Selecting the right wood filler for every repair, from interior trim to exterior gaps.

How to Choose and Use Wood Filler | This Old House · 4:14 · Video: This Old House · Watch at the source

In short: General contractor Tom Silva explains how to choose the correct material for plugging holes and cracks in wood and PVC. This guide covers the best options for painted surfaces, stained wood, and exterior trim that needs to move with changing humidity.

For interior projects, the choice depends on the final finish. Tom Silva suggests using spackle or water-based fillers for painted wood, while stained wood requires specialized products designed to accept stain. If the wood is already stained, tinted wax crayons or putties can be used to match the existing color. For DIY enthusiasts, a simple filler can be created by mixing sawdust with yellow carpenters' glue.

Larger interior repairs may require auto-body filler. For outdoor applications, Silva recommends a two-part flexible epoxy, which accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of wood caused by humidity. When working with PVC trim, a two-part acrylic adhesive is effective for filling small nail and screw holes.

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