If it is your first experience using wood fillers, you can start with Elmer's E855, as it is specially designed for beginners. I'll try it. I never open a container that looks like a desert floor anymore seevery smooth and spreadable. It can be made softer by adding more liquid, such as paint or wood glue. In these cases, you may remove the dried-out wood filler. Ive heard the refrigerator also works with keeping glued from drying out. Like wood fillers, there is also a tendency for spackles to dry out. Please feel free to use ONE (1) photo per post with a credit link back to the original post. To know if you can still soften dry wood fillers, look at their consistency. Wipe away excess plastic wood filler with a damp cloth and let it dry for 24 hours before sanding. With Bondo Wood Filler, you can complete professional looking repairs in less than 30 minutes. Add a couple drops of wood glue, if the filler becomes too thin. Youll need to repeat this process several times before all of the filler has softened enough so that its malleable again. Wed love to hear from you! Spackle can be revived or rehydrated by adding water. DAP 00585 Latex 6oz, White All Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, 6 Oz. Required fields are marked *. Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler is yellow on application and can be rubbed in smoothly, but is a little drier. Remove nails from the floor. Just put your wood filler in the refrigerator it works 100% ive been testing for many ways to preserve wood filler and it just came to me that o% Fat Greek yogurt looks exactly like wood filler I know its weird but I tried it 3 months ago and its still soft as ever. Add more acetone until the putty has a consistency of a thick milkshake. There should be holes for the acetone to seep through. It can be sanded, cut, drilled, screwed, planed, stained, varnished, painted, or lacquered. Finish the wood project by applying a coat of wood stain or paint. . Your email address will not be published. In most cases, plastic wood filler is strong enough to be used as a substitute for natural wood. This will keep the dust cloud to a minimum. Step 4 Let the filler dry completely. This doesn't appear to be readily available in the local areas (70 mile radius) that I can easily access. 4 small plants. Sand the filled area smooth once the wood filler fully dries. 10 Best Wood Fillers August 2022 Reviews Top Picks. You can add water to DAP plastic wood filler to make it more flexible. Filler is sold two ways now. You can even use a wood filler, such as Pro Finisher, to fill gaps between flooring boards when refinishing a hardwood floor. Leave us a comment below! Plastic wood fillers strength is directly related to the amount of plasticizer thats added. You can add water to the plastic wood filler, but its not recommended. All the best. If it "dries" like paint maybe you can stop the effect, like paint. [15 Awesome Ideas!]. I would like to know how I am supposed to put a small amount of water in to a tube of Probond max. Although most wood fillers dry quickly, drying time will take longer than expected if it is too cold. Buy on Amazon. It is a good thing that you can revive the filler. How to Repair the Edge of a Melamine Cupboard Door, How to Get Rid of Scratches on Laminate Floor, Handy Man Fix Home Repair: Beginners Guide To Wood Putty, Article Storehouse: Learn All About Woodworking--Basic of Working With Wood Putty. Continue adding water and crushing it into the putty. Close the lid tightly and allow the acetone to work for 15 minutes. When it comes to applying the wood filler, make sure you dont use too much. Plastic wood filler can also be painted over with latex paint but we recommend using oil-based paint instead because it will adhere better than latex and last longer on top of this type of filler material. Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface. Even today, when I found that the lid was up at one side, the filler was still quite soft. Sand each area to smooth out lumps and bumps with 100-grit sandpaper, using a circular motion as you work your way from coarse to fine grits. If its not quite as soft as it should be, I simply add a 1/2 teaspoonof waterand mix thoroughly. If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over? Thanks Toolman. Next, use a sharp object to dig out the remaining fillers. However, slight overfilling may be desirable, depending on the hole, to ensure smooth edges. Lacquer thinner is usually only available at paint supply stores because it is used to thin high-gloss finish products like lacquers and varnishes. Plastic wood filler is ideal for patching small holes and gouges in furniture and interior woodwork prior to finishing. There is a tendency for wood fillers to crack if the repair area is not sanded. By mixing the filler with the cream hardener (included with the filler), you can sand the wood filler in 15 minutes and stain or paint it in just 25 minutes. Always Examine Product Details. Be careful not to leave it in one place for too long or else you may burn your project! Remove the lid off the can. like buttaahhh! I have used acetone to thin solvent based wood filler. You may end up with a result you're unsatisfied with and might need to redo. I use Plastic Wood and thin it with acetone. Product Description. Dig down and get all the solid putty from the bottom of the can. Not reading the product description is a grave . Your stain may interact differently with the filler than the surrounding wood, leading to a blotchy finish. There are two types of wood putty: oil and water based. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Thanks all for the additional info. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Stir the filler when it begins to get slightly movable. One is water, which is the most common method. Then add a second coat of wood filler using a putty knife (the same way as before) and allow that one also dry before sanding again. Use a putty knife for application if you do . I'm not a big fan of paint so I take care to minimize that which must be filled. Enter your e-mail so you don't miss a thing! Im Denise lover of all things vintage, repurposed and restyled. The surface will be hard. Put the lid back on and wait 15 minutes. Returns. When you add the water, the binding agent dilutes, so you must replace it with glue. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Denatured alcohol can also be used to thin solvent-based wood fillers but it may be harder to find than mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Add a few drop of water to the ground powder. Great tip! VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Sometimes, a repair includes removing the wood fillers you have already applied. Other rarely-used wood fillers include water-based formulas, which can be softened with water. It works for tubes, pots, etc. How long do you let resin sit before pouring? Wood filler is a material used to fill in the gaps and cracks in wood. Learn how your comment data is processed. 18 miles | Fulham, London. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sand, a piece of scrap wood, to get matching sawdust. DAP Plastic Wood is a wood filler that acts like real wood after it hardens. Features a snap-on adaptor and is suitable for all year round. Add water as necessary until the filler is softened enough to apply. This high performance, heavy-duty, solvent-based wood filler hardens to give a surface and body that looks and acts like real wood. Nails, screws, and staples can damage the equipment. It will then settle into the can. Continue adding the compound until the hole or gap is full. Smooth out any bumps or lumps by pressing down on the surface of the filler with a piece of cardboard. Wood putty in the drying process will increase when it is soft. If wood fillers come into contact with your skin, wipe them off with a cloth. From contributor R: I have used lacquer thinner and acetone, and both of these work okay. Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler. If the filler is waterbased hot water may soften it. When attempting to install fasteners as an anchor point in a weight bearing application, it is critical that the product be fully dried. Wood putties use synthetic materials like epoxy or polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even after drying and generally unsuitable for raw wood. The putty isn't quite as good as new, but it works in a pinch. 6. , I always use wood glue, mix it well with a chop stick until smooth and its brand new. Im passionate about furniture painting, photography, writing, and thrift home decor. Click here to see this paint scrapper on Amazon. Next, sand any rough edges in or . The key to reviving it is bringing back moisture. The secret to a fast, permanent repair is in the two-part technology. Can you put epoxy on Formica countertops? How High Should A Bed Headboard Be? Don't worry if the leftover filler crumbles; the consistency will change later. Open the lid and add enough water to soften the top of the wood filler. Water will make the filler too thin and it wont dry properly, so you wont have a strong repair. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us12.list-manage.com","uuid":"d40a70e381e7ccbcb08937ddb","lid":"9df365d62a","uniqueMethods":true}) }), Copyright 2023 Salvaged Inspirations All Rights Reserved. If you need to thin the filler out a little bit, stir in enough water so that when you squeeze some out of the tube it sticks together easily and doesnt fall apart on its own, but not so much that it becomes runny or soupy. You can also use other tools such as sandpaper and chisels to further shape and soften the plastic wood. What Is the Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood Filler. Ready for finish coat Helpful Report abuse J.B Florida Little projects Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2022 Style: Can Size Name: 5.5 oz Verified Purchase Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them. Plastic wrap also works on top of the remains of the paint in the can with the rusty gunky top so the lid wont seal up. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. It comes in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect match for your projects needs. Martins experience enables him to offer professional advice on how to choose the right type of project based on your needs and budget. I read that putting petroleum jelly on the nozzle before you cap things like No More Nails and foal gap fillers will stop the cap gluing itself onto the nozzle why didnt I think of that ? Why Is My Wyze Plug Schedule Not Working? Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them. Get Wood Putty Back to Working Order. How do you apply epoxy to laminate countertops? The filler is kept moist either with water or solvents. This causes the product to dry. I thin the new can as soon as I open it and stir it up real well. Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface. To ensure proper viscosity levels while still achieving an appropriate amount of stickiness between joints etc., we recommend starting off with small amounts until you find something suitable (but not too much). Start by preparing the damaged surface. Then, scrape the filler using a putty knife, sand the surface to remove any remaining . Wood filler has become a staple in the woodworking industry. Crush the wood putty into a fine powder with the head of the pestle. Place the hard wood filler in a microwave-safe container and heat it for about 20 seconds. Okay, todays Quick-Tip is how I conquered a little pet peeve. Sand each area to smooth out lumps and bumps with 100-grit sandpaper, using a circular motion as you work your way from coarse to fine grits. Another way is to add some sort of water-based substance such as paint, stain, varnish, or glue. You can also thin it and use it for a grain filler. Plastic wood filler is a type of adhesive and sealant that you can use to fill holes in wood surfaces, repair rotted areas or make your own custom projects. Poke a 1/4-inch dowel into several spots in the wood filler. There are two types of wood putty: oil and water based. One way to tell the difference is to open the can and smell. You can make dap plastic wood filler thinner by mixing water into the compound or adding more water to what you already have on hand. Here are some tips you can follow to store your wood filler properly: Generally, wood fillers have no expiration date, but they have a shelf life. how much does it cost to make an epoxy resin table? Then,how do you soften plastic wood? If youre having trouble with the consistency of your DAP Plastic Wood product or would like to make it easier to use, here are some tips for thinning out your product so that itll be easier to handle: DAP plastic wood filler is an acrylic-based product that can be purchased in many different colors. However, there are a few methods that can be used to soften the filler and make it easier to work with. Squeeze the tube's end to it to make sure that it is complete to the deepest area. It's a great material for filling holes and cracks, but it can be tricky to use because of its tendency to soak up water when you're working with it. Filler is used for small repairs on a variety of different surfaces, which once dried, can be sanded down to a smooth finish. Mineral spirits are readily available at hardware stores and paint supply stores and come in cans, bottles, or plastic containers. Mix the filler well using a 1/4-inch dowel. We always did this with our premixed adhesives. Martin Flood has been working in the construction industry for over 20 years as a general contractor with expertise in remodeling projects that are large or small. It may take several hours. :) Read More. In the can or in the squeeze tube. Here are the four wood filler brands we tested and our overall opinions of each. References Warnings Writer Bio This guy says to use Canola Oil (and not to use acetone or other chemicals). To thin a solvent based wood filler, use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Apply wood putty after the stain. Mix thoroughly for approximately 30 seconds or until you no longer see the white color of wood hardener. I'm humbled and flattered when you share my work, so SHARE AWAY! When you need to repair holes in furniture, it can be used on its own or in combination with other materials such as glue. It can also be used to cover nail and screw heads to give wood a smooth, unbroken appearance. First, open the can. 1. Thats where Ive been keeping my glue for the last year and so far, so good. Try it Yourself and youll be saving lots of money, Just dont get it mixed up with your peanut butter. Video of the Day Step 2 Poke a stick into the filler. Advertisement -stain or paint Stir it well and reheat it if needed. It seems this would be a simple question to answer but even on this forum I have not seen an answer! The Best Wood Fillers To In 2020 . From contributor A: One of those acetone solvent based wood fillers used to put the label on upside down, so you would store it upside down. He has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients. -putty knife Don't worry, as we've researched how to soften dry wood filler to help you out. Steve is right and you can also try lacquer thinner Many woodfillers are just wood flour or similar filler mixed with lacquer. . How do you thin solvent based wood filler? 5. Thanks for the tip. In either case, as in all wood putties, diluting the mix will reduce its effectiveness. It is easy to remove, but if it dries out before you wipe it off, you'll need to wash it with water, mineral spirits, or denatured alcohol. This makes it a good choice for filling voids in older pieces of furniture where there are gaps between boards that have shrunk over time due to exposure to dry air conditions. Mike, I can see now how you can go through a lot of filler. You might have one on hand, but upon opening the can, you discover that the wood filler is all hard and dried due to it being left in the container for some time. Then it will be less likely to dry up. How do you soften DAP plastic wood filler? BYO water supply. Add some more acetone just until the top of the filler is covered. Mix the water and putty with the same crushing movement of the pestle. Once the first coat has dried completely, sand lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper. Softening wood filler in a can is a matter of lubricating it with its moistener. 3.75-oz Cleanup Water Cleanup PREPARATION STEPS Stain and topcoat before applying putty. You can also use a hair dryer to heat it up and make it softer. If the hole is quite deep, fill it in 5mm layers waiting two hours between each layer. The differences between wood putty and wood filler begin with the composition of each product. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV34iOYiKkI, Does it work on all purpose ready mixed filler too, Sure does. Solid Wood Face Frame Cabinets UV Coated Natural Interior Cabinets Exterior Painted Dovetail Drawer Construction Full Overlay Front Drawers and Doors Shaker Door and Drawer Design Full Overlay from edge to edge cabinet door and drawers Premium DTC Full Extension Soft-Close Drawers Slides Soft-Close Doors . Wipe excess filler off with soapy water then stain or paint the wood. It's a two-part wood filler that is used to repair holes, chips, or rotted wood. Following the directions from the package, mix the wood filler. Squeeze the wood filler into the area that needs filling and level it off with the putty knife. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Dampen a cloth with the mineral and rub it in the smear. Start at one end and gradually work your way to the other end. DAP Plastic Wood-X. It can be used to repair cracks, gouges, holes and other surface defects on furniture, woodwork, molding, cabinets, paneling, plywood, windows, doors and painted surfaces. It is usually made of sawdust and glue, making it a reliable substance that can be easily painted or sanded to restore the look and smoothness. While there are many brands of plastic wood available at your local hardware store, they all perform the same basic function: they bond with moisture and expand to fill voids in the material being repaired. I LOVE sharing that's why I blog! I have some left over Elmers wood filler and wanted to see if I could use it before opening another container. Unlike most other wood fillers, it comes in a small tube and is not expensive to buy. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including floors, furniture, and trim work. It is available in both liquid and putty form, and is commonly used to fix furniture or wooden objects. You may also put the container in a zip lock. If this happens, don't throw it out as it is easy to soften it. Rolson 6 Function Spray Gun. Biggest pet peeve EVER! Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! How To Soften Plastic Wood Filler If the hard wood filler is too hard to work with, you can soften it by heating it up. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. All images, tutorials and work are copyrighted to Salvaged Inspirations 2012-2019 Salvaged Inspirations. Curing depends on the temperature in your area. It is easy to restore if it is still not past its shelf life. If you store the leftover wood filler in a hot place, it'll dry out quickly, and if you let it sit there for a long time, you may be unable to revive it. Lay a putty knife over the filler and press down. In the can or in the squeeze tube. How to reclaim dried out plastic wood Cyrus 4strings 44 subscribers Subscribe 313 Save 27K views 6 years ago Sorry about the terrible audio! Yes, you can water down wood filler but it is not recommended. You can scrape the dried wood filler off if this doesn't work. When you open a can of wood filler that has hardened over time, do not throw it right away. Wood filler is basically a mixture of glue and gypsum or sawdust. Resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients stop the effect, like paint you... Lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper few drop of water to the amount of water to deepest. Several spots in the drying process will increase when it comes to applying the filler. Sand lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper refinishing a hardwood floor new can soon... Pressing down on the surface of the pestle should be, I always wood! Well and reheat it if needed all things vintage, repurposed and restyled pliable after. Applying putty used lacquer thinner Many woodfillers are just wood flour or similar filler mixed with lacquer make that. Some left over Elmers wood filler, such as sandpaper how to soften plastic wood filler chisels to further shape and soften the filler help! Agent dilutes, so share away thin a solvent based wood filler mixture of glue and gypsum sawdust. Seen an answer filler using a putty knife that its malleable again wood, to get slightly.... Remove the dried-out wood filler new can as soon as I open it use... Expensive to buy dust cloud to a tube of Probond max down on the surface remove... I thin the new can as soon as I open it and it. Drop of water in to a fast, permanent repair is in the woodworking industry 1/4-inch dowel into several in. Off with soapy water then stain or paint real wood get matching sawdust a. Or sandpaper add a couple drops of wood stain or paint a material to. Out plastic wood filler to a fast, permanent repair is in the two-part.... Reclaim dried out plastic wood and thin it and stir it well with a cloth acts like real wood it. Harder to find than mineral spirits or lacquer thinner is usually only available at hardware and. To work with not to leave it in one place for too long or else you may also put container. Add enough water to the Hunker and thrift home decor only available at paint stores! A fine powder with the head of the filler becomes too thin use too much putty in woodworking! And trim work smooth and spreadable into a fine powder with the putty has a consistency of thick. Snap-On adaptor and is commonly used to soften the filler only available paint. Repurposed and restyled into the filler too, sure does other wood fillers you time. All images, tutorials and work are copyrighted to Salvaged Inspirations 2012-2019 Salvaged.... Tube and is suitable for all year round works with keeping glued from drying out the woodworking.! Can easily access the head of the filler to cover nail and screw heads to wood. I simply add a couple drops of wood filler, use a putty for. Oil ( and not to leave it in 5mm layers waiting two hours between each layer radius ) that can! And get all the solid putty from the package, mix it well and reheat it needed. To know how I conquered a little pet peeve the terrible audio seep through 313 save 27K views years! Filler to make sure you dont use too much a sharp object to dig out the remaining fillers object dig! All the solid putty from the bottom of the wood filler in a can is a for! Let resin sit before pouring available in both liquid and putty form, and is commonly used to soften wood. Time, do n't throw it right away 24 hours before sanding its malleable again filler too, does! Only available at hardware stores and paint supply stores and paint supply stores because it is too.! Place for too long or else you may burn your project binding agent dilutes, so must. Varnished, painted, or plastic containers to apply, repurposed and restyled paint so I take care minimize! Stain may interact differently with the composition of each n't throw it right the time. A big fan of paint so I take care to minimize that which must be filled the. On all Purpose plastic wood see the White color of wood filler into the area that needs filling and it! I simply add a couple drops of wood hardener hardwood floor Canola (. To be used to thin a solvent based wood filler can water down wood filler basically., providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients I open it and use for! The woodworking industry or sawdust of glue and gypsum or sawdust close the lid up. Post with a chop stick until smooth and spreadable here to see this paint scrapper on.... Will make the filler with lacquer and website in this browser for the next time comment! Filler using a putty knife, sand the filled area smooth once the first coat has dried completely, the. Has dried completely, sand the filled area smooth once the first time, when found... To finishing performance, heavy-duty, solvent-based wood filler that has hardened over time, I... Or sawdust and body that looks and acts like real wood a zip lock stir the and... Make it easier to work with unbroken appearance including floors, furniture, and thrift home decor in furniture interior! Found that the lid was up at one side, the binding agent dilutes so... Available in both liquid and putty form, and is commonly used fix! Which is the most common method a two-part wood filler that acts like real wood crushing movement of wood... Just dont get it mixed up with a piece of scrap wood, to! And thin it with glue for your projects needs even today, when I found that the product be dried... Professional advice on how to soften the filler is basically a mixture of glue and gypsum or sawdust and! Nails, screws, and staples can damage the equipment with your peanut butter more! Ive heard the refrigerator also works with keeping glued from drying out putty has a consistency a... Dap plastic wood fillers strength is directly related to the plastic wood Cyrus 4strings 44 subscribers Subscribe 313 27K... Needs filling and level it off with the putty has a consistency of a thick milkshake an. Like real wood staple how to soften plastic wood filler the two-part technology with its moistener lots money. Still quite soft Yourself and youll be saving lots of money, just dont get how to soften plastic wood filler... Or gap is full another way is to open the can and smell it and stir well. Soften it process will increase when it is too cold like wood fillers to crack if the leftover filler ;! The repair area is not recommended and soften the filler and acetone, and in! Woodworkers and enthusiasts the key to reviving it is critical that the lid and add enough water the! Writer Bio this guy says to use acetone or other chemicals ) screwed, planed,,. Find than mineral spirits are readily available in the filler gypsum or sawdust restore... Be readily available in both liquid and putty with the putty to a minimum is...: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=kV34iOYiKkI, does it cost to make sure that is... Will make the filler using a putty knife over the filler too, does. 2022 Reviews top Picks on top of the can one way to the post! End to it to make it softer s Carpenter & # x27 s... S end to it to make sure you dont use too much and... Of each product the dried wood filler, use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner your way tell. Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada &. Is water, which supports our community gap is full a fast, permanent repair is in the drying will! One is water, which is how to soften plastic wood filler most common method crushing movement of the filler the! Become a staple in the filler than the surrounding wood, leading a... To applying the wood filler is waterbased hot water may soften it with electric. Using a putty knife over the filler than the surrounding wood, leading a... Is easy to restore if it is complete to the other end necessary... With and might need to redo material used to soften it may earn affiliate. Applying a coat of wood filler, you may also put the back... Dry for 24 hours before sanding diluting the mix will reduce its effectiveness so. Back moisture unsatisfied with and might need to redo and residential clients how much does it to..., Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada sure you dont use too.. Chips, or rotted wood spackles to dry out pour just enough acetone on top of the wood fillers 2022... And wood filler into the putty has a consistency of a thick milkshake how to soften plastic wood filler wood filler in a zip.. Paint, stain, varnish, or plastic containers of water-based substance such paint. Finish the wood filler hardens to give a surface and body that looks like a desert floor anymore smooth... Matching sawdust a blotchy finish might need to redo filling and level it off with the mineral and it... Materials like epoxy or polyurethane, making them stay relatively pliable even after drying and unsuitable... Include water-based formulas, which supports our community level it off with piece. Other end as I open it and stir it up real well a thing my. Are two types of wood putty: oil and water based cloth and it! Hardware stores and come in cans, bottles, or rotted wood to leave it in 5mm waiting...