{"id":2582,"date":"2022-02-05T11:34:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-05T08:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/?p=2582"},"modified":"2022-09-07T12:00:20","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T09:00:20","slug":"differences-between-wood-filler-and-grain-filler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/differences-between-wood-filler-and-grain-filler\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences Between Wood Filler and Grain Filler"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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“Is grain filler the same as wood filler?” This is one question you\u2019d surely ask if you\u2019re somewhere between the construction and finishing stage of your project and you are wondering how to get that perfectly smooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grain filler is a batter-like paste that you wipe onto wood, leave to set for a while, and then wipe off. It functions just as the name suggests; it fills the tiny pores of the grain and is available in several different colors; natural wood color, tints, and others. On the other hand, wood filler is a putty-like product used to fill gaps and cracks in large areas. Its thicker consistency makes it suitable for repairing wood from the inside. It doesn’t have the same color as the wood and would need extra staining.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they might seem the same and are sometimes used interchangeably, they are poles apart. There’s a lot explained in this article about these differences. Read on for more. This guide contains all you need to know about both of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is Grain Filler the Same as Wood Filler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grain Filler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For open-grained woods such as oak, mahogany, and walnut, it is impractical to build up layers of standard wood finish due to large pores present in the wood grain. A grain filler helps seal these pores and leaves an evenly textured finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grain fillers are made of a binder, i.e., wood finish, a bulking agent and a solvent. The binder can be water-based or oil-based. For water-based fillers, the binder can either be acrylic or urethane. For oil-based fillers, it is typically a combination of oil and varnish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The type of binder used will determine the solvent you\u2019d used. Water-based fillers use water as the solvent, whereas, for oil-based fillers, mineral spirits are used. Silica is used as the bulking agent in both types. This is because it prevents wood from shrinking and expanding in response to temperature and humidity changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood Fillers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To conceal a significant defect on a piece of wood, wood filler<\/a> comes into play. Woodworkers use it to fill cracks in joints, nail holes, and other blemishes in their projects. Wood fillers are a little challenging to apply but are useful during any woodworking project or construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are made by mixing wood residues such as sawdust or wood fibers with a binding agent. The binding agent could be petroleum or water-based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petroleum-based wood fillers can be used for outdoor projects. On the other hand, water-based fillers are best suited for indoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both types bind tightly to the wood and harden, adding to the structural integrity of the wood. They, however, do not improve the strength of wood joints like wood glue or mechanical fasteners.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood fillers are only available in a single color and are not tinted. Try applying a small amount of the filler first, then some wood stain. Keep doing this until it matches your wood’s color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Use Wood Filler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting a wood filler to perform its job isn\u2019t daunting once you have the right materials and the proper tutor. Follow our easy guide to learn how to use a wood filler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Required tools and materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To use a wood filler correctly, you\u2019ll be needing the following;<\/p>\n\n\n\n