The Different Types of Wood Putty
Cellulose-based
One of the first types of wood putty is cellulose-based. Cellulose-based putty can come in three forms. One form is a dry formula that you have to mix with water. It has a long shelf life and is very inexpensive. You can also mix as much or as little as you need to use at that time. There is also the solvent type of wood putty that is premixed with oil distillates and ketones.
The solvent form has the advantage of drying quickly. However, it will also dry out in the can unless it is sealed airtight. Solvent types are also flammable and emit fumes. The final form of cellulose-based wood putty is the water soluble mix. This form doesn’t emit odors and will clean up easily with water. However, water-based varieties may not be suitable to use in damp environments.
Gypsum-based
One of the next types of wood putty is gypsum-based. You also have to mix these mineral powders with water. This type of wood putty has the advantage of not shrinking or pulling away from the edge of the area. However, this putty can be difficult to use because it will expand as it dries.
This means that this type of wood putty can pop out as the seasons change and the wood expands or contracts. Also, you should only use gypsum-based putty inside. This type of wood putty will absorb water which will cause it to chip off the surface. You can clean up this putty with water as long as it hasn’t dried yet. It cannot be dissolved after it has dried.
Vinyl-based
The next type of wood putty is vinyl-based. This kind of putty is lightweight and fluffy. This makes it easy to handle. It will also dry quickly. However, you should only use this type of wood putty in thin coats. If you use it for thicker coats, the putty may crack as it dries. Vinyl-based putty has a few more problems. It will shrink a lot, won’t take stain, and will only sand to a rough surface.
These are the different types of wood putty. Gypsum-based putty won’t shrink or pull away from the edge, but can be difficult to use because it expands as it dries. Vinyl-based putty will dry quickly and is easy to handle.
