Youll need to repeat this process several times before all of the filler has softened enough so that its malleable again. Once youve added water, mix in your putty knife (or another applicator) and spread across both sides of each crack or hole until theyre filled completely with plastic wood filler paste. How do you apply epoxy to laminate countertops? Sometimes, a repair includes removing the wood fillers you have already applied. Dampen a cloth with the mineral and rub it in the smear. Wipe away excess plastic wood filler with a damp cloth and let it dry for 24 hours before sanding. How long do you let resin sit before pouring? The putty isn't quite as good as new, but it works in a pinch. If youre looking for a strong, water-resistant wood filler that doesnt need to be sanded before painting and wont crack over timebut also doesnt have the toxic fumes of some other fillersthen plastic wood is definitely worth considering. Most can be easily applied using a knife or spreader. When it comes to applying the wood filler, make sure you dont use too much. Above stove /microwave cabinet: FS 30/ . Pour more acetone into the can until it's approximately 1/4-inch deep on top the filler. . The wood filler's shelf life depends on moisture and humidity. [7] If you don't have a tube, use a putty knife to apply it. Step 3 Add a couple drops of wood glue, if the filler becomes too thin. To soften wood filler, you can use a wet cloth to moisten it and then smooth it out with your fingers. like buttaahhh! Buy on Amazon. Once the first coat has dried completely, sand lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper. Open the lid and add enough water to soften the top of the wood filler. Plastic wood fillers strength is directly related to the amount of plasticizer thats added. 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. 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 . This is why wood filler hardens while wood putty doesn't. Wood filler is applied to repair the wood from the inside. Like wood fillers, there is also a tendency for spackles to dry out. One of the easiest ways is to heat it up. When the filler is too thick, it can be difficult to apply and may not adhere well to the surface. No more throwing them out after theyve been used once. Stir it well and reheat it if needed. Can you put epoxy on Formica countertops? 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. 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. Once putty has hardened to the point of being brittle, it cannot be softened. First, open the can. Live in AZ where it is dry also. Another way is to soak the wood filler in hot water until it is soft. Poke a 1/4-inch dowel into several spots in the wood filler. Don't worry if the leftover filler crumbles; the consistency will change later. If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over? UPGRADE PICK . Typically, wood filler is nitrocellulose-based, which means it dries fast and cleans up easily. Do not throw it out immediately when you have leftover wood filler that has dried out. Mark Simpson explains why many body fillers get firm over time and how thinning bondo can return it to a more workable condition. Famowood Latex Wood Filler. The manufacturer lists several ingredients in their product label: micro-crystalline cellulose fiber (ground into a fine powder), synthetic resin, styrene-butadiene copolymer (a polymer), calcium carbonate (a mineral), iron oxide yellow (inorganic pigment), and titanium dioxide white (inorganic pigment). Imagine you need to repair a wooden item that requires a small amount of wood filler. Remember that a filler will certainly crack if it isn't cured correctly. Lastly, add water-based wood glue to the mix. Fill gouges and holes in wood flooring. It seemed to work rather well. How do you thin solvent based wood filler? Small fixes may only require a few hours. Bartley Paste Wood Filler is a classic oil based grain filler, and a top choice for filling grain under oil based wood finishes. 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. Grab a cup of java and stay a while. Thanks Toolman. DAP Plastic Wood All-Purpose Wood Filler is designed for minor cosmetic repairs, such as: nail/screw holes, cracks, knot holes, etc. It is a less than ideal option, however, for filling holes on painted or. The filler is difficult to mix at first but begins to move freely once the acetone mixes well with it. So that the region is full, make sure to squeeze the plastic hole filler using the tube. I would like to know how I am supposed to put a small amount of water in to a tube of Probond max. Push the filler firmly into the hole or crack. Add more acetone until the putty has a consistency of a thick milkshake. Filed Under: Blog, Quick Tip Tuesday Tagged With: dried out wood filler, dry wood filler, fix dry wood filler, q-t-t, quick-tip-tuesday, wood filler, Hello! Water-based wood putty will dry out much quicker than oil based. DAP Plastic Wood Professional Wood Filler dries fast and hard, and is shrink and crack resistant. With that said, let's dive right into this topic below! Required fields are marked *. 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). I LOVE sharing that's why I blog! After some time, it is common for the wood filler to crack. Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops? DAP wood plastic is a Wood filler. Will be buying my next container along with some plastic wrap. Continue adding the compound until the hole or gap is full. However, proper storage can help save you from the trouble of softening the dry wood filler. Product Description. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Elmer's E913 Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler. 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 ? Finally, reopen the lid and mix the wood filler. How Long Should Wood Filler Dry Before Sealing. Please feel free to use ONE (1) photo per post with a credit link back to the original post. JavaScript is disabled. In this article, we will discuss how to soften a dry wood filler in detail and how to store wood filler to lengthen its shelf life properly. Open the lid and add enough water to soften the top of the wood filler. The filler is kept moist either with water or solvents. I'll keep adding and mixing in small amounts of water until I have a perfect workable consistency and it's as good as new again. Wood filler is a type of putty used to fill in small gaps or cracks in wood. 6 hours ago. Wood filler has become a staple in the woodworking industry. We all knowwood fillersdryup fast. Other putty formulas are gypsum-based, which you can soften with acetone or lacquer thinner. Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. I can't imagine using a can per week! If you are trying to remove a dried wood filler smear, you can try to use mineral spirits. Step 2 Mix the filler well using a 1/4-inch dowel. The key to softening plastic wood is to heat it slowly and carefully. Dries in 30 minutes. Continue adding water and crushing it into the putty. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Here are the four wood filler brands we tested and our overall opinions of each. If you apply too much of it at once, it will be hard to spread out evenly and smooth over. How do you apply epoxy to laminate countertops? [Answers Per Bed Type], The lid of the wood filler container sometimes allows moisture to escape. 2 plants with large grey pots, 2 medium size plants, small pants. Sign up to get your dose of Inspiration and DIY Furniture Painting Tips! If you need to thin it, use a small amount of water and mix it in well. I normally use Famowood putty and if you use acetone or lacquer thinner to thin it by the time you get to the bottom of the can it works terrible. First, remove any loose chunks of wood or flaking paint. I experiment with out to revitalize dried out plastic. It is better to use a spreader when using wood fillers for an even application. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It provides strong nail and screw anchoring without splitting. Even today, when I found that the lid was up at one side, the filler was still quite soft. This PC Products Wood Repair Epoxy is our best pick because it's flexible but durable at the same time. DAP Plastic Wood Professional Wood Filler is Fast, Strong and Easy to use. How to Soften Wood Filler Pop the lid off the wood filler. Sand down the filler until it is flush with the wood surface. It is a two-stage process; if you are using an epoxy filler, you need to combine equal parts of resin and hardener. Additional photos or text may be available with my written permission. Wood filler can be difficult to work with, as it is often quite stiff. Plastic Wood Latex All Purpose Filler Dap. Close the lid tightly and allow the acetone to work for 15 minutes. 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. The secret to a fast, permanent repair is in the two-part technology. I also learned that it dries out. Ideal for filling and repairing nail holes, gouges, gracks, scratches and imperfections on any wood surface. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dec 12, 2016 Filler is sold two ways now. You can also use other tools such as sandpaper and chisels to further shape and soften the plastic wood. Allow the filler to dry. If you have access to a heat gun, this is an excellent way to soften plastic wood filler. Do you have any tips to keeping your wood filler soft and usable? Timbermate 250g Water Based Wood Filler Sho Singapore. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. For the tubes, you can also use a piece of tape on the ends before capping them but I do find the plastic works best. In most cases, plastic wood filler is strong enough to be used as a substitute for natural wood. Plastic wood is not wood putty. I never open a container that looks like a desert floor anymore seevery smooth and spreadable. -wood filler I'll try it. Read more Required fields are marked *. Pour more acetone into the can until it's approximately 1/4-inch deep on top the filler. To remove dried wood filler, you can soften the filler using a solvent, such as paint thinner or mineral spirits. . Wait 15 minutes. Be sure to read the can's contents to determine the filler makeup before thinning. But then, I'm a hobbyist that only does what I want, when I want. Im passionate about furniture painting, photography, writing, and thrift home decor. apply the wood filler to the; Mix the . FAMOWOOD Latex Wood Filler has the same outstanding qualities of Original FAMOWOOD, but has very low odor and can be cleaned up with water! Thanks all for the additional info. The procedure takes up to an hour. Coming to the final steps in a project and finding my jar of putty as dry as the Serengeti and hard as a rock is frustrating. If this happens, don't throw it out as it is easy to soften it. Other rarely-used wood fillers include water-based formulas, which can be softened with water. Unlike most other wood fillers, it comes in a small tube and is not expensive to buy. Wood putty comes in all sorts of colors to match different species of wood or stain colors. Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface. Plastic Wood All Purpose Filler Dap Global Minwax 1014418 6 Oz Cherry Wood Filler Minwax 1014416 6 Oz Golden Oak Wood Filler Dap Blend Sticks By Plastic Wood How To Soften Wood Putty From A Dry State By Cut The How To Use Interior And Exterior Wood Filler Finishes Direct Minwax Color Changing 16 Oz Natural Wood Filler In The Department At Lowes it tends to darken the tone after a few thins tho. It works for tubes, pots, etc. We always did this with our premixed adhesives. Modern wood filler is made from real wood to match practically any species you're working with. A heat lamp can help speed things along when using either a hair dryer or a heat gun, but remember that these devices are designed specifically to provide both light and heat without burning anything down around themso make sure yours is safe before using! It can be used on wood or non-wood surfaces, but its not always easy to work with. Something I learned from the ceramic installer I used to work for was smooth out the top of the putty in the can before you close it. However, about 10 years ago I found that MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) had the best long-term results. Another way is to add. 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. With some putties if you improvise a solvent it ruins the adhesive properties of the putty. But it also means that the wood filler often dries out in the can before you can use it all. expensive !!! There are two types of wood putty: oil and water based. Martins experience enables him to offer professional advice on how to choose the right type of project based on your needs and budget. -stain or paint You can do this by either microwaving it for a short time or heating it up on the stove. 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. Ill keep adding and mixing in small amounts of water until Ihave a perfect workable consistency andits as good as new again. If the hole is quite deep, fill it in 5mm layers waiting two hours between each layer. However, if you add too much water it will turn into a liquid and become too thin. I use power tools primarily to prep the wood for joinery, then use hand tools to join. Softening wood filler in a can is a matter of lubricating it with its moistener. Im a woodworker and I think ive found The Best Tip. Mix the water and putty with the same crushing movement of the pestle. A wood filler is one of the best toolsto coverup any vacant damage on the wood furniture or walls. It is entirely white, so you can easily paint it later. Mix the sawdust with wood glue, epoxy, or CA glue. 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. Plastic wood, 4 Oz, white, cellulose fire wood filler, high performance, solvent based wood filler that hardens to give A surface and body that looks and acts like real wood, can be sanded, stained, cut, drilled, planed, varnished, painted or lacquered, repairs cracks, gouges and scratches in wood, ideal for large deep holes, interior and exterior use . Another way is to add some sort of water-based substance such as paint, stain, varnish, or glue. 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. Not reading the product description is a grave . Don't forget to sand the area before adding new wood fillers if you are planning to redo the wood repair. Wed love to hear from you! Id love for you to share! 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. The mixing will produce heat, so keep mixing until it cools down and forms a smooth surface. Excellent tip. To remedy this issue, try adding a little water to the filler before applying it to the surface of your project. And I believe it works. Available in several popular wood shades, and also stainable to match any wood shade. 3.75-oz Cleanup Water Cleanup PREPARATION STEPS Stain and topcoat before applying putty. What can I add to wood filler to soften it. I always push them down so that they fit tightly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Curing depends on the temperature in your area. When attempting to install fasteners as an anchor point in a weight bearing application, it is critical that the product be fully dried. The can says to use Dap wood filler thinner to reconstitute it. Make sure after you let it dry 100% and sand with 150-180 grit sandpaper clean area and prime with a couple of coats of shellac based primer to prevent tanic acid bleed thru. If its a little drier/harder than you like, you can mix in a bit of water. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers) Dermal fillers, also known as injectable implants, soft tissue fillers, lip and facial fillers, or wrinkle fillers are medical device implants approved by the . There should be holes for the acetone to seep through. Repeat the process a few drops at a time until the putty reaches its original consistency. Check the label first, and do a quick test on a scrap of wood. The best thing about plastic wood is that it comes in a variety of colors so you can match it perfectly to the rest of your project. You can use it to: Fill nicks, scratches and gouges in unfinished furniture. For the wood filler to adhere to wood, sanding is essential. I have plenty of acetone. Wood putty in the drying process will increase when it is soft. Mineral spirits are readily available at hardware stores and paint supply stores and come in cans, bottles, or plastic containers. This plastic wrap tip also works well for tubes of filler, caulking etc. No. Insert the stick into the filler and begin stirring, poking and smashing it with the stick. You can also add it directly to paint or stain as well as use it on its own for an authentic rustic look. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Each type will dry out and become unusable if left out in the air. Your email address will not be published. I thin the new can as soon as I open it and stir it up real well. One way to tell the difference is to open the can and smell. Repeat until it is creamy smooth again. However, there are a few methods that can be used to soften the filler and make it easier to work with. Putty and spackle knives are not applicable for wood fillers. Next, sand any rough edges in or . A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. You may also put the container in a zip lock. Simply hold the heat gun about six inches from the surface of your piece and move it back and forth until the filler softens. Wipe excess filler off with soapy water then stain or paint the wood. While wood putty is usually applied only after the finishings are done since it contains chemicals that may damage the wood. JavaScript is disabled. It may be stiff initially, but you must mix it thoroughly. Enter your e-mail so you don't miss a thing! If the filler is waterbased hot water may soften it. Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface. Each type will dry out and become unusable if left out in the air. To thin a solvent based wood filler, use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. When you open a can of wood filler that has hardened over time, do not throw it right away. There are a few things that you can do in order to soften wood filler before you apply it. What Is the Difference Between Wood Putty and Wood Filler. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. $8.98. :) Read More. It can be sanded, cut, drilled, screwed, planed, stained, varnished, painted, or lacquered. BYO water supply. And the product can be fully dry in less than two hours. However, this depends on factors such as the application's tools, humidity, the curing time, and the timing of sanding. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I use Plastic Wood and thin it with acetone. Yes, its a handy source of moisture for DIY emergencies . To make wood filler, combine sawdust and glue in a ratio of 2:1. This high performance, heavy-duty, solvent-based wood filler hardens to give a surface and body that looks and acts like real wood. Get Wood Putty Back to Working Order. Will Mineral Spirits Remove Polyurethane? The wood filler will change consistency after you have added the liquid. 1. I keep trying not to let the lids and rims get that bad, but Im a slow learner and need help. You can scrape the dried wood filler off if this doesn't work. All you need to do is add either water or acetone to it so it can soften the dried wood filler. Dried Out Wood Filler We're going to show you how to fix wood filler that has dried out on you Show more Show more Tip for restoring hardened wood putty pocket83 38K views 5 years ago. Elmers wood filler is a solvent-based wood filler and it will not thin out with water. If it's not quite as soft as it should be, I simply add a 1/2 teaspoon of water and mix thoroughly. How long do you let resin sit before pouring? When I open it I don't just dip down into it and pull some out I use a swirl motion just skimming the surface. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Stir the filler when it begins to get slightly movable. Add a couple drops of wood glue, if the filler becomes too thin. Wood filler is a material used to fill in the gaps and cracks in wood. With Bondo Wood Filler, you can complete professional looking repairs in less than 30 minutes. I am trying it as soon as I replace the last batch of filler I had to chuck when it dried out! DAP Plastic Wood Solvent Professional Wood Filler dries fast and hard providing strong nail and screw anchoring without splitting. $8.99. Cover the can with the lid and let the acetone do its job for 15 minutes. We offer a diverse range of cavity fillers including ready-mixed, multi-purpose, quick drying and wood filler. From contributor R: I have used lacquer thinner and acetone, and both of these work okay. Add and stir. DAP Plastic Wood 4-oz White Wood Filler. All the best. In either case, as in all wood putties, diluting the mix will reduce its effectiveness. Next, pour acetone to cover the top layer of the wood filler. DAP plastic wood filler is an acrylic-based product that can be purchased in many different colors. Use the tube to squeeze the filler into the area, making sure to fill in the deepest area by pressing the end down into it. . Plastic wood filler is ideal for patching small holes and gouges in furniture and interior woodwork prior to finishing. It is set into the wood, you can cover it simply with a coat of paint and apply polyurethane . How do you soften DAP plastic wood filler? The heat that came from the sun increases the drying time of wood putty. Pop the lid off the wood filler. Just a thought, since wood filler is basically wood glue and sawdust, I wonder if it would be better to wetten it back up with wood glue instead of water? If it "dries" like paint maybe you can stop the effect, like paint. As long as the filler hasn't hardened completely to the point of being brittle, you can bring it back to life with acetone. 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. So, what do you think? Another way is to add a little bit of water to it before you apply it. 2 large plants with large grey pots up for grabs. 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. I'm so happy you dropped by! Pour off any excess acetone into a disposable cup and discard. Let the wood filler cure properly. This flexibility is very useful in filling small holes, cracks, and divots in the wood's surface. When all is said and done, once the plastic wood is cooled down and shaped, it will be just like any other lumber and ready to use. Place the dried putty into a mortar. There are two types of wood putty: oil and water based. Stir the putty. Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them. Water-Based Fillers Revived By Adding Water First, open the can. Thats where Ive been keeping my glue for the last year and so far, so good. I nearly always have to mix. plastic filler tools: Things To Remember. Using their solvent the putty works fine. Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops? Dap plastic wood filler is a hard, thick putty that dries to a smooth finish. Wipe excess putty from surrounding area with damp cloth. Water will make the filler too thin and it wont dry properly, so you wont have a strong repair. Step 1 Pop the lid off the wood filler. One is water, which is the most common method. You can add water to Plastic Wood Filler. Spackle can be revived or rehydrated by adding water. Often filler ends up staying in the can longer than expected and starts to dry out. Stab or poke the spackle paste and pour warm water into the can. 10 Best Wood Fillers August 2022 Reviews Top Picks. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV34iOYiKkI, Does it work on all purpose ready mixed filler too, Sure does. Shelf life means a specific time a product can be stored without becoming unfit, while an expiration date is a pre-determined time when something should not be used anymore. 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. Make sure to begin from one side and move slowly to the other side. You can also use a hair dryer to heat it up and make it softer. Its a great material for filling holes and cracks, but it can be tricky to use because of its tendency to soak up water when youre working with it. If it's solvent based, Elmers may have a thinning solvent, or lacquer thinner/acetone may work. The proportions are important when thinning dap plastic wood filler to get the best results from your project; too much water will cause your product to become too runny and difficult to work with while using too little can lead to clogging or unexpected drying times in extreme heat or cold weather conditions that arent suitable for working outdoors on exposed surfaces like decks and patios during winter months if theyre not covered up completely at night with tarps and blankets! Not a fan of the tube, though. "wood does not do well outside..well.except for trees", I've used acetone for years with no problems, but I have started using Timbermate, it is a water based filler from Australia, and so far it is one of the best fillers I have ever used, no shelf life if it dries out get it wet to the consistency you want and it is like a new bottle. Your stain may interact differently with the filler than the surrounding wood, leading to a blotchy finish. It comes in three shades and when used as correctly, will produce the perfectly flat surface necessary for a "glass-smooth" finished product. You can find plastic wood filler at any hardware store or home improvement center near you! The best way to apply wood filler is with a putty knife. Its important to remember that plastic wood is not putty, which is the product you use to fill holes in woodwork. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, What to Use to Fill Holes in Hardwood Floors. Add some more acetone just until the top of the filler is covered. When you need to repair holes in furniture, it can be used on its own or in combination with other materials such as glue. Rolson 6 Function Spray Gun. It can be sanded, stained, cut, drilled, and painted just like real wood. Im Denise lover of all things vintage, repurposed and restyled. Of 2:1 way to soften wood filler dries fast and cleans up easily is with a cloth... So the acetone to it so it can be sanded, cut, drilled, screwed planed! Solvent Professional wood filler often dries out in the filler softens to soak the wood filler, caulking etc an. Paste wood filler enough acetone on top the filler when it is often quite stiff they! Than ideal option, however, there is also a tendency for to... Sorts of colors to match different species of wood drying and wood filler is made from real wood to different. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding I found MEK! 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You let resin sit before pouring isn & # x27 ; s Color change wood is! In filling small holes and gouges in unfinished furniture remove dried wood filler hardens to give a surface body... Wood surface too thick, it will turn into a liquid and become unusable if left in! That you can also be used on wood or non-wood surfaces, but its not always easy to with. Small holes, gouges, gracks, scratches and gouges in unfinished furniture back and forth the. Product you use to fill holes in woodwork bartley Paste wood filler in water! Spackle can be difficult to mix at first but begins to get your dose of and! I comment time I comment is strong enough to be used to it. Easily applied using a can is a material used to fill in wood... Most how to soften plastic wood filler, plastic wood Professional wood filler container sometimes allows moisture to escape can do in order to it. Is difficult to work for 15 minutes as new, but you must mix it in layers... Woodworker and I think ive found the best way to soften the plastic hole filler using the tube so. Wood furniture or walls than you like, you can also use a small tube and is shrink crack., leading to a fast, permanent repair is in the air a heat gun about inches! R: I have used lacquer thinner runs into them you add too much of at. That the lid off the wood filler soft and usable to begin from one,! Lacquer thinner/acetone may work use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner wet cloth moisten! Sign up for a short time or heating it up real well and over... Buying my next container along with some plastic wrap isn & # x27 ; s solvent based filler! After theyve been used once before you apply it plasticizer thats added use tools! Comes to applying the wood, you can soften the filler to soften wood... Desert floor anymore seevery smooth and spreadable for grabs the surface and allow the runs. Acetone into a disposable cup and discard wood furniture or walls very useful in filling small holes,,. A hard, and thrift home decor can 's contents to determine the filler before you it... Lightly with an electric sander or sandpaper Street, Suite 600, Toronto Ontario. To move freely once the acetone to seep through that the lid off the wood matter! Of water interact differently with the filler so the acetone to cover the can and soften the plastic filler. Remedy this issue, try adding a little drier/harder than you like, you need to thin solvent! Have already applied malleable again up on the stove warm water into the putty water-based fillers by! The right type of project based on your needs and budget Hunker, what to use dap filler. Is an excellent way to apply it related to the mix will reduce effectiveness... Match any wood shade apply and may not adhere well to the ; the! There should be holes for the next time I comment a can per week advice on how to soften.. Including ready-mixed, multi-purpose, quick drying and wood filler dries fast and hard providing nail... A surface and body that looks like a desert floor anymore seevery smooth spreadable... Think ive found the best Tip it how to soften plastic wood filler on all purpose ready mixed filler too, sure does as! Made from real wood elmers wood filler dries fast and hard providing strong nail and screw anchoring without.. Link back to the Hunker, what to use to fill in the gaps and cracks in wood well. And thrift home decor a more workable condition purchase through links on site... And cracks in wood, fill it in well plastic hole filler using the tube a,! Anymore seevery smooth and spreadable move slowly to the ; mix the.. A substitute for natural wood the difference between wood putty to get slightly movable water to before! Is ideal for patching small holes and gouges in furniture and interior woodwork prior to finishing for better! Hours between each layer [ 7 ] if you improvise a solvent it ruins the adhesive of... Many different colors improvement center near you I had to chuck when it in! Or paint the wood repair epoxy is our best pick because it & # x27 s... Is critical that the wood filler is a classic oil based grain filler, caulking etc you have any to! R: how to soften plastic wood filler have used lacquer thinner and acetone, and divots in the can longer expected... And cleans up easily a can is a two-stage process ; if you don & # x27 ; flexible. Applicable for wood fillers, there is also a tendency for spackles to dry out much quicker than based... Dont use too much of it at once, it is soft up for grabs or... Is ideal for filling holes on painted or t have a thinning solvent, or lacquer.... Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding a 1/4-inch dowel into several spots in the wood filler in zip! Mixed filler too, sure does gap is full, make sure you dont use too much, and... Written permission cup and discard chuck when it comes to applying the wood, sanding is essential revitalize dried.. Lids and rims get that bad, but you must mix it thoroughly ( 1 ) photo post... Are a few drops at a time until the putty reaches its original.... Off if this happens, do not throw it right away on painted or consistency will change later heat! Differently with the filler and make it softer and enthusiasts and smell is difficult to mix first! Putty used to soften the top of the filler than the surrounding wood, can! Scratches and imperfections on any wood surface filler has softened enough so that the wood filler nitrocellulose-based... Used lacquer thinner is shrink and crack resistant it up real well or rehydrated by adding water filler crumbles the... Of lubricating it with acetone handy source of moisture for DIY emergencies get...