Wood filler

[Dustmaker]

I seem to remember hearing that a low cost substitute for wood filler is dry wall "mud". Anybody ever hear of this and is mud different that tape joint compound? I believe you can add either acrylic (oil) or water based pigments to turn it into a replacement for filler.

When I say filler, I am referring to filling in the grain on open pore woods such as mahogany or oak to achieve an ultra smooth finish. I believe the filler goes on after the staining and sealing processes are complete, but I have to go back to the books to check this out. Any recommendations on books?

I'm building a coffee table out of mahogany ($$$) and want it to look great when finished.

TIA

Dustmaker

[Mark in Maine]

I have taken drywall mud, and mixed it with acrylic paint (water based) to fill the grain on woods that I was going to paint. Paint it onto the wood, sand smooth (it will sand very smooth), then paint for a great finish. Not sure if I'd be brave enough to use it on a hardwood that I was not painting.

[Mike G]

Take a look at the Mc Feeley catalog and the Crystalac clear pore filler and save yourself a few headaches.

[ddinc]

You're building a coffee table out of mahogany ($$$) and want it to look great and are trying to save a dollar on filler?

Mud shrinks more than good wood fillers.

[Goat Tosser]

The voices in the head of "Dustmaker" caused Dustmaker to write in news:4005a8a9$0$6738$ [e-mail]:

There are several compounds for drywall; jointing finishing interior exterior adherance, to name a few.

You'd need to check the specs of the packet in consideration. I've used it to fill holes in my sister's house - hardwood exterior and it has been there for around 6 years with no noticeable deterioration. My carpenter friend says it can be used but not on the exterior since it tends to crack with expansion etc. I was pretty fussy with preparation and painting so that might account for the longevity.

[Dustmaker]

You're right! I'll experiment later with the wood filler on some Oak plywood. I'll order some of the right stuff from one of the more highly regarded suppliers.

Dustmaker