Plywood is often used for its resistance to temperature and moisture changes, high impact resistance and increased stability. That said, even the best plywood will get damaged and it will require repair like any other wood material.
Mostly the damage occurs on the plywood edges, but it is easy to repair with good wood filler. Although most wood fillers can be applied to almost every wood type, some products are better than others for a specific repair.
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Top Wood Fillers For Plywood Edges
1. Elmer’s E861 Carpenter’s Wood Filler Golden Oak
This filler works great for minor plywood repairs since it is effective and simple to apply for every customer.
It might be the best for smoothing edges and repairing nail holes and gaps among all affordable wood fillers. Also, it is suitable for exterior usage and interior usage because of its high resistance to moisture and temperature.
This product is sandable and paintable, which is why it is used on most wood materials.
Easy cleaning is also guaranteed, which is nice to avoid any stains and it only requires water.
For those who need an affordable filler that won’t shrink or crank, this product is definitely among the best on the market.
2. Elmer’s E842L Carpenter’s Interior Wood Filler
The Elmer’s E842 wood filler is a highly rated product for interior use. It is suitable for everyday use and it performs better than most more expensive products.
Since it is sandable and paintable, smoothing any wood surface is possible by providing a perfect look after repair.
Although some fillers dry faster, this product dries about 12 hours, depending on the amount used to fill the gaps or holes.
Resistance to cranking and shrinking is decent for most customers. Also, this is a solvent-free wood filler, which is why it is easily cleanable with water.
This is a great product for interior repairs. Still, it must be properly sealed after use because it is not very resistant to environmental conditions.
3. Timbermate Red Oak Hardwood Filler
Although this product is mainly used for hardwood repairs, it also performs very well for most plywood repairs.
Like many other high-quality products, this filler works perfectly for cracks and holes and termite damage in some cases.
It is also crack and shrink resistant, and it is very easy to clean, which most users prefer. Even if the filler is not applied properly, it can be removed by watering it down.
Although some fillers dry faster, this product also dries very fast and can be stained. Even though painting is an option, it is usually not required since this filler is available in various colors.
Considered to be one of the best fillers for small repairs and it comes at a reasonable price.
4. Aqua Coat Water-Based Wood Filler
Whether the damage occurs onto the furniture or any other plywood surface, the Aqua Coat wood filler is a great option for everyday use.
This product comes in transparent gel form, so it is easy to apply with fingertips, or an old credit card can work in some cases. Since no tools are required, any plywood edge repair will result in a smooth and shiny finish.
Being an environmentally friendly product, it is a healthier option for the environment and the customer. Also, this wood filler is very versatile and it can be mixed with water-soluble pigments or dyes.
Even though this is a long-lasting wood filler, it cannot be painted or stained.
On the other hand, some users don’t need a paintable and stainable product. If that is the case, this filler will definitely do the job.
5. NADAMOO Wood Furniture Repair Kit
Here we have an amazing wood furniture repair kit that includes 14 different wood fillers and 1 brush.
The fillers within this kit come in different colors, making it perfect for those who want to avoid staining or painting after the repair. Even if the default color choice is not ideal for a specific furniture repair, mixing two colors to get the perfect match is possible.
The tube package is suitable for everyday use and it applies very fast without any additional tools required.
This product performs great for scratches or cracks that might occur on the plywood edges.
Altogether this product is perfect for DIY projects since it is easy to use. Also, it offers a lot of versatility and performance for a fair price.
6. Woodwise Powered Wood Filler White Oak
The Woodwise wood filler might be the best option for those who need a reliable wood filler that can be used to repair any type of damage.
Aside from a high performance, this filler is environmentally friendly and blends perfectly with the damaged surface. Whether this filler is used to repair cracks, holes or scratches, it is easy to smooth the edges after the job is done.
The only thing required before the repair is to mix the filler with water and it is ready to be applied at the plywood edge.
The best thing about this filler is that it works both for plywood and hardwood since it is more versatile than most products on the market.
Although the price may be a bit higher, it is cheaper than most pre-mixed fillers and performs great for every wood repair.
7. Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
Even though the Goodfilla wood filler is designed for professional woodworkers, it can be used for repairing plywood edges or any kind of indoor wood repair.
This filler won’t shrink, crack or sink. It just needs to be applied once to the damaged wood and after that, it is stainable and paintable.
Although it can be used for smaller repairs, it works best for larger holes or gaps.
Goodfilla is a green product, which means there is zero waste and it is a non-toxic product.
This filler dries very fast and is also very easy to remove with water.
The best thing about this product is that the manufacturer offers 365 days refund if the product isn’t working as expected.
8. FamoWood Latex Wood Filler
Some customers prefer a versatile wood filler that is easy to use and suitable for indoor and outdoor wood repairs.
This water-based wood filler can be used for cracks, scratches or holes. Like many other high-quality wood fillers, it is also crack and shrink resistant.
It dries fast and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
Considering this is one of the professional wood fillers, those who decide to get this product will get a solvent-free, stainable and paintable wood filler.
Compared to all wood fillers on the market, it is relatively cheap. It performs so well that professionals often use this product.
Buyer’s Guide While Buying Wood Filler for Plywood Edges
Dry time
Every filler requires some time to dry after applied to the plywood or any other wood type. As the drying time is not the same for every wood filler, it should be considered before buying a specific product. For example, customers that prefer fast drying should buy a water-based wood filler.
In most cases, drying takes about an hour and depends on the amount of filler applied to repair the damage. On the other hand, solvent-based wood fillers can take up to 24 hours to completely dry. That said, solvent-based wood fillers are recommended for inexperienced users. Whether the wood filler is used for indoor or outdoor repair, the drying time is definitely an important factor to consider before buying.
Staining and Painting
To get the original color after the repair is done, there are many colors available for a customer to choose from when buying a wood filler. That said, in some cases, it is very difficult to get the perfect color. The best option is to get a wood filler that is stainable and paintable. As the water-based filler might be harder to stain or paint, customers should choose something more convenient.
The solvent-based wood fillers are easy to stain or paint, even for a new user. Using any high-quality wood filler will definitely repair the damage. Still, a specific product is required to perfectly smooth and finish the edge. Staining and painting are necessary to achieve the original look of the plywood edge if the color of the wood filler does not match the damaged wood.
Consistency
The consistency of a wood filler is not a factor to ignore since some fillers are thicker and others are thinner. Picking a wood filler with a proper consistency depends on the type of damage. For example, as the thicker fillers include larger particles, they are not ideal for filling the pores in the open-grain wood.
That said, the thinner fillers should not be used to fill larger holes or gaps. Although many wood fillers can be used to repair the damage, picking a filler with a proper consistency will save a lot of money.
Usage
Like many other products, some wood fillers are more suitable for professional use than the other fillers on the market. In some cases, additional tools are required to properly repair the damage, and the job may require a professional woodworker. That said, for DIY projects, it is best to pick a wood filler that is easy to apply and does not require any professional tools. If the damage is minor, like scratches or nail holes, it is recommended to get a repair kit that can be used by an average customer.
Conclusion
While using a wood filler to repair minor scratches or holes on the plywood edge is easy to do with the online tutorial. Still, it is best to get professional help when working with wood filler requires additional tools or knowledge. Altogether wood fillers are a great solution for repairing plywood edges.
FAQ
Is the filler strong enough to be drilled or nailed?
If the proper wood filler is used and the repair is done correctly, the answer is yes. Using a high-quality product will provide a strong layer to work with or, in some cases, even stronger than the wood. If the repair is done on the hardwood, no wood filler will be as strong as the original wood.
On the other hand, some users claim that solvent-based wood fillers form a stronger layer than plywood. Even if that is not the case, solvent-based wood fillers can be drilled or nailed without any problems.
How to paint plywood edges?
First, the user should apply a proper amount of the wood filler onto the plywood edges to fully cover the working surface. After using a filler, sanding is required to remove all the excess wood filler to achieve a smooth edge. When sanding is finished, it is possible to add on a primer layer.
The next thing to do is to apply the paint, which can be more than once. It is recommended to sand the paint layer with sandpaper, but it is not required. New users should try water-based paint since it can be mixed with water to thin it out.
Is there another option to finish the plywood edge other than with the wood filler?
There are several ways to finish the plywood edge. If the wood filler is not an option, it is possible to apply the edge banding. There are a huge variety of colors to choose from to match the plywood edge. Most users prefer to use a household iron to get the job done. The veneer is applied with heat and some pressure to the plywood edge for smoothing. Then the excess veneer should be removed. It is also recommended to do the sanding to get the perfect results.
What is the best wood filler to use for plywood edges?
Finding the best product depends on the repairs of the plywood edges. The products presented within this article are high-quality products with pros and cons that should be considered before buying. It is recommended to get a wood filler that is easy to apply, easy to remove and environmentally friendly.
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