Wood Filler – 2 Part vs Ready Mixed?

paperclap

Hi all,

Currently filling up some nail holes using some 2 part wood filler. But frankly, it's a pain to use. Probably because it's half gone off, and it's 28 degrees here!

I've covered my non-galvanised nails with some shellac Zinsser BIN, just to ward off any rust coming through.

The initial thinking was to use 2 part filler, as it isn't water based obviously. Is it okay to use a ready mixed wood filler (without the fear of causing further rust)? Hell of a lot easier to use, and much cheaper!

grumbler

When you mix it do it in small portions and add a small amount of acetone to make it a little thinner and easier to work with.

IMHO, £15 for 550g isn't extremely expensive.

casper_gutman

I'd probably consider using ready mixed filler in painted woodwork indoors, but for exterior woodwork I'd stick with the two part stuff. It's much more weather resistant, and I don't want to be up a ladder redoing the same window sill in a few years' time.

twopenny

I've used the ready made to reconstruct small wooden window sills - then applied primer, undercoat and gloss.
They lasted 6 or 7yrs and still fine when I sold the house.

casper_gutman

twopenny said:

I've used the ready made to reconstruct small wooden window sills - then applied primer, undercoat and gloss.
They lasted 6 or 7yrs and still fine when I sold the house.

Fair enough! I'm pretty sure the stuff I used wouldn't have done that well. I suppose not all ready made fillers are created equal. What kind of stuff did you use exactly? If the OP's main motivation for using single part filler is it being "much cheaper" then they're probably not considering anything too fancy!

stuart45

It depends on the size of the repair. Paperclap was talking about filling in nail holes. For big repairs a high performance 2 part filler is much better, and quicker.

ChilliBob

I've used all sorts to fill nail holes and all have worked to be honest. 

Tourpret wood filler - cheapish, powder, so lasts ages easy to use.

Tourpret normal filler - same as above. I'd only tend to use this on smaller wood repairs and not where I think it's likely to be bashed.

In a pinch/being lazy/etc I have used caulk, which does work, but needs a second go, and tbh, doesn't look so good lol.

Nice idea on using the Zinzzer before, never done that myself but cool idea. 

paperclap

Ended up just doing it all in the 2 part wood filler! Had to make it up in very small batches, so stop it drying out in literally 3 minutes!

It's not so much the cost (though, it is a factor I guess). But, when you only need a small amount of wood filler, it's a shame to have to buy a big £15 tub, when you can grab a £4 smaller (ready mixed) tub.

Still gotta do the skirting (zinc coated) screw holes. But doubt they'll rust like nails would... so if I run out of the 2 part, might just reach for the ready mixed stuff

grumbler

paperclap said:

Still gotta do the skirting (zinc coated) screw holes.

You'll regret using screws should you ever need the skirting removed (e.g. for fitting flooring).

Personally, I don't mind screws, but if they have small nice heads exposed.

paperclap

Maybe it’s harder to remove (if ever needed), but can’t see that happening in the next 5-10 years. New laminate flooring is already down. Can’t pin in, as we’ve got brick walls!

travis-powers

Paperclip will you please post photos when you are finished?