Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Oct 22, 2022 07:13pm | #1

   Are you referring to filler used to fill nail and screw holes or grain filler used on open pored woods like oak?

2. 
   _mj_ | Oct 22, 2022 07:23pm | #2

   Since you said paint... use a water-based filler if you are painting with oil, and an oil-based filler if you are painting with latex. Reviving the filler with it's native solvent can cause it to re-expand.

3. 
   bilyo | Oct 22, 2022 09:19pm | #3

   Make your own filler with sanding dust and glue. Then make sure the hole walls and bottom are wetted with glue, trowel in the filler with a slight over fill. Then lay some wax paper over it and clamp a block over the fill to compresss it while drying. Sand and paint.

4. 
   john_c2 | Oct 23, 2022 05:17am | #4

   If I'm painting, I just use joint compound. It sticks to anything, dries fast, sands super easy. It's under paint, so it doesn't matter.

   If your filler is popping out, it isn't sticking. It's either the filler or a problem with the substrate. It would help if we knew what the filler is, and what you're putting it on.

5. 
   jmalonecabinetry | Oct 23, 2022 09:20am | #5

   I'm using Dap plastic wood, filling nail holes. It seems to be happening a week or so after I paint the cabinet.

6. 
   bilyo | Oct 23, 2022 10:48am | #6

   It may be that you are only getting a skim coating bridging over the nail holes. You need to find a way to force the filler deep into the hole so that it has something to hang onto. Also, remove any loose broken slivers before applying the filler. Or glue them down.
   I'll say again, use sanding dust and glue.

1. 
   jmalonecabinetry | Oct 23, 2022 03:42pm | #7

   Thank you, I will definitely give that a try

7. 
   DRBWWing | Oct 24, 2022 09:17am | #8

   Usually its the opposite - the filler dries and shrinks.

   My guess is air trapped under the filler/changes in barometric pressure.

   Did you press the filler firmly into the hole? I usually thin Plastic Wood a little with acetone so it can completely fill the hole.

8. 
   fivebirdscustom | Oct 28, 2022 09:54am | #9

   I’m not a big fan of Plastic Wood.

   If I am doing something with a clear or transparent finish, I use Mohawk fillers. If paint, I use 3M Glazing Putty. Never have issues!

1. 
   jmalonecabinetry | Oct 31, 2022 06:23am | #10

   Thanks, I will look into that

9. 
   user-7627473 | Oct 31, 2022 08:44am | #11

   I have used basically everything - the one that is my favorite by far is Famowood (latex version) and the only one I use anymore. And as other has said you may have had "air pocket" trapped.

1. 
   jmalonecabinetry | Oct 31, 2022 01:51pm | #12

   Thank you, I will look into that one too.

10. 
    bergenfurniture | Nov 16, 2022 08:35am | #13

    That might be the filler at the job. Every filler has a different absorption level similar to the wall’s original surface. Thus, paint behaves differently on each surface. An ideal solution to this is taking the top coat, creating a watered-down solution, and priming the filler with it. This will help prevent the popping out.

1. 
   jmalonecabinetry | Nov 16, 2022 10:00am | #14

   Thank you, that makes perfect sense, mostly have the problem when using popular, not so much with harder woods.

11. 
    DRBWWing | Nov 16, 2022 11:05am | #15

    Timbermate is really the best filler I've used.