Which patching material is commonly used to fill holes in wood surfaces before finishing?

• A. Putty
• B. Sandpaper
• C. Glue
• D. Caulk

Answer: (A)

Filling holes in wood with a proper patching material creates a smooth, even surface that can take stain or paint evenly. Putty is the typical choice because it’s formulated to fill small holes and defects, dries solid, sands smooth, and can be matched to the wood’s color or tinted. Using it before finishing minimizes the chance that a hole will show through the final coat.

Sandpaper isn’t a patching material—it’s for smoothing surfaces and removing old finishes. Glue is meant to bond pieces together and doesn’t behave as a finishes-compatible filler. Caulk seals gaps and stays flexible, which makes it unsuitable for holes you want to finish smoothly or have stain evenly. For best results, use a wood putty or wood filler appropriate to the finish, such as oil-based or stainable fillers for holes in wood you plan to stain, or epoxy for larger repairs.