Fixings & Build Guides / 22 Oct 2026

Which filler for the job?

THE JONES DIY FILLER GUIDE

Which filler
for the job?

A picture-hook hole. Nail marks in skirting. A chunk knocked out of a timber edge. Start with what needs fixing.

For small wall repairs and cosmetic repairs to sound timber.

Find the job that looks like yours

QUICK CHOICE
Small holes in a wallAll-purpose filler Nail holes or shallow timber dentsReady-mixed wood filler A deeper chip in a timber edgeTwo-part wood filler

Illustrations show the type of repair, not its size.

01 / BEFORE REPAINTING THE WALL

What filler should I use for small holes in plaster?

You have moved a picture and the old hook holes are still showing.

Choose all-purpose ready-mixed filler.

  • It suits small holes in sound plaster.
  • Let the repair dry, then sand it level before decorating.
  • You can use the same product for suitable small wood repairs too.

Why this one? A straightforward choice for touching up several surfaces before painting.

For the Everbuild tub shown: up to 9mm deep per coat and 25mm wide. A large hole through plasterboard needs a different repair.

02 / TIDYING UP THE WOODWORK

What filler should I use for nail holes in skirting?

The timber skirting is fitted securely, but you can still see the small recesses over the nails.

Choose ready-mixed wood filler.

  • Use it for shallow nail recesses and small surface dents in sound timber.
  • There is no hardener to measure out.
  • Let it dry before sanding and finishing.

Why this one? It is made for small imperfections in wood, including nail and screw recesses.

The Everbuild wood filler shown is for repairs up to 5mm deep. For deeper holes or areas that take knocks, move to its two-part option below.

03 / MORE THAN A SURFACE MARK

What filler should I use for a chipped timber edge?

A knock has taken a local chip out of a timber door frame. The surrounding wood is firm and sound.

Choose two-part wood filler.

  • It suits deeper local repairs and areas that take knocks.
  • The hardened repair can be shaped and sanded.
  • Get everything ready before adding the hardener.

The trade-off: It needs mixing, and you have a short time to work. It is more preparation than a small nail recess usually needs.

For the Everbuild product shown: 10 minutes maximum working time after mixing. Discard unused mixed filler after that. Follow its mixing and safety instructions.

Diagram distinguishing a gap along the top of skirting from a nail hole in the face of the board GAP AT THE JOINTHOLE

Same skirting. Two different jobs.

A COMMON MIX-UP

What about a gap between the skirting and the wall?

For a small internal joint, look at a suitable flexible decorator’s caulk.

That joint is different from a dent in the board. Check the caulk’s permitted gap size and paint compatibility.

If the board is loose or the gap keeps opening, deal with the cause first.

PAINT OR VISIBLE WOOD?

Filling a stained shelf or wooden trim?

  • Match the wood colour. Do not choose only by the stain colour.
  • Test a small area. Filler can take stain differently from the surrounding wood.
  • Expect a possible visible patch. “Stainable” does not promise an invisible repair.

When filler is not the first step

Soft or rotten timber, a loose hinge or a failed joint needs the repair itself assessed. These examples cover surface repairs, not structural work or restoring a fixing’s grip.

Before you pick a tub

Check the surface, the depth of the damage and the finish you want.

All-purpose and one-part wood fillers can both be ready mixed. Two-part wood filler needs hardener.

Browse fillers and wood repair
Using filler outside?

Check the exact product instructions. The all-purpose repair must be fully dry and sealed with oil-based paint outdoors; avoid applying it if rain is expected within five hours. Protect the ready-mixed wood filler from rain for at least five hours. Neither ready-mixed product should be applied below +5°C. Do not use the all-purpose filler in permanently wet areas.

Follow the two-part product’s own application and safety instructions. A soft or rotten windowsill needs assessment before choosing a repair.

Product details and sources

Examples use three named Everbuild products, checked 22 October 2026. Limits differ between products and packs. Read the current pack instructions and safety sheet before use.

The linked packs are 1kg, 250ml and 500g singles. Those sizes do not imply equal coverage. Check colour, pack quantity and tools before ordering.