What is the difference between wood filler and wood putty?

Wood filler and wood putty serve different purposes in surface prep, and painters in the Rock Hill area choose between them based on the damage type and the final finish needed.

Wood filler is a sandable, hardening compound, usually water-based or solvent-based, that sets firm after application. It fills holes, gouges, and small surface voids in solid wood. Once dry, it can be sanded smooth and takes paint and stain evenly. It works best on interior trim, furniture, and exterior trim where the patch will be covered with finish coats.

Wood putty remains flexible after application and does not fully harden. It fills gaps and cracks that may shift slightly over time due to wood movement or seasonal changes. Putty is often used in loose knots, larger gaps between boards, and around windows or doors where rigid filling would crack.

The choice between the two depends on whether you need a permanent, sandable patch (filler) or accommodation for movement (putty). In painted finishes, filler is typically preferred for small defects on trim because it sands clean and bonds to the wood. Putty is chosen when the gap is too wide for filler or when wood movement is expected. Exterior painting contractors often stock both products to handle the range of surface conditions they encounter on Rock Hill homes and commercial properties.