The Best Stainable Wood Fillers: Which Brand to Choose?

Wood filler is an essential material for anyone involved in repairs, furniture restoration, or wooden projects. It helps fill cracks, chips, and holes, creating a smooth surface ready for painting or staining. However, not all wood fillers accept stains equally well. We’ve tested various brands to find the best stainable wood filler for your needs.

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1/24/20251 min read

a wooden box with paint and a picture of a woodworking project

Key Criteria for Choosing a Wood Filler:

1. Ease of Application – The filler should spread smoothly and fill gaps effectively.

2. Stain Acceptance – A good filler should blend seamlessly with the wood’s texture and color after staining.

3. Durability – Once dried, the filler should be hard and long-lasting.

4. Compatibility with Different Wood Types – The filler should work well with both soft and hardwoods.

Brands Included in the Test

1. Gorilla Wood Filler

• Features: A versatile filler known for its strength.

• Pros: Adheres well in gaps and dries quickly.

• Cons: May not stain perfectly to match the wood tone.

2. Minwax Color-Matching Wood Filler

• Features: One of the most popular brands for woodworking.

• Pros: Excellent stain acceptance and easy application.

• Cons: Requires thorough sanding for a smooth texture.

3. Plastic Wood-X by DAP

• Features: Changes color to indicate when it’s fully dried.

• Pros: Convenient to use and highly durable.

• Cons: Limited stain-matching capabilities.

4. GoodFilla Wood Filler

• Features: Eco-friendly filler suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

• Pros: Stains well and is cost-effective.

• Cons: Softer texture compared to other brands.

5. Bondo Wood Filler

• Features: Professional-grade product.

• Pros: Extremely hard and durable when dried.

• Cons: More challenging to apply, better suited for experienced users.

Drying Time and Readiness for Staining:

• Gorilla Wood Filler: Dries in 1–2 hours, ready for staining after 24 hours.

• Minwax: Fully dries in 2–4 hours.

• Plastic Wood-X: Changes color while drying, ready in 2–3 hours.

• GoodFilla: Dries in 1–2 hours, stain-ready immediately after.

• Bondo: Sets in 15–30 minutes for a durable bond.

Conclusion

The best wood filler depends on your specific project. If you need a filler that stains well and blends with wood texture, Minwax and GoodFilla are excellent options. For projects requiring maximum durability, go with Bondo or Gorilla. For beginners, Plastic Wood-X is a convenient choice thanks to its color-changing drying process.

Choose the right filler for your needs and transform your wooden surfaces into works of art!

For more tips on choosing repair materials, visit our website ProHands Handyman or call us at 818-401-7766.