Best Wood Filler for Painted Furniture in York: A Joiner's Perspective
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Specialist
One of the most common frustrations I hear from homeowners in York is painting a piece of furniture—perhaps a restored Victorian chest or a new alcove unit—only to see the filler shrink, crack, or 'flash' through the topcoat a month later.
The damp climate here in Yorkshire, combined with the movement inherent in timber, means standard fillers often fail. Whether you are filling screw holes in MDF or repairing a gouge in an oak sash window, the type of filler determines whether your paint job looks professional or amateur.
In this guide, I'll walk you through three wood fillers I keep in my van. We'll look at a budget skimming filler, a two-part professional hardener for structural repairs, and a quick-drying multi-purpose option.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Use straight from the tub"
"Ready-mixed fillers are claimed to be instant and effortless."
They often contain high water content. If you fill a deep hole in one go, it will shrink and crack as it dries. Layering is essential for single-part fillers.
The Spec: "'Stainable' Claims"
"Manufacturers claim fillers take stain exactly like natural timber."
In 20 years, I've never seen a filler absorb stain at the exact same rate as the surrounding wood. Valid for painted furniture, but be very wary for clear finishes.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bartoline Ready Mixed Wood Filler White 500g
Bartoline
This is a staple in many joinery shops for basic face-filling. It's inexpensive, water-based, and very easy to sand. While I wouldn't use it for structural repairs, it is excellent for filling pin holes and fine grain before applying a primer and topcoat.
The Good
- Extremely affordable
- Very easy to sand smooth (doesn't clog paper)
- Perfect whiteness is good for light paint colours
The Bad
- Will shrink in deep holes
- Not suitable for load-bearing repairs or sharp corners
- Long drying time in damp York weather
Installer Tip:
When using this on painted alcove shelves, leave the filler slightly 'proud' (raised) above the surface. As the water evaporates, it shrinks back. Sand it flush only once it's bone dry to avoid a concave dip showing through your paint.
Priced at £2.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEverbuild 2-Part High Performance Wood Filler – 500g
Everbuild
This is what we call a '2-part' or catalogue filler in the trade. It uses a hardener (like car body filler) to cure chemically rather than by drying. It sets rock hard in 30 minutes and doesn't shrink. Essential for repairing corners, edges, or structural damage on furniture.
The Good
- Does not shrink or slump
- Sets incredibly hard - can be drilled and screwed
- Weatherproof (ideal for sash windows)
The Bad
- Strong smell (requires ventilation)
- Short working time - you have to be quick
- Harder to sand than water-based fillers
Installer Tip:
If you are repairing a damaged corner on a furniture piece, mix this up and roughly shape it. Just before it goes fully rock hard (the 'cheesy' stage), use a sharp chisel to pare it back to the exact shape. It saves hours of sanding later.
Priced at £11.58 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEverbuild Multipurpose Wood Filler – 250ml
Everbuild
A clever middle-ground option. It's ready-mixed like the Bartoline but formulated for faster trying and tougher durability. It's ideal for homeowners who need to fill gaps in skirting or architraves quickly before the decorator arrives, without the hassle of mixing a two-part system.
The Good
- Dries much faster than standard ready-mix
- Low odour compared to 2-part fillers
- Waterproof once dry
The Bad
- Can still slump slightly in very large holes
- Tub can dry out if not sealed tight
Installer Tip:
This is my go-to for 'snagging' lists. If I spot a small gap in a skirting board mitre or a screw head that needs covering quickly, this filler allows me to sand and paint within the hour, keeping the job moving.
Priced at £4.16 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I paint directly over wood filler?
Which filler is best for filling screw holes in MDF?
How do I stop filler falling out of old wood?
Should I sand between coats of filler?
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