Hey guys! I get asked for my favorite products all the time and for the most part my favorites don’t change that often. I can’t say that I’ve had a special love affair with any particular wood patch or putty in the past…but that has changed! I shared my love of ZAR wood stain with my Stain Color Fan Deck post. I ran to my local lumber yard (where I purchased the stain) to grab some wood putty and I saw this small container of ZAR Wood Patch. Since I had just found and decided I really really liked the stain, I thought I should give this other product a try. So I did and the rest is history!
Obviously the little container didn’t last long with the amount of wood patch I use! I have a couple tubs on hand at all times. That and a plastic spreader — because that’s what the directions say to use.
How to use it Zar Wood Patch
- Wipe wood with a damp cloth.
- Spread ZAR wood patch on area with a plastic putty knife.
- Apply in a couple coats if you have a large hole to fill or it takes forever to dry.
- Slightly overfill. Then when it’s dry, you can sand it flush with the wood.
I don’t know if dampening the wood first opens the grain slightly or what but it’s like the wood sucks the wood patch right into it’s cracks, holes and crevices. It sticks to anything so it’s perfect for fixing “mistakes” in a finished piece. (Story of my life!)
The awesomest thing about this is that it never dries out because you can pour some water in to cover the top of the putty then seal it up with a rubber mallet. When you want to use it again, pour the water off and you’re good to go!
This is the neutral color patch, there are a couple different colors like golden and red oak.
It goes on yellow but dries white so you know when you’re good to move on to next step whether that be another coat of patch or sanding.
It dries really hard yet is super easy to sand.
It doesn’t shrink and it takes stain really well — though I end up generally filling imperfections and then painting most of my projects. Either way, it works awesome!
Two thumbs up for ZAR wood patch! The best wood patch in the history of ever…or at least my current favorite!
Would you recommend using this on paint grade interior trim? Patching nail divots, miters etc? I normally use spackle since it’s easily sanded and moldable if necessary but it would be nice to find other great alternatives! I’ve got a lot more trim to install.
Yep! I use it on my paintable (or stainable) trim to fill nail holes and “fudge” mitered corners and it works great!
Can’t buy it in California
Can you buy anything in CA? 🙂
How long does it take to dry?
It depends on how thick you apply it. Thin coats dry really fast.
I’ll have to look this up sometime! I have been using Durham’s Water Putty for a little while now. It comes in powder form and needs to be mixed to a consistency you want. The only difficulty I have with it is it dries quickly, so I have to make multiple small batches. Otherwise, I love that it is not pre-mixed.
Interesting. I really like this stuff. Even though it’s already mixed it won’t ever dry out as long as you keep the top moist and lid sealed. If I’m applying it and it starts to dry out while I’m spreading it, I’ll spritz it with a little water and it becomes workable again. Love it!
Thanks! Can’t wait to try this one. I usually hate wood patch. Most doesn’t take stain well and you always have those light spots showing up.
It’s worked really well for me. I’ll be interested to hear what you think.
Your post came at the perfect time for me. I am patching old shiplap in a kitchen. Hundred of nails and tacks had to be set in. I started patching with another brand. When that ran out I switched to the ZAP.
I love it too! I also use a spray bottle to adjust the consistency when needed. I am sanding by hand because of the nails. The ZAP dries fast and is easy to sand.
I will be painting the shiplap when I am finished patching. I am about half way through now. Would attach a picture if I could.
Thank you for introducing me to this product.
I just found some Zar oil based stain yesterday at a local hardware store.. I never used oil based before and didn’t want the messy cleanup, so I passed it up. Are you aware if it comes in water based stain?