Choosing The Right Filler

February 17th, 2025

Surface damage and imperfections can appear in a range of substrates, so knowing how to use the right products for the job is essential for the best finish.

The Different Types Of Fillers:

1. Powder Fillers

Mixed with water, powder fillers are often a cheaper option over other forms of filler and there are many options for both internal and external jobs.

2. Lightweight Fillers

Ready-mixed lightweight fillers are very convenient and can be used for small to medium-size cracks and holes. Spreads easily, paintable and won't shrink or crack. Sanding may not be required.

3. Ready Mixed Fillers

Very convenient, they are a quick and easy solution and are very easy to apply and spread. Ideal for multi surfaces, for filling in small gaps and cracks.

Specially Formulated Fillers:

1. Caulk

Generally made of flexible acrylic, mastic caulk has a smooth plastic type texture.

It is best used for filling gaps between skirting boards, doorframes or the edges of shelves and the wall.

Lines of caulk can be prone to cracking if applied in the wrong conditions, so be sure to follow manufacturer’s advice on application, drying and painting over caulk.

2. Wood Fillers

There are two types of wood filler - ready mixed and two part fillers (a mix of filler and chemical hardener).

These come in a number of wood colours to make them inconspicuous, but some are also stainable once applied.

Two part fillers should be used in a ventilated area due to their strong odour and will set very quickly.

The hard finish can be sanded smooth in far less time than their ready mixed counter-part.

High performance wood fillers can provide a fantastic solution for degraded sections of wooden features such as window frames and sills.

Using the right tools, high performance fillers can rebuild rotten wood and fill deep holes, restoring them back to their former glory.

Some Wood fillers are also known as ‘wood putty’, ‘grain filler’ and ‘plastic wood’. They are made with wood dust combined with binder which can dry to imitate specific wood types.

Other Considerations When Choosing The Right Filler:

Are you using the filler on interior or exterior surfaces?
Do you need any other tools such as a caulk gun, filing knife, sandpaper, dust sheets or a scraper?
Do you need your filler to perform for a specific job?
For example, waterproof, quick drying, quickly paintable, can be screwed into etc.