Ray Crete - any better options?

[Allan Speers]

I've been using Ray Crete for years for my more important "wood filling" jobs. I really like it. It's easier to apply than Bondo, and has much much more "wood-like" color, even if tinted.

I just ran out, and I can't seem to find any woodworker stores that still carry it, though it's readily available for concrete repair & on some boat-supply sites. This worries me. Did it fall out of favor because there's something better now?

I sure wouldn't mind something similar that also has the ability to expand & contract. So.... what do you guys use?

[Bruce Page]

Wood Workers Supply might still sell it.

"LIMITED TO QUANTITIES ON HAND"

http://woodworker.com/raycrete-multi-mender-mssu-106-742.asp

[Allan Speers]

Thanks, Bruce. I saw that.

- But I'm concerned that they're phasing it out. There must be a reason.

[Allan Speers]

Sooooooo.......


Nobody around here uses wood filler?

Help me out here, folks. :o

[Chris Padilla]

Not anyone that would admit it, Allan! ;)

I know that I don't use it. If a situation calls for it, I just trash the project and start over. :D :D

However, if you find some FAMOWOOD in my cabinet, it wasn't me who put it there...almost empty.... :rolleyes:

[Jerry Miner]

Soooo--

Ray-Crete changed its name to EZ-Poly but then the company (Valiant Technologies) went out of business in 2008. Looks like Woodworkers Supply might have some remaining stock, but apparently there won't be any more manufactured.

[Allan Speers]

Thanks, Jerry.

The name "Ray Crete" was pretty ridiculous. No wonder they went out of business! Then again, "Famowood" isn't much better. :eek:



Maybe I'll just go back to Bondo.

[Wade Lippman]

I use Timbermate. Perhaps it is not what you are looking for; more for tiny gaps than huge cavities.

[Jim Becker]

Sooooooo.......


Nobody around here uses wood filler?

Help me out here, folks. :o

I use actual wood for this in most cases. It's tedious work, but the end result is ... wood. And that means I can make the fix disappear in many cases. I try to avoid using fillers if at all possible unless it's a painted project and then I use spackle.

[Peter Bouvier]

Hello, I know this reply is late, but, I was searching the Web for RayCrete, came across your post, and signed up to respond.


My name is Peter Bouvier, I was the owner of Valiant Technologies, Inc., makers of RayCrete and EZ-Poly. Our company, VTI, went out of business in 2008 due to the recession.

When I first encountered RayCrete I knew it was like no other product, and, as of September 2023, I can still say that-because I have not found anything like it. No other product has the adhesion, workability, rigidity and finish that RayCrete had. I even took a few packs with me when I retired to Thailand, and I *still have a tiny bit left*--I use it sparingly when nothing else will work.
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The inventor, Ray Nelson (the "Ray" in RayCrete") may still have a bunch that I *might* be able to get to you (no promises), if you're still interested.

BTW, I tried uploading a picture of the opened-and-still-usable pack of RayCrete that keep for times when nothing else will work. LMK if you would like me to investigate this.