Patching up holes left by nails on walls and wooden furniture is now a piece of cake, thanks to nail hole fillers. Homeowners like you do not need a professional to do the work which could cost you an average of $75 to $150.
However, deciding what type of nail hole filler to use is not an easy feat, especially if you have not tried it before. Fillers today vary in terms of usage and type, which makes choosing one even more difficult.
We will help you choose the best hole filler for your wall.
What Is a Nail Hole Filler?
Known for being cost-effective, a nail hole filler is a paste- and glue-like substance used primarily for patching up holes. Essentially, they are used to cover nail marks both on walls and wood. It can also cover up cracks made by insects, pets or by natural rot.
Nail hole fillers come in different formulas or types as well. The material may vary and may range from powder to latex. And depending on the type, the usage and benefits differ as well. As such, it is homeowners and landlords go-to DIY fix.
Is that all?
Other Things a Nail Hole Filler Can Do
Aside from the fact that it is economical, and that it yields remarkable results, a nail hole filler has benefits that can go beyond simply patching up holes in the wall.
Renters, for example, use nail hole filler to increase their chance to get a full refund of their rent deposit by simply covering up nail marks and cracks. Everyone knows that landlords are strict when it comes to these aspects, and even a small damage can upend your chance to get your full deposit back.
You can also use nail hole fillers as a substitute for wood glue. It is also ideal for polishing floors and furniture.
3 Types of Nail Hole Filler
While all nail hole filler has the same purpose, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, unfortunately. It comes in various formulas with different specific purposes, which means you cannot just simply use whatever nail hole filler you bought from the store and expect efficient results.
So, to avoid a wrong purchase, let us talk about the different kinds of nail hole filler and their uses.
A wood putty is a substance that is usually consisting of plastic such as polyurethane and epoxy. And due to their differing characteristics and benefits, it is often compared to wood filler.
Wood putty is ideal for beginners due to its consistency.
Because unlike wood filler, it does not harden. It stays soft and flexible, which makes it easier to fix in case you made a mistake while applying it. However, if you want to harden it, you can purchase a formula called “two-part filler.” The product is a fast-drying filler that can turn wood putty into rock-like cement once mixed.
It also bonds well in wood, but you might need to paint or varnish it as their colors are different. Wood putty is perfect for outdoor applications as well.
Wood filler is a substance that is typically consisting of wood fibers and sawdust. It is also infused with a pigment that is similar to wood. And unlike wood putty, it is often used indoors.
A wood filler hardens and is not quite as good as wood filler if used outdoors because it tends to shrink as it dries out under direct sunlight. In fact, it would only last around a year or two if used on outdoor furniture or walls.
Wood filler also comes in three formulas: epoxy, powder, and latex.
A spackle is another nail hole filler variant that resembles wood fillers characteristics. It hardens too and is not ideal for outdoor applications. But unlike wood putty and filler, its color is pink and only turns white after it hardens.
How to Choose the Best Nail Hole Filler
Now that you know the different types of fillers and their uses, you are now almost ready to purchase the best nail hole filler.
Take these tips:
How long a nail hole filler dries is an important aspect to consider when choosing a specific formula. It is particularly crucial if you are going to sand or paint the wood/drywall after.
That said, most fillers today take a day or two to dry. Although there are formulas that take a few minutes only. Wood putty, for example, is slow to dry while wood fillers are relatively faster.
The size of the hole or the crack to fill in must be considered as well. Wood putty, filler, and spackle vary in strength and also differ in capability in terms of patching up larger holes and crack than small ones; and vice versa.
Fillers in powdered form are excellent for such a situation. Solvent-based formulas work well too compared to water-based fillers.
The drywall or wood’s surface matters too when it comes to choosing which filler you should use. It is because the reaction of a filler when applied to a smooth surface vs a hard surface is largely different. And may affect the result.
Non-hardening products, for instance, are suitable for finished surfaces while hardening fillers work well on hard surfaces.
You should consider the crack or hole’s location too. Covering up holes in hard-to-reach spots is different from those that are in an open space. For that kind of situation, you may need a filler that comes in a tube that is long and has a thin tip.
The Importance of Nail Hole Filler
A nail hole filler is an important home maintenance and improvement products that every home should have. Cracks and nail marks on walls or wooden furniture are normal. And while prevention is a good idea, such a thing is unavoidable as it is sometimes due to natural rot and insects.
