Wood Fillers

About Wood Fillers

Wood fillers are essential repair products for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts working with timber, providing effective solutions for filling holes, cracks, dents, and gaps in wooden surfaces. Whether you're a professional joiner preparing timber for finishing, a carpenter repairing site damage, or restoring furniture at home, the right wood filler creates seamless repairs that accept stains and paints to match surrounding wood. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks trusted brands including Ronseal, Everbuild, Briwax, and Polycell, offering formats from ready-mixed tubs to convenient squeeze tubes and wax filler sticks.

Modern wood fillers have evolved significantly, with products ranging from quick-drying multi-purpose fillers for general repairs to specialist two-part high-performance formulations for structural applications. Premium joiners grade fillers provide exceptional workability and can be sanded, stained, varnished, and even drilled once fully cured, making them indispensable for professional tradespeople demanding reliable results on every job. Available in various colour tints including light, medium, dark, oak, and mahogany, these versatile products blend seamlessly with both softwood and hardwood in interior and exterior applications.

Applications

Wood fillers are used daily by a wide range of professionals and DIY enthusiasts including:

• Joiners and Carpenters – preparing timber frames, repairing site damage, and filling fixing holes before finishing
• Kitchen and Bedroom Fitters – concealing hinge adjustments and preparing surfaces for installation
• Furniture Makers and Restorers – repairing defects, filling joints, and restoring antique pieces
• Decorators and Painters – preparing woodwork before painting or staining
• Window and Door Installers – repairing damage to frames and making good around installations
• Flooring Specialists – filling gaps between floorboards and repairing damaged wooden flooring
• Property Maintenance Professionals – addressing wear and tear in rental and commercial properties
• DIY Enthusiasts – general household repairs, furniture restoration, and home improvement projects

Choosing The Right Wood Fillers

Interior or Exterior Use: Standard multi-purpose fillers suit interior applications, but exterior repairs require weather-resistant formulations, typically two-part systems that won't crack or shrink with moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Repair Size and Type: For minor scratches and small holes up to 6mm, quick-drying ready-mixed fillers or wax sticks are ideal. Larger repairs or structural damage require high-performance two-part fillers offering greater strength and minimal shrinkage when built up in layers.

Finish Requirements: If staining the wood, choose specifically stainable fillers from brands like Ronseal or Everbuild that accept wood stain. For painted finishes, standard fillers work perfectly. Wax-based fillers like Briwax sticks are excellent for quick touch-ups on existing finishes without complete refinishing.

Drying Time: Quick-drying formulations can be overpainted in as little as 30 minutes, whilst high-performance systems may require several hours. Professional joiners grade fillers strike a balance between workability and reasonable curing times.

Application Format: Tubs are economical for larger projects with filling knife application. Tubes with nozzles like Everbuild Easi Squirt offer precise application directly into cracks. Wax sticks require no tools and are perfect for site touch-ups.

Safety Information

Most modern wood fillers are water-based with minimal health risks, but sensible precautions should be observed. Ensure adequate ventilation when using solvent-based products, particularly in confined spaces. Two-part systems may contain isocyanates or reactive chemicals – always read manufacturer's safety data sheets and follow COSHH guidelines. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses when sanding. Some products are flammable until cured, so keep away from heat sources. When sanding filled areas, use dust extraction or wear a dust mask to comply with HSE workplace exposure limits for wood dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wood filler be used outdoors?

Standard interior wood fillers lack weather resistance for exterior use. For outdoor applications, choose specifically formulated exterior-grade or two-part high-performance wood filler like those available at MyToolShed.co.uk from Ronseal or Everbuild, which resist moisture penetration, temperature fluctuations, and won't crack or shrink with seasonal movement.

How soon can I sand and paint over wood filler?

Quick-drying multi-purpose fillers can typically be sanded after 30-60 minutes for shallow fills, though deeper repairs may take several hours. Two-part systems generally cure faster with less shrinkage. Always check manufacturer's instructions and ensure the filler is completely hard before sanding to avoid clogging abrasive paper.

Can I stain wood filler to match my timber?

Only fillers specifically labelled as "stainable" will accept wood stain effectively. Products like Ronseal and Everbuild stainable fillers are formulated to absorb stain similarly to natural wood. For best results, choose a filler colour close to your timber and test staining on an inconspicuous area first.