Filler for wood- whats best?

[Even Chance]

Well guys,
Im nearly ready to paint my clinker dinghy, but before I do, I would like to fill over screw-heads. The planks are very thin, so I cant really sub-flush them and plug them like normal. A slight sub-flush and fill is my best option really.
Can I use regular polyester car filler? The boat will be painted and kept indoors all the time, only used occasionally.

Also, what is best to help seal the planking on a boat that is dry stored? A good thick coat of paint applied with the boat upside-down??

Thanks

 

[fishermantwo]

I would use epoxy resin with micro spheres or other suitable filler added. The polyester car filler is not water proof and can shrink and drop out. For paint I would use 3 thin coats of oil based paving paint.

 

[Chrusty 1]

You could do as Fisherman suggests and make your own filler with epoxy resin etc. but that might be an expensive option unless you have some already by you? There is a product that is called "Timberfil" it is like car body filler, but is much easier to sand, and is I believe water resistant if not proof, it takes paint well, and does not fall out as it is more flexible than car body filler and can move with the wood.

Chrusty.

Well guys,
Im nearly ready to paint my clinker dinghy, but before I do, I would like to fill over screw-heads. The planks are very thin, so I cant really sub-flush them and plug them like normal. A slight sub-flush and fill is my best option really.
Can I use regular polyester car filler? The boat will be painted and kept indoors all the time, only used occasionally.

Also, what is best to help seal the planking on a boat that is dry stored? A good thick coat of paint applied with the boat upside-down??

Thanks

 

[oldfrank]

P38 will do for the screw heads. Easier to sand too.

 

[Lakesailor]

Marine Filler

I've used it lots. It doesn't go all spongy and drop off like car body filler.