7 Best Wood Fillers for Painting (Manually Tested!)

There are hundreds of wood fillers on the market today, but only some are ideal for painting.

And if you’ve never used wood filler before, finding the best wood filler for painting can be challenging.

So I made this list of best wood fillers for painting to help you find the perfect product. Let’s begin!

In a hurry? Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler is the best wood filler for painting because it’s reliable, easy to use, versatile, and more affordable when stacked against its direct competitors.

Best Wood Fillers for Painting

• #1 Best Overall – Minwax Stainable Wood Filler
• Best Quality – FamoWood Latex Wood Filler
• Best Value – DAP Latex All Purpose Plastic Wood Filler
• Best for Large Surfaces – Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler
• Best for Beginners – Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler
• Best All-Purpose Wood Filler – Minwax High Performance Wood Filler
• Best Exterior Wood Filler – 3M Bondo Wood Filler

1. Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler – #1 Best Overall

When you need an all-around terrific wood filler, Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler won’t let you down, especially if you’re looking to paint the wood that’s getting filler.

This latex-based, interior/exterior wood filler is quick-drying and easy to sand, and I love that it holds nails and screws in place just as well as real wood.

And to clean it off your putty knife, all you need is warm, soapy water.

Plus, this 16 oz tub is backed by a pretty generous warranty.

What I Liked:

• Works well on softwoods and hardwoods, so it’s a versatile wood filler.
• It’s strong enough to be used outdoors.
• It’s easy to sand, so you don’t have to worry about taking too much off.
• You get a lot for a relatively low price, so it’s cost-effective.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Can be a bit messy if you have to use a lot.
• Have to adequately fill cracks, holes, etc., otherwise the paint won’t dry properly.

2. FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler – Best Quality

Now, if we’re talking strictly about best quality, the nod has to be given to FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler, as this stuff is not only designed to last but also really good at hiding defects so they don’t show once the paint has dried.

Another latex-based product, this wood filler dries in just 15 minutes, and it won’t crack or shine like some of its competitors. Love that!

Plus it’s solvent-free, and it doesn’t emit a strong odor.

And just like other top-tier wood fillers, it’s an interior/exterior product that’s easily removed with soap and water.

What I Liked:

• Since it doesn’t shine, you won’t see it through the paint.
• It’ll last for years if properly applied, ensuring more bang for your buck.
• Application is quick and easy since it dries fast and doesn’t emit a strong odor.
• It’s solvent free, so it’s a safer filler.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Thick consistency makes it somewhat hard to spread.
• Isn’t backed by a warranty.

3. DAP Latex All Purpose Plastic Wood Filler – Best Value

On a tight budget? Are the two products discussed previously out of your price range? Then pick up some DAP Latex All Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, for it’s just as good as many top-tier wood fillers, yet much more affordable.

It repairs cracks, gouges, and holes really well, and it’s strong enough to anchor nails and screws.

It also resists cracking and shrinking, and it’s an interior/exterior product that’ll dry hard and smooth in no time at all.

Finally, this 16 oz tub is backed by a warranty. Even better!

What I Liked:

• Dries in 10-20 minutes, so you can get to painting right away.
• It doesn’t have a gritty texture, so it’s easy to smooth out.
• Low price makes it a good buy for hobbyists and DIYers on a budget.
• Resists shrinking and cracking well, so it’s good outdoors.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Since it dries fast, you need to apply it somewhat fast.

4. Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler – Best Wood Filler for Large Surfaces

If you’ve got a large surface and plenty of holes to fill, getting a gallon of highly reliable and eco-friendly Goodfilla Water-Based Wood & Grain Filler is the way to go.

This product resists shrinking, sinking, and cracking quite well, and you only need to apply it once to get first-rate results.

And it’s one of the only wood fillers with an unlimited shelf life, something I enjoy a lot.

Finally, it’s easy to sand, green since there are no volatile organic compounds (VOC) present, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

What I Liked:

• Ideal for large wooden furniture since you get so much in the tub.
• Easy to spread since it’s water-based.
• Contains no VOC for top-notch eco-friendliness.
• 30 seconds of sanding ensures an ultra-smooth finish.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Too light for certain woods.
• Can deceive the user, making them think cracks and holes are filled when they’re not.

5. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler – Best for Beginners

If you’ve never used wood filler before, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Filler is your best bet, as it’s designed to be extremely easy to use.

Just like all the other wood fillers on my list, it’s great at filling holes, cracks, gouges, and other defects, and it’s both paintable and stainable.

And it’s not just good for wood—it’s also used on wallboard and molding.

Finally, it’s solvent-free and easy to clean off—just use soap and water!

What I Liked:

• Spreads really easily, so achieving a smooth surface will be a breeze.
• Dries quickly but not so fast that you can’t correct a mistake shortly after applying.
• More eco-friendly since it’s solvent-free.
• Blends in with many wood species, so you won’t see it after painting.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Only for use indoors.
• 8 oz is barely enough for most midsize furniture.

6. Minwax High Performance Wood Filler – Best Epoxy Wood Filler

Minwax High Performance Wood Filler isn’t just great for painting—it’s great all around.

This high-performance filler dries in just 15 minutes, and it’ll be sandable in 30.

Plus, it blends well with virtually any wood species, and it’s designed to be a permanent solution to cracks, holes, etc.

And, of course, it doesn’t shrink or crack, which is why it works both indoors and outdoors.

Finally, since it’s a Minwax product, it’s backed by a very consumer-friendly warranty.

What I Liked:

• It’s made with actual wood fibers, so it blends exceptionally well with natural wood.
• It’s strong enough to anchor nails and screws, even outdoors.
• It’ll be ready to paint in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for anyone short on time.
• It works well in humid environments because it’s crack- and shrink-resistant.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Relatively expensive.
• Takes awhile to spread thoroughly.

7. 3M Bondo Wood Filler – Best Exterior Wood Filler

3M Bondo Wood Filler is by far the best filler for exterior wood, as it’s supremely durable.

Also, it’ll chemically bond to the wood, and it’ll help stop wood rot in its tracks.

And even though it’s super-tough, it can be sanded just 15 minutes after it’s applied.

What I Liked:

• It’s waterproof and highly durable, so it’s a one-time fix.
• Its color blends well with the majority of wood species.
• It prevents wood rot.
• It bonds to the surface, preventing minor cracks and holes.

What I Didn’t Like:

• It’s more toxic, so safety gear is required.
• It’s messier because of its creamy consistency.

Factors to Consider When Buying Wood Filler for Painting

Paintability

When you need paintable/stainable wood filler, you’ll have many options. Go with a subtle (matte) filler that blends in well with the surrounding surface, as these don’t stick out once the paint is dry.

Versatility

Interior/exterior fillers are most versatile. And if a filler can be used on a wide variety of wood species, this also makes it a versatile product.

Here’s a video explaining the most common wood filling mistakes you should avoid!

Final Thoughts

To recap, Minwax 42853000 Stainable Wood Filler is the best wood filler for painting because it consistently performs and costs less than other high-quality wood fillers.

FamoWood 40022126 Latex Wood Filler is superior in terms of quality, as it’s designed to be long-lasting and usable with virtually any wood species.

Last but not least is DAP Latex All Purpose Plastic Wood Filler, a capable, cost-effective product that’s great for DIYers and professionals alike.