use multiple layers to fill and thicken specific areas of a wall. That’s just something Spackle can’t do.

The price between joint compound and putty is another difference worth noting. Since grout is typically used to cover large areas, more of it is needed. As a result, the overall cost is usually higher. However, putty is more expensive on average, but because you don’t have to buy as much, you end up paying less. Fixing a few small holes in the wall doesn’t require a lot of joint compound, but covering the joints between the panels does require quite a bit of joint compound.

Although putty usually comes in larger and more expensive grades, it does not dry out as quickly as putty. In fact, putty dries out much faster. The best thing to do, whether you’re using putty or joint compound, is to make sure you put the lid back on the container when you’re done using it. This keeps your grout or filler fresh for longer.

Choice between grout and putty

When deciding whether to use putty or joint compound, always consider the task at hand. If you’re just trying to fill some holes and spread a thin layer, putty is your best bet. However, if you’re trying to cover a large area, thicken a wall, or want a surface that’s easy to sand, then grout is a better choice.

Joint compound vs. putty: fastening drywall

When your drywall needs repairs, your choices are putty and putty. Typically, joint compound is used to cover the seams that lie between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is more used to covering holes. If you plan to use joint compound, you will need joint tape. This allows you to cover the seams.

Joint tape can be purchased at most hardware stores and comes in two different types, paper and fiberglass. Paper joint tape paper comes spooled on a roll while fiberglass cloth tape comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it. This is the most commonly used joint tape and probably the easiest to use. It’s your decision. When using joint tape to cover a seam:

Cut the tape to the exact length you need. Once you cut the tape, tape it to the seam. Do this for any seams you want to cover. Equip yourself with a trowel. Use the trowel to spread a layer of your joint compound over the seams. Allow the grout to dry. Check if additional applications are required. If so, add them and let them dry. Sand the surface for a flat, smooth looking wall.

You can now paint or tile your drywall however you like. One thing to remember about grout is that the more grout you apply, the more sanding you will need to do. This excessive sanding can result in a lot of dust falling onto your floor and into the air you breathe. So use it sparingly.

If you need to fill and cover some small holes in your drywall, consider using putty knife instead. That doesn’t mean you can’t use joint compound to fill holes, but as mentioned earlier, putty works better for these smaller jobs. Use spatula:

Equip yourself with a spatula. Spread some putty in and over the hole you want to cover. Once the holes are filled and covered, allow the putty to dry. Sand the surface until you have a smooth finish.

After sanding the surface, you can paint or tile your wall to your liking. As with the grout, use putty sparingly to avoid excessive sanding and dusting.

Joint compound vs. putty: review

So is putty the same as putty? They are similar to each other, but each also has its own purpose. Joint compound is your best bet when it comes to repairing large holes, cracks, and covering the seams between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is a more appropriate choice for smaller jobs like covering nail holes and other minor blemishes on your walls.

Joint compound is much thicker, denser, and heavier than putty and takes much longer to dry. With putty you can apply it and paint your walls within an hour. That’s just not the case with grout. Allow sufficient time for the grout to dry.

Joint compound is sold in 1 liter containers up to 5 gallon pails. If you have a lot of area to cover, then the larger bucket is a better choice. Because putty is used sparingly, it is usually sold in smaller containers at a lower price.

Now that you know pretty much everything there is to know about joint compound and filler, you should have no problem deciding which is the better choice. It really all comes down to the type of work you need to do.

Here are our tips for concealing putty stains when painting:

1. Make sure the spatula is flush

The spatula must be flush with the wall if it is an unstructured wall. To do this, spread the spatula over the repair edges when applying and sand down after drying. Use your fingers to check the flush as they are more reliable than your eyes.

2. Prime the area

This is necessary for larger repairs. If you only have a few small patches of putty, you can skip the primer and go straight to the next step.

3. Paint the repaired area first

Before removing the roller, use a small brush to cover the area that has been repaired with putty with a thin layer of regular paint. If you don’t do this step, the affected area will have a different texture than the rest of the wall when the work is complete.

4. Paint the wall

Now you can paint the entire wall with your roller. Walk over the repaired area as you would any other area. The texture and color should match perfectly once everything is dry. Try to use a matte color; The shinier your paint, the more visible any imperfections will be.

There’s no reason to be afraid of painting over a wall that’s been repaired with putty! AZ paintings like us see this situation all the time and we promise it will turn out well. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact us. And as always, subscribe to our blog for more insider tips and tricks from local AZ paintings.

Using baking soda goes well beyond simply deodorizing the fridge. Read on for some uses of baking soda that solve a variety of common problems.

1. Make a quick substitute for putty. To fill a small hole, mix together a little baking soda and some white glue until you have a paste, then use your fingers to layer the paste to fill the hole.

2. Prevent pool chlorine from turning your blonde hair green. When you exit the pool, rinse with 1/2 cup baking soda mixed with lemon juice. Wet hair, then pour the mixture over it while it’s still bubbling.

3. Clean chrome. Rub chrome with dry baking soda and a dry cloth.

4. Extinguish the fire on the barbecue grill. You can put out a flare-up by sprinkling baking soda on it, and since baking soda is of food-grade purity, you won’t contaminate the food.

5. Remove the smell of a spraying cat. Make a paste of baking soda and water, cover the area, leave for at least three hours but preferably overnight, then vacuum when the powder dries.

6. Relieve pain from sunburn. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to soothe and cool the area.

7. Clean piano keys (made of plastic). Baking soda is a gentle abrasive.

8. Remove scuffs from vinyl floor. A little baking soda on a damp sponge will make them go away in an instant.

9. Remove the sour milk smell from the baby’s plastic bottle. Fill it with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, shake well and leave overnight.

10. Polish the silver without elbow grease. Fill a non-aluminum pan with hot water, place a small square (5 inches or so) of aluminum foil in the pan, add baking soda (1 teaspoon per quart) and bring to a boil. Drop in silver briefly and remove with tongs. Wash and rinse with soapy water and buff to a high shine. (Not recommended for patterned pieces: it removes the shading so fine silver can look like a slab.)

11. Make cloudy iced tea clear again. Put a pinch of baking soda in the pitcher.

12. Prevent mold in swimsuits. On a beach trip, bring a large zip-top plastic bag containing 1/4 cup of baking soda. Put wetsuits in and then shake the bag well. The soda will absorb moisture and acidic, musty odors until the suits can be rinsed or washed.

13. Clean corroded connections. Make a paste of baking soda and salt. After the paste bubbles, wipe the area and then dry it.

14. Help with heat rash. After a lukewarm shower, use a non-soap cleanser (such as Dove). Dry them off with a towel and apply a paste made of baking soda to the reddish areas. Leave it there for as long as possible.

15. Make your dishwasher smell nice when you’re not there. Sprinkle some baking soda in the dishwasher and leave the door ajar. It won’t smell musty when you return.

16. Substitute for other toiletries on a camping trip. You can use it as a toothpaste, as a deodorant and as a balm against insect bites.

17. Make a “fishy” taste go away. Soak your catch of the day in a quart of water to which you’ve added a few tablespoons of baking soda. Leave on for an hour, then wash off and pat the fish dry.

18. Cast doom for snails. Just sprinkle baking soda on it.

19. Get rid of a musty smell. If the clothes aren’t completely dry when the dryer turns off and smell musty, sprinkle baking soda on them, then put them back in and turn the dryer back on.

20. Clean crayon from a chalkboard. Simply use baking soda on a damp rag to remove the wax and get the board clean again for chalking.

A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.

Wood putty and putty may have some confusing similarities in terms of usage, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. Understanding the differences between these patches can help you make the right decisions when deciding what to use.

This article looks in detail at wood putty and putty. It examines the substances, the different types available and the best places to use each.

Finally, the article compares wood filler and putty to help you choose for your next project.

What is wood spatula?

Wood filler is a compound of substances such as epoxy, polyurethane, and clay used to fill small holes and fix gaps in wood surfaces.

Small scratches and larger dents on the wood surface are excellently sealed and fixed for functional and cosmetic reasons.

Wood putty varies from type to type, with some of them being sandable and stainable while others will not accept wood stain or sanding.

Some are exterior wood fillers, while others are for interior use only. Therefore, the use of indoor wood spatula is not recommended for outdoor use.

The material should hardly be ineffective outdoors. So it’s important to check the type and quality of wood putty every time you intend to use it to fix something.

While wood putty is primarily intended for wood, it can also work on drywall, albeit less effectively and only for fixing minor cracks.

When used correctly, the paste excellently covers imperfections on wooden surfaces. If you intend to use the putty knife on stained or painted wood, you should choose a type that will accept the finish.

Primary types of wood fillers

Wood filler can be of two main types based on the binders or binding methods used in it. Here are the available types. However, you can also have a homemade wooden spatula with sawdust.

Oil based filler

Color Putty Company 134 Oil-Based Wood Putty, Ebony, 1 lb. Fill nail holes or imperfections with putty and wipe clean

Can be mixed with other oil based Color Putty colors to achieve the desired shade

Does not dry hard like sand

Clean with mineral spirits

Oil or solvent based wood fillers are typically made of vinyl or epoxy. These epoxy fillers contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them highly toxic and having a characteristic strong odor.

Solvent-based filler is the popular choice for larger projects, although it tends to be messier than water-based filler. Also, like most oil- or solvent-based products, this type of wood filler takes longer to dry.

However, it rewards you with excellent adhesion and great durability. In addition, co-solvent based fillers are more resistant to weathering and moisture-related problems than their water-based cousins.

After using this type of putty, use mineral spirits to clean the surfaces as pure soap and water are ineffective.

Water based filler

Sale 5,385 Reviews Water Based Wood & Grain Putty – White – 8 oz By Goodfilla | Replace any filler and putty | Repairs, paintwork & patches | Paintable, stainable, sandable and quick drying ⚒️ HIGH QUALITY & SAVE MONEY: Save time and money with this wood putty knife that won’t shrink, sink or crack and has excellent adhesion. Only needs to be applied once and takes on any finish or stain flawlessly! In fact, this product can be mixed with any pigment, tint, stain or dye.

⚒️ DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS: This is the most innovative, user-friendly, water-based wood filler in the WORLD. Designed for professional woodworkers but also perfect for your everyday DIY enthusiast.

⚒️ HARDY & CONSISTENT: As any woodworker will tell you, they throw away hardened wood spatulas all the time. But Goodfilla offers an unlimited shelf life as it reconstitutes with water and is freeze-thaw stable.

⚒️ MADE FOR EVERY CRAFTSMAN & WOODWORKER: Whether you need to fix furniture, finish a floor, finish a craft or design an instrument, this is YOUR product. Sand, stain, tint, prime, fill and seal every knot on your to-do list. Goodfilla is so easy to sharpen, you’ll be amazed at how much time you save. BONUS: It’s a green product; No VOC, no waste and non-toxic.

⚒️ MADE IN THE USA AND 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Your experience with this product is our top priority. If your Goodfilla wood filler doesn’t do everything you want it to do with ease, we’ll give you a refund up to 365 days, no questions asked!

Water-based filler is the most common type. It typically consists of gypsum and cellulose, or one of the two components.

This type of wood spatula is easier to use. It cleans up easily with soap and water, leaving less mess after your project.

However, it is typically less durable than oil-based fillers, so it may not be the preferred option for larger or outdoor-based projects.

This type of wood filler is formulated for indoor use, especially on untreated wood surfaces. It is ideal for smaller projects such as sealing small cracks and holes in wood. You can sand and paint or stain it in most cases.

Like most water-based products, this wood filler is non-toxic, has low odor and has lower VOC levels than oil-based types. So you can use it without wearing a sophisticated respirator.

Pros and cons of wood spatula

advantages

Some types of wood putty allow for sanding and finishing.

It achieves permanent results on porous surfaces.

Wood putty can repair large holes in wood.

With wood spatula you can adjust the consistency for easier workability.

Disadvantages

Wood fillers tend to expand and shrink with temperature or weather changes.

What is Spackle?

Spackle is a paste-like compound composed primarily of vinyl powder and binders, used to fill and repair holes and other defects in drywall or similar materials. It is available in different consistencies and weights for specific applications.

This drywall compound is usually premixed by the manufacturer and sold in containers or tubs designed to hold the shape. Spackle is usually water based and dries to a hard substance that is easy to sand.

While putties were originally made for drywall, modern formulations also work for wood, plaster, and more. In addition, it has a creamy consistency that makes it easy to create a smooth surface with a spatula.

The vinyl putty does not require priming of the surface to work. Therefore, its quick-drying property is generally a great advantage, as it makes working with putty a quick process.

In addition, the material does not shrink, especially when the right amounts are applied. Although Spackle is water based, it works for both indoor and outdoor applications.

However, you will need to prep and prime the surface before using Speckle if the project is outdoors. The other main benefit of spatula is ease of use. A fully dried putty surface is stainable and will accept most wood finishes without problems.

Main types of putty

Spackle is available in the following five main types.

standard spatula

Standard putty is typically made of plaster of paris. It is a general type of composite designed for heavy-duty drywall infill applications. The dried standard putty is generally more robust than other types of putty.

Light spatula

Light putty is practically at the opposite end of standard putty. It consists of sodium silicate combined with an adhesive.

This type of putty, as the name suggests, is lightweight and better suited for filling small cracks and crevices in walls.

Epoxy based putty

Epoxy Based Speckle is an oil based formulation that is ideal for outdoor applications due to its excellent water resistance. The spatula is ideal for sealing holes, furrows and cracks in the wood.

Vinyl based putty

As the name suggests, vinyl-based putty is a compound made of vinyl and can cover and fill holes up to ¾ inch deep. If using vinyl based putty make sure you apply multiple coats and allow each to dry before adding the other.

acrylic spatula

Acrylic putty is similar in properties to vinyl putty. It can be used on drywall, plaster, wood and stone.

Best putty for wood

DAP Alex Plus spatulas

Here’s a standard, professional-strength putty designed for use on drywall, metal, and wood. It features exceptional durability and can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects with incredible results.

This DAP putty will not shrink or sink, so you can expect filled nail holes and cracks to remain flush and even. If the color does not match the substrate, you can sand and paint this product to achieve the look you want.

When filling cracks in hardwood floors, you may want to use a wood floor filler rather than a multi-purpose filler

Spatula pros and cons

advantages

Filling does not require prior priming over a hole or crack in order for it to work.

Spackle comes pre-mixed and ready to use, making it easy to use.

It’s an inexpensive connection.

It creates a permanent solution to minor imperfections in walls or drywall.

It usually works for both indoor and outdoor applications

Vinyl putty has excellent shrink resistance and therefore retains its shape.

Disadvantages

Putty is less effective on large projects or for sealing jobs.

Wooden spatula vs spatula side by side

The right product is essential to the success of any home improvement project. However, choosing between products like wood filler and putty can be confusing, so here’s a head-to-head comparison to help illustrate the differences.

Spatula vs. wood spatula: Common uses

Putty is primarily used on drywall and plaster while wood putty is primarily used on wood. This is by far the main difference between these two patches.

The uses tend to overlap, however, as putty is sometimes used on materials other than walls, including metal and wood, to seal minor cracks and repair defects on the surfaces of those materials. Similarly, wood filler is commonly used on surfaces other than wood.

Nonetheless, the actual wood fibers in wood putty make this compound better suited for repairing defects in wood than drywall, metal, or any other type of surface.

Because wood filler is very similar to wood, you can use it to seal pores in overly porous wood species like mahogany, walnut, oak, ash, and fir. This helps create a nice, smooth finish with fewer, less manageable pores.

Similarly, putty is a drywall compound, so its formulation is best suited for patching up holes, cracks, and dents in walls and drywall—rather than wood.

However, they are more versatile than wood spatulas. This allows them to do an excellent job on plaster, masonry and painted metal. Only on wooden surfaces does wood filler generally outperform filler in terms of effectiveness.

Putty vs. wood putty: how to apply it

You will most of the time use the same methods to apply wood filler and putty to their respective surfaces.

When patching some gaps or cracks on wood surfaces or moldings, apply the filler to the patched area and spread with a spatula. The idea is to make sure you fill in the holes or gaps with generous amounts of the filler for the best results.

After covering every inch of the affected area, wipe off the excess product with a damp rag. Allow the putty to dry completely, then sand down with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish.

For example, to patch some putty defects in drywall, scoop out a generous amount of putty and work it into the affected area or hole with a putty knife.

As with wood putty, apply enough putty to generously fill the hole, then spread some over the surface around the affected area to create an even look.

Then allow the filler to dry completely before sanding the surface to make it smooth and even. In both cases, you can paint the fastened surface after it has completely dried.

Wooden spatula vs. putty: drying time

Deeper holes often take longer to repair than shallower cracks in both wood and drywall. So, depending on the depth of the hole filled with putty or putty, the drying time will be longer or shorter.

Spackle typically dries in less than 30 minutes on pinholes and minor cracks and dents. However, it may take 1 to 2 hours for the putty to dry if the hole or gap is really deep.

Alternatively, you can use a quick drying putty knife available at hardware stores and enjoy a faster drying time for both shallow and deep holes.

On the other hand, wood putty takes longer to dry than putty. The time also depends on whether the filler is water-based or solvent-based.

Water-based filler typically dries in about 2 hours for minor defects such as nail holes. However, if the hole is particularly deep, you can expect a drying time of 5 to 6 hours.

If using oil based wood putty, if the holes are deep, allow about 1 to 2 days for the patch to dry completely.

Spatula vs Wood Spatula: Shrinkage

One of the key benefits of putty is its superior resistance to shrinking. If you properly apply the product into a nail hole or other gaps on the surface, it will keep its shape after drying and will not shrink due to temperature and weather changes.

In contrast, wood filler has been known to shrink in response to changes in weather. Water-based wood filler is more notorious for shrinking and sinking when used in nail holes and other gaps in wood.

So always remember to apply large amounts of wood filler when filling holes in wood. Alternatively, you can use oil-based wood spatula instead. It resists shrinking better on larger projects, allowing you to use water-based fillers to repair superficial defects.

Putty versus putty: sanding

Once the putty is dry, it can be sanded and creates a nice, smooth sanded surface. Putty is generally easier to sand than wood putty. They also typically take less time to sand putty than wood filler.

Consider using a sanding sponge to go over the repaired surfaces to level and smooth them out. You don’t need a power grinder to do the job because the material doesn’t require as much pressure.

On the other hand, wood filler may require more pressure and time to sand properly. It can be very stubborn, depending on the species. And you may need to use an electric grinder for the job.

Spatula vs. Wood Spatula: Painting

You can paint over the putty once it’s completely dry. When painting over putty, you must first apply a primer to make the color appear more vibrant.

The same rule applies when applying wood filler. It accepts paint but works better if the surface is primed before painting. More importantly, you must choose a compatible foundation for each case to achieve the desired shine and coverage.

Wood putty vs. putty: finishing touches

Since putty is easier to sand after drying, it is easier to finish than wood putty in most cases. Filling creates a smoother and more even surface thanks to its ability to accept fine sanding.

Although wood putty also accepts finishing, the surface may not be as smooth as putty. The touched-up areas will likely remain more visible after finishing than areas repaired with putty.

The process with wood spatula can also take longer than with spatula.

frequently asked Questions

Can you use putty on wood?

Yes. Wood is one of the materials where you can use putty. The other materials include plaster, painted metal, wallboard and masonry.

Can you use putty to fill nail holes in wood?

Putty paste is great for filling nail holes in wood. Simply pour generous amounts of the compound into the nail holes and use a spatula to spread the paste over the surface to sit flush with the surrounding wood. When finished, wipe away the excess with a damp rag and allow the stains to dry.

Can filler be used as a wood filler?

Yes, putty can serve as a filler in some applications. For example, to fill cracks or shallow holes in interior wood surfaces, you can use vinyl putty instead of water-based wood putty. Putty does an equally good job on these interior surfaces because it doesn’t expand or contract much, making it ideal for environments with relatively constant temperatures.

What is better for nail holes between wood putty and putty?

The best paste for nail holes depends on whether the material is wood or composite. Putty is better than wood putty for patching nail holes in drywall and plaster, while wood putty is better for filling nail holes in wood materials such as in wood paneling or exterior projects.

Can you use wood putty on drywall?

Yes. Wood putty fills small holes in drywall and can be a perfect alternative filling material in place of putty. However, larger holes or significant imperfections will require a new piece of drywall to replace the damaged one.

Can you use wood putty on drywall?

You can use wood putty to fill holes and cracks in drywall, especially those that keep popping up. The paste is weather resistant and relatively flexible (putty does not harden), making it ideal for areas that experience severe temperature changes. You can also choose wood filler in a color that matches the drywall.

Conclusion

Wood putty and drywall primarily excel at patching up holes and defects in wood and drywall. That being said, the uses of these materials overlap, albeit with varying effectiveness depending on the material.

Therefore, use wood spatula when repairing holes, cracks and dents, primarily on wooden surfaces and any other surface specified on the product label.

On the other hand, use putty primarily on drywall or other surfaces as directed on the product label for best results.

We hope this analysis helps clarify the best uses of wood filler and putty.