Just decline to install MDF. Problem solved. 😳😬

Sorry I’m not being helpful. 🤣 I think I may have installed MDF a once in the last 20 years. Ripped yards of it out though.

 

Durham's Rock Hard Wood Putty -- powder form, dries about 45 min -- touch it with some sandpaper -- smooth -- does not shrink.

 

I also stay away from MDF as much as possible see if you can get the old fashion type MH Ready Patch made by Zinnser. Lightweight is good for brad nails and pin nails that's about it.

 

I’ve been using the 3M small hole repair. Goes on blue, dries white. Sands really easily without falling out. Doesn’t shrink much, but I usually put it on a little heavy anyway.

Doesn’t last that long once the container is opened, so I usually get the small ones. It’s great when it’s fresh, but once it dries up it’s too crumbly to apply nicely

I like MH ReadyPatch too, takes longer to dry but dries a bit harder, plus it shrinks a bit more and the smell bothers some people. So I’ll usually use the 3M stuff for typical paint-grade trim and keep ReadyPatch for built-ins and anything I’m making in the shop

 

3M glaze.

Tom

 

Elmer's Products, 1/2 Pint, E848D12 Carpenter's Wood Filler, 8 Fl Oz, Original Version - Wood Fill - Amazon.com

Elmer's Products, 1/2 Pint, E848D12 Carpenter's Wood Filler, 8 Fl Oz, Original Version - Wood Fill - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

Timbermate

 

I always use the Elmer's Wood filler, same stuff Leo posted. On door/window casings and sills I would do a second fill with some red patch (bondo glazing putty). Time consuming but we only did this on the real high end stuff.

 

Mohawk wood filler.

 

Whatever I have on the shelf that hasn't turned rock hard.

 

That Elmers stuff always turns rock hard in the container on me

I use Pro finisher flooring filler quart size

 

If timbermate gets hard all you have to do is add a little water and stir it up.

 

Well, it looks like Elmers for the win. Put it on, came back with some 320 around my fingers, channeled Leo and started sanding and whining. Quick and smooth, and dries super quick I'll be hitting it with paint tomorrow. Does it flash very much? I could only find the orangeish stuff. Half are first and second coats needed and a few are just a second coat.

Only issue I don't like, as someone above said, it seems to dry out in the container while using it pretty fast. But as well as it works, it's worth buying more. Does the white color change stuff work as well?

So much better than the lightweight fillers. What is even the point of them?

I also picked up some of the 3M interior filler. I'll try that tomorrow.

 

Well, it looks like Elmers for the win. Put it on, came back with some 320 around my fingers, channeled Leo and started sanding and whining. Quick and smooth, and dries super quick I'll be hitting it with paint tomorrow. Does it flash very much? I could only find the orangeish stuff. Half are first and second coats needed and a few are just a second coat.

Only issue I don't like, as someone above said, it seems to dry out in the container while using it pretty fast. But as well as it works, it's worth buying more. Does the white color change stuff work as well?

So much better than the lightweight fillers. What is even the point of them?

I also picked up some of the 3M interior filler. I'll try that tomorrow.

I don't whine. I listen to heavy metal

 

Painters I worked with would put the elmers in a ziplock bag, tie the top closed and cut the bottom corner to use it like a grout bag. Seemed to work well. I might have to try elmers again, MH isn't what it used to be. I tried SW wood filler and although easy to use it doesn't dry hard and shrinks too much.

 

I have to try that trick

 

I usually don't buy the tubes but doesn't dry out as fast Tubes

 

They might actually work better for nail holes. Squeeze a dab in hole, lightly knife over.

 

Wow, I never knew Elmer's came in white. I've only seen it in the golden oak.

 

I'm on a mission. Trying different products. today the lumberyard gave me a tube of Minwax wood filler since they can't get me the Elmers, which they used to carry. They weren't sure how it would work.

It didn't. It is like fine sand. Super gritty, as in you can hear it as you pull it. Who thought that was a good idea? It also won't go in the nail holes. Anybody have any luck with it?

 

that stuff is terrible

 

Timbermate

 

In lthe last few years I've been a fan of MH Readypatch. Seams to go a long ways, dries quickly, easily sands and it doesn't harden in the can as fast. So if it's on the shelf for awhile it's usable. I add so denatured alcohol to soften it back up if the can is getting too stiff.

I haven't used it for exterior. But have for nail hole patches on walls, cabinet and trim nails then prime and paint. Tools well. Sands well.

I like bondo products for large things, especially rot holes on exterior. Large areas are easily machines and it's workable in less than an hour. I've used it on interior panels too, red "lead" glazing is good for that.

Over the years I've used minwax, Elmer's , one type in a squeeze tube. Maybe Dap? They all worked but seemed to be a one and done. After a few months bouncing around in the back of the truck or sitting on the shelf they were useless.

How large of a hole are you putting?

I hate how the ready patch hardening on my fingers and knife as I'm using it. But the bag truck would work, if I remember it next time.

The Alcohol was the only thing that easily takes it off my fingers and knife. So that's something I've been using to make it more workable.

Look forward to hearing your findings

 

In lthe last few years I've been a fan of MH Readypatch. Seams to go a long ways, dries quickly, easily sands and it doesn't harden in the can as fast. So if it's on the shelf for awhile it's usable. I add so denatured alcohol to soften it back up if the can is getting too stiff.

I haven't used it for exterior. But have for nail hole patches on walls, cabinet and trim nails then prime and paint. Tools well. Sands well.

I like bondo products for large things, especially rot holes on exterior. Large areas are easily machines and it's workable in less than an hour. I've used it on interior panels too, red "lead" glazing is good for that.

Over the years I've used minwax, Elmer's , one type in a squeeze tube. Maybe Dap? They all worked but seemed to be a one and done. After a few months bouncing around in the back of the truck or sitting on the shelf they were useless.

How large of a hole are you putting?

I hate how the ready patch hardening on my fingers and knife as I'm using it. But the bag truck would work, if I remember it next time.

The Alcohol was the only thing that easily takes it off my fingers and knife. So that's something I've been using to make it more workable.

Look forward to hearing your findings

I used it to fill trim head screws on my window/door trim and 50%+ holes popped within a few years. The filler is still there, but you can see where each screw is. I recently replaced the rest of my windows and countersunk screws with plugs this time. I still need to get around to fixing the ones with ready patch...next year. This is in NE, so four season climate.

 

I'm just doing 15 and 18 brad holes.

For the big stuff I use System 3.

 

These are great for holes. Fill them any way you want ( I use readypatch mostly ).
You can trim the tip for finish nails. Much cleaner especially on prefinished. Fill the holes a little proud and when done I go back and wipe the trim with a damp sponge.
It may seem silly, but, there is less smear on the finish.
10$ for 12 on amazon

 

I wouldn't use Ready Patch on exteriors. Bondo or caulk. Or other plastic filler. Old time painters used a putty similar #33 glazing compound.

Bondo for large holes and rot repair.

Plugs are good. I' m using them with PVC boards and trim. Use the Fasten master when I can.

 

I wouldn't use Ready Patch on exteriors. Bondo or caulk. Or other plastic filler. Old time painters used a putty similar #33 glazing compound.

Bondo for large holes and rot repair.

Plugs are good. I' m using them with PVC boards and trim. Use the Fasten master when I can.

Putty is what I used back in the day but I mixed it with sawdust, I kept sawdust with me in a baggie because it was too damn sticky.