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8 Best Stainable Wood Fillers of 2024 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

a stainable wood filler

person using Bondo Home Solutions 20082 Wood Filler

Dented furniture, scratched floors, and rotting window frames are some of the most common problems homeowners face when it comes to wooden fixtures. If you rely on professional services to handle these problems for you, they can run up quite a bill.

Fortunately, there is a cost-effective option for most of those issues, and it involves the use of wood fillers. These are substances that you can use to fill cracks, nail holes, cavities, and other types of blemishes in wood fixtures. Fillers consist of a blend of fine wood particles and a binder that dries into a rock hard substance upon exposure to air. As such, they are an excellent solution when it comes to fixing imperfect wood surfaces.

There are numerous stainable wood filling products on the market, all coming with different textures, consistencies, and dry rates. Depending on the composition of a particular product, it may be either ideal or not good for you.

To help you find the right filler, we present these reviews of the best stainable wood fillers on the market today.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Elmer's E914 Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler Elmer's E914 Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler
  • Changes color when dry
  • Low odor and toxicity
  • Water-soluble
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
  • 1-year money-back guarantee
  • Handles temperature extremes well
  • Easy to sand
  • stain
  • and pain
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Bondo Home Solutions 20082 Wood Filler Bondo Home Solutions 20082 Wood Filler
  • Quick set time
  • Extremely strong
  • Accepting of sanding and painting
  • FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler
  • Comes in various wood tones
  • Sets fast
  • Extremely strong
  • Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler
  • Ideal for heavy-duty applications
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors
  • Affordable
  • The 8 Best Stainable Wood Fillers

    1. Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler – Best Overall

    Elmer's E914 Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler

    The E914 by Elmer’s is one of the most user-friendly and safest stainable wood fillers out there, especially for people who do not have much experience using wood fillers.

    To facilitate ease of use, this wood filler changes color. In its original form, it features a purple color. However, upon application, it starts losing its purple pigment and eventually becomes white. Turning white means that the filler has dried completely, and that you can now embark on sanding, painting, and any other element of finishing. As a result, it allows you to eliminate any guesswork involved in trying to estimate whether the filler has dried, thus ensuring a clean finish every time.

    Thanks to the patented formula used in this filler, it does not contain any toxic elements. This means that you do not have to worry about pungent odors or burns from touching it. This makes it ideal for indoor use.

    However, the Elmer’s E914 wood filler does not set as hard as some wood fillers on this list, meaning that it is not reliable for sealing larger cavities or for professional use.

    Nonetheless, it is remarkably effective for most DIY home repairs. Couple that with its user-friendliness and low price point, it is not hard to see why we chose this product as our best stainable wood filler.

    Pros
    • Changes color when dry
    • Low odor and toxicity
    • Water-soluble
    • Easy to sand, paint, and stain
    • Cost-friendly
    Cons
    • Not the strongest filler

    2. Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Best Value

    Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler

    Coming from the reputable Goodfilla Company, this product is a popular go-to for professionals looking for a stainable wood filler. It is not only budget-friendly but also it is one of the best wood fillers on the market today. Goodfilla is so confident of this wood filler that it comes with a 1-year money back 100% satisfaction guarantee.

    The Goodfilla stainable wood filler also comes with an extremely long shelf life and is water-soluble. This means that you only need to add water to it once it dries out to refresh it. Nonetheless, this enhanced affinity for moisture is not without its downsides. For example, since it retains its ability to absorb water even after it is fully cured, it means that it does not do well in the outdoors. This can also be a problem in humid environments.

    Another issue that results from being highly-water soluble is that it does not cure to be as hard as some people would like it to.

    Nonetheless, despite those drawbacks, this stainable wood filler has a remarkable ability to withstand temperature extremes. Thanks to its properties, it does not expand and contract like most filers do, meaning it is less susceptible to loosening from temperature variations.

    Moreover, once dry, this wood filler is one of the easiest to sand and stain. When you compare quality vs. cost, the Goodfilla water-based wood & grain filler is undeniably one of the best stainable wood fillers for the money.

    Pros
    • Water-soluble nature allows it to rehydrate even after curing
    • 1-year money-back guarantee
    • Handles temperature extremes well
    • Easy to sand, stain, and pain
    • Great value for the price
    Cons
    • Not ideal for outdoor use

    3. Bondo Home Solutions 20082 Wood Filler – Premium Choice

    Bondo Home Solutions 20082 Wood Filler

    If you are looking to get the job done as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of your finish, you should consider the 20082 stainable wood filler by Bondo Home Solutions.

    This product has one of the fastest drying times in the game; it only takes 15 minutes after application to be ready for sanding and staining. Nonetheless, just like other wood fillers, it can take up to 24 hours to cure fully.

    The downside to its quick and drying nature is that you must be fast and accurate. As mentioned, you only get 15 minutes before it starts to harden. Once it does, manipulating it becomes almost impossible. Therefore, make sure that you have a plan for the job before you start applying.

    The 20082 is highly accepting of sanding and painting and dries quickly to be rock-hard. Again, it neither licks nor drips making it excellent for vertical surfaces. It is also ideal for larger repairs, which is why it is popular among professionals.

    Pros
    • Quick set time
    • Extremely strong
    • Accepting of sanding and painting
    • High quality
    • Ideal for heavy-duty repairs
    Cons
    • Does not allow you a lot of working time

    4. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler

    FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler

    The FamoWood 40022126 is one of the most versatile wood fillers on the market today. It comes in a variety of colors that match several natural wood tones. This means that you might not even have to sand or paint in some instances.

    This stainable wood filler is also extremely strong, thus allowing you to use it for larger, heavy-duty repairs. Moreover, thanks to its solvent-free nature, it has very little odor, thus making it easy to work with.

    However, solvents are utilized in wood fillers for good reason. They increase the shelf life of a product by rejuvenating it once it dries out. As such, due to being solvent-free, the FamoWood 40022126 might not have as long a shelf life. Nonetheless, its strength is not compromised.

    However, make sure that you press the lid tightly when closing the container, or you will risk having the entire container dry out. All in all, it is a highly effective stainable wood filler that will make quick work of your major dents.

    Pros
    • Comes in various wood tones
    • Sets fast
    • Extremely strong
    • Does not have a strong odor
    • Effective for both indoor and outdoor use
    Cons
    • The entire product can dry out if you do not close the lid properly

    5. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler

    Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler

    This is yet another great product to consider if you are looking for a fast-drying stainable wood filler. The Minwax 42853000 dries so fast that you can start sanding and staining the fixed area within minutes of application. As such, it is an excellent solution when looking to fix something in a rush. Nonetheless, like all other fillers, it takes several hours for the product to cure.

    While this product works for most wood types, it is best suited for water-based wood stains and oily surfaces, meaning that you can use it for both indoor and outdoor purposes.

    Be careful when using it because it dries so fast, and be sure to seal the unused filler correctly to prevent the entire product from drying up.

    The Minwax 4285000 is a fantastic wood filler that has no qualms accepting stains. It also features an attractive price point making for a great purchase.

    Pros
    • Ideal for heavy-duty applications
    • Can be used both indoors and outdoors
    • Dries fast
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • The entire product can dry if left unsealed

    6. Timbermate Hardwood Wood Filler

    Timbermate CECOMINOD047842 Hardwood Wood Filler

    This stainable wood filler from Timbermate is another high-quality product that should suit the needs of most users perfectly. It does an excellent job fixing cracks, scratches, and holes in beech, pine, maple, and other hardwood fixtures. You can also use it as a grain filler.

    In addition to enhancing the natural integrity of wood, this filler is also long-lasting and does not crack or shrink with time.

    You will also appreciate the fast-drying nature of this product. It dries fully within 20 to 30 minutes of application, to allow you to sand and paint or stain over it. It can also accept screws and nails if your project calls for it.

    The Timbermate CECOMINOD047842’s formula is non-toxic, thus making it user-friendly and ideal for indoor use. Moreover, thanks to being water-based, this product is free of acrylic, latex, or any other solvents that make other fillers dangerous to handle without gloves. And if it dries out, you can use water to soften it up.

    However, its water-soluble nature makes this product unideal for outdoor use.

    Pros
    • Fast drying
    • Long-lasting
    • Non-toxic
    • Highly accepting of paints and stains
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Not ideal for outdoor use

    7. DAP 00525 Plastic Wood Filler

    DAP 00525 Plastic Wood Filler

    The DAP 00525 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stainable heavy-duty wood filler. This stuff dries fast to leave behind a rock-hard filling to ensure that you do not have to worry about making another repair for a long time to come.

    In addition to being easy to work with, this product is also highly accepting of sanding and staining, thus ensuring a smooth finish. It is also a highly versatile wood filler, as it can be used across a wide range of surfaces.

    Thanks to its water-soluble formula, the DAP 00525 has an incredibly long shelf life. This means that you can reactivate the leftover product using water to use in another application. However, this also means that it is not an ideal filler for outdoor use.

    For such a quality product, the DAP 00525’s price is remarkably friendly.

    Pros
    • Cost friendly
    • Strong
    • Long shelf life
    Cons
    • Not ideal for outdoor use

    8. Varathane 215198 Wood Filler

    Varathane 215198 Wood Filler

    Lastly, we have the 215198 stainable wood filler from Varathane. While not as strong as the other products on this list, it is still reliable for making small indoor fixes. Due to its water-soluble nature, this product is not recommended for outdoor use.

    The Varathane 215198 is easy to use in addition to being non-toxic, thus making it a good choice for beginners. Moreover, while one hour of drying time is not record-breaking, it is still reasonable.

    The Varathane 215198 is accepting of sanding and other preparation techniques for staining, and you can even use nails and screws once it cures. This wood filler finds its best use fixing scratches, gouges, and small holes in cabinets, furniture, trims, and wood floors.

    Pros
    • Non-toxic
    • Water-soluble
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Not ideal for larger repairs

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Stainable Wood Filler

    The following are some of the most important things to consider when shopping for your ideal stainable wood filler.

    Ensure That It Accepts Stains

    Wood fillers are designed differently; some work better with stain and others with paint. Using the wrong product could end up ruining your entire project.

    As such, evaluate a potential product to ensure that it is rated for staining. Still, some products will give you better results than others. Therefore, do your research to see other people’s experiences with a product to know what you will be getting yourself into if you do decide to purchase it.

    Type

    Wood fillers are of two primary types: water-based and solvent-based.

    Water-based wood fillers

    These fillers have water as their primary base, meaning that they need it for activation. They typically contain cellulose, gypsum, or wood fiber in their formula. The great thing about water-based formulas is that they have a long shelf life. Moreover, they are typically non-toxic, thus making them safe to use. They also do not emit odors, thereby making them ideal for indoor use.

    However, due to their water-sensitive nature, these fillers are not ideal for outdoor projects.

    Solvent-based wood fillers

    These filers usually have high amounts of organic solvents in their formula. You can tell that a filler is solvent-based based on its smell. These have a characteristic strong smell that can be overpowering.

    However, solvent-based wood fillers are stronger than water-based fillers. Additionally, they are highly resistant to temperature extremes and humidity. As a result, they are more suited for heavy-duty outdoor projects.

    Therefore, the choice between a solvent-based and water-based filler will be entirely dependent on your needs.

    person using FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler

    Quantity

    When looking for a wood filler, it is recommended to choose one that comes in bulk packaging. Small containers and tubes will not cover anything beyond small holes and cracks. Moreover, they do not give you good value for money. Nonetheless, if it is a one-off blemish that you are trying to fix, a small-quantity product should suffice.

    However, for heavy-duty or professional projects, purchase in larger quantities to ensure that you do not run out of product while working. Moreover, this ensures that you will always have something in your emergency kit in case of accidents.

    Drying Time

    Fillers have different drying times. While a product with a fast drying time sounds like an excellent solution, there are instances you would prefer one that is slow to dry. For example, when working on a larger project, you do not want to be in a rush against time. During such an instance, you might want that dries slower.

    Other Buyers Guides:

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    Conclusion

    There are several stainable wood filling products on the market today, and they come with different properties, giving each unique benefit. Therefore, the best stainable wood filler will depend on your needs or requirements.

    The most important thing is to make sure that a filler is stainable before you start evaluating it based off other factors. Fortunately, the products featured in these reviews are some of the best stainable wood fillers on the market today.

    If we were to choose just one product, it would be the Elmer’s E914 Carpenter’s Color Change Wood Filler due to its versatility. This product can be used across a wide array of wood surfaces, in addition to being non-toxic and easy to use. Its friendly price point is what sealed the deal for us. For the best value and overall unbeatable money-back guarantee, you can’t go wrong with the Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler.

    Featured Image Credit: Amazon

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