Polyfilla is something many homeowners have on hand for fixing cracks in walls and ceilings but can it be used on wood?
Yes, Polyfilla can be used to fill small holes in wood. However, it shouldn’t be used for large holes as it may shrink and crack. In this case, put the Polyfilla away and use a wood filler instead.
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Will Polyfilla Dry On Wood?
Yes, Polyfilla will dry when used on wood and will usually take 1-2 hours to fully dry. One of the benefits to using Polyfilla is that it can be sanded down and painted once dry.
Factors That Impact Polyfilla Drying Time:
- Humidity in the wood or room
- Temperature of the room
- How much filler has been used
- How deep the filler goes
Key Considerations Before Using Polyfilla On Wood
Before using Polyfilla on wood consider the following factors:
The size of the area that needs to be filled
If the hole or crack in the wood is large then don’t use polyfilla. It may be the convenient option but you won’t get the end results you are looking for. There may be issues with shrinking and cracking which could mean re-doing the filler with a more suitable product.
The final finish you would like to achieve
If the area that needs to be filled is small then Polyfilla could be used. However, if you would like a seamless finish using a stain then it’s better to use a wood filler. Polyfilla can be painted over but the type of paint may impact the final results.
When Not To Use Polyfilla
Although Polyfilla is great in most situations, it should not be used for external wood repairs. This is because Polyfilla will not last when exposed to the elements. It may soak up moisture meaning it won’t harden and this could cause the wood to rot.
Polyfilla is not suitable for use on damp wood indoors either. The filler will soak up the moisture and this will prevent it from setting. When damp, Polyfiller will remain malleable even after several hours of drying time.
If you have applied Polyfilla to wood and it has not set, this is likely due to moisture in the wood or room.
Polyfilla Vs Wood Filler
When it comes to small (screw head size) holes in wood, Polyfilla is a suitable alternative to wood filler.
Polyfilla is low cost, easy to use, and most people already have some in the cupboard from other DIY projects. If you have a lot of DIY wood-related projects then it is worth buying some wood filler.
Wood filler is durable but it does take longer to harden. It is worth the wait though as once dry it can usually be stained or painted for a flawless end result. This is something that may be difficult to achieve when using Polyfilla.
If you need to cover something small like a nail hole or screw head then Polyfilla is ideal. Just remember it is suitable for small spot repairs only. Larger holes and cracks in wood will need a wood filler.
Can Polyfilla Be Used On MDF?
Yes, Polyfilla can be used to repair small holes in MDF. It can also be sanded and painted once dry. However, Polyfilla isn’t a good choice for a penetrating finish so keep this in mind if that is what you plan to use on the MDF.
Polyfilla Vs Decorators Caulk
Polyfilla is best for filling cracks and holes in plaster, walls, and brick. If you have decorators caulk on hand then this is better for use for filling skirting board gaps.
This is because decorators’ caulk is more flexible so it is less likely to crack when there is a bit of movement. This makes it great for use on door architraves and the tops of skirting boards.
In Summary
Polyfilla is a versatile filler that comes to the rescue in many DIY situations. It’s designed for use on plaster and walls but can also be used for small repairs on wood. Of course, there are fillers specifically designed for use on wood available and for larger jobs these are a better option.