Right product to fill finishing nail holes?
 

Is there a product (caulking) that I can use to fill the holes in my trim that will not sink over time. The trim is MDF board that is primed.

I can see that the trim in my house has some holes that were filled and now I can see them. It seems that the product shrunk.

Thanks

I know what you mean, I've had the same problem. I'm now using a wood filler that's made by Min-Wax. It dries quickly and is easily sandable if even needed.It's paint or stainable. Shrinking has not been a problem,holes are nearly invisible. It comes in a yellow plastic container near the Min-Wax stuff. Give it a try,I think you'll like it. Good luck.

The key is to leave the filler a little high and then sand it flush after it has dried and shrunk. I like Red Devil LIGHT WEIGHT spackling because is sands like butter. Other fillers will also work, just test for ease of sanding, as many spackling products contain vinyl and don't sand well. Our painters use a product called Crawfords Painters Putty and get excellent results without a lots of sanding...of course they do this 9 hours a day, six days a week.

Thanks for the help. This is going to sound stupid, but I did not realize I had to sand......

I have seen people just go over it with a wet finger. Is this a different product that they are using?

Yes MUM; wetting a finger is usually with caulking NOT filler or spackle.
The best filler, putting cost aside, is Bondo auto filler. $$$$$$$$ but will not shrink. I like the light weight filler, red devil makes it, other brands also. Leave It high when u first put it on, it will shrink when it dries, then u SAND it flush.:yes:

when i worked for a painting company we used an old based putty. you have to push it in hard and rub it smooth just right. no sanding. when you could see the hole like you speak of, it was done wrong, we called those fish eyes.

Thanks Jackie baby!

So as I understand, I use a filler not caulking? Right?

i've simply used joint compound in the past sucessfully. but only when i was going to paint over it after light sanding. it never cracked or shrunk.

DM

MUM YES filler NOT caulking.
The other product that works but is work is 20 min Spackle. sold in powder form, mix a little at a time, dries rock hard, again leave a tad hi then sand

Thanks Jackie and dangermouse.
I am going to use a filler NOt caulking.

Bondo works better than anything I have ever tried. If you want it glass smooth, it is the best way to get it.

Could be any product, but the results are always the same. If the product contains enough moisture to make it workable as a filler, and you try to wipe it flush at application, it will shrink and leave a dimple when it dries.

Bondo is an extreme for nail holes IMO. And must be sanded while it is still curing. Let it completely harden, and it is no fun to try to sand.

bondo is good for big holes. if you are just filling finishing nail holes like on a door frame and casing you should this oil base putty i'm talking about.

Thanks for the advice. I will use a filler for the holes.
They are the finishing nail holes on the trim.

Mirror Glazing is used often my professional painters and does not require sanding.