Minwax Wood Putty is a non-hardening, pre-mixed putty for nail holes, minor scratches and small gouges. Minwax color-matches it to its Wood Finish stains, so you fill after the wood is stained and finished and the repair blends in instead of needing stain of its own. Press it in with a putty knife and wipe off the extra; Minwax says no sanding is needed and it cleans up with soap and water. Minwax lists it for interior woodwork, paneling, molding, trim and doors. We carry 9 colors. Everything on this page comes from Minwax's technical data sheet, safety data sheet, product page and product guide.
Wood Putty colors we carry
| Color |
Matches these Minwax Wood Finish stains |
| 900 White |
Simply White (and painted white trim) |
| 909 Natural Pine |
Natural |
| 923 Colonial Maple |
Colonial Maple, Gunstock |
| 935 Cherry |
Cherry, Golden Pecan, Ipswich Pine, Natural |
| 930 Early American |
Driftwood, Early American, English Chestnut, Provincial, Special Walnut |
| 925 Red Mahogany |
Honey Red, Mahogany, Red Oak, Sedona Red |
| 924 Walnut |
Dark Walnut, Espresso, Jacobean |
| 960 Pickled Oak |
Classic Gray, Pickled Oak |
| 9718 Ebony |
Ebony |
Color matches are from the Minwax Product Guide color chart, which also maps each putty color to PolyShades, Gel Stain and Water-Based Wood Stain shades. Minwax says the colors can be mixed together for a custom match. Minwax lists the jar as 3.75 oz.
Specs from Minwax
| Use on |
Nail holes, minor scratches and gouges in bare, painted, stained and finished wood (interior) |
| When to apply |
After you stain, seal or topcoat; the surface must be clean and dry |
| Hardens? |
No. It will not harden to a sandable surface |
| Tool and cleanup |
Putty knife; soap and water |
| Base |
Marine and vegetable non-drying oils; no solvent; 100% solids |
| VOC and flash point |
VOC 0; flash point not applicable |
How to use it
Finish the wood first: Minwax says to stain, seal or topcoat before you apply the putty, and the surface must be clean and dry. Pick the color closest to your stain (or blend two), press the putty into the nail hole or flaw, and wipe the extra from the surrounding wood with a damp cloth. Because it stays soft, don't try to sand it.
Safety, from Minwax: the data sheet says the putty may cause slight irritation for people with sensitive skin, so wash your hands after using it and keep it away from children. The current safety data sheet (rev. 8/9/2026) carries a Danger: may cause cancer warning because the putty contains crystalline silica; it says not to breathe the dust, to wear gloves and eye protection, and that sanding or abrading the dried putty may release crystalline silica. It also warns that rags and other waste soaked with the putty may catch fire on their own if thrown away improperly, so put them in a sealed, water-filled metal container.
For bare wood you plan to stain or paint, use a hardening filler instead, such as Minwax Stainable Wood Filler; compare every option in wood filler and wood putty. For shallow scratches in finished wood, see Minwax Blend-Fil pencils. Shop related: all Minwax, Minwax Wood Finish stain, Color Putty and Old Masters Putty Sticks.
FAQ
Is Minwax Wood Putty the same as wood filler?
No. Minwax Wood Putty is pre-colored and never hardens, so it is for cosmetic fills in finished wood. Minwax Stainable Wood Filler is for unfinished wood; it is not pre-colored, it hardens, takes stain, and holds nails and screws.
Does Minwax Wood Putty harden or need sanding?
No. Minwax says it is non-hardening and will not harden to a sandable surface. Press it in and wipe off the extra with a damp cloth.
Can I stain over Wood Putty?
Minwax says to stain, seal or topcoat before you apply it, so choose the putty color that matches your stain instead of staining over it.
Which color do I need?
Find your stain in the table above. Minwax matches each putty color to specific Wood Finish stain colors, and you can mix colors for an in-between shade. For white or painted trim, use 900 White.
Can I return it?
Yes. We offer 30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Opened products can't be returned (refund policy).
Shipping is $5.99 on orders under $35 and free on orders of $35 or more, to the lower 48 states and DC (shipping policy).
Sources: Minwax Wood Putty technical data sheet (dated 12/06, the current paintdocs version), Minwax Wood Putty safety data sheet (rev. 8/9/2026, version 16), the Minwax Wood Putty product page and the Minwax Product Guide color match chart.
