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Grain Sealing

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:28 pm
by Kbore
So I'm planning a nitro rattle can finish over horribly grainy rosewood ( Sitka top). I've hit the books and manufacturers with still little answers to a few questions. Plan A is to use oil based grain filler with deep dark dye tint over a sealer:

Can I grain fill before I glue the b/w herring bone wooden purflings?
How do I keep the sealer off the hearing bone- mask it?
Do you grain fill a Sitka top ( nitro finish)?
Can I use my water based dyes I already have in or under an oil based grain filler?
So many opportunities to screw this up, even if I stay with same "system". Inquiries to grain filler dealers are all unanswered.

Maybe I over think this?

Re: Grain Sealing

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:38 pm
by Danl8
I can only answer two -- no grain fill on spruce, but I do seal with shellac, then use the vinyl stuff then the lacquer. I do seal all of my purfling with shellac, including herringbone, if it's there. I'm still learning how to do pore filling -- very challenging.

BTW, my rattle can finishes are coming along, they might even look ok eventually.

Re: Grain Sealing

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 5:03 pm
by Diane Kauffmds
I use 1/2# cut of shellac (1 ounce per 1/2 cup alcohol), to put a spit coat on my spruce tops and purflings. This will protect the top and purflings from dirt and sanding spooge.

I've only used Aqua Coat for pore filling. Rosewood will take several sessions, no matter what you use. I just got done with a BRW build and pore filling that stuff would have tried Job himself! It's worth it in the end though.

I've been French polishing using nitrocellulose out of a quart can. Believe it or not, it's possible. I have to wear gloves and a respirator, with a lot of ventilation. I'm experimenting with it since the vintage guitars that I repair have original finishes.

Re: Grain Sealing

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 7:12 am
by tippie53
I am a pore o Paq filler guy
A stain if you choose
B seal I use vinyl sealer
C fill
Here is where it gets fun. I use a natural color filler and color the filler using minwax stain. You may use dyes or stains. The key is to get the color and consistency you want. Then If it is mineral spirit base I use naphtha to help flash. I mix a few tablespoons at a time. Adding a few drops helps speed the flash time. then I work a back then each side but not all at the same time. As it starts to flash off I then rub the filler into the pores. I do this 2 times.
then I use a light sanding or 0000 steel wool to buff off then vinyl seal again.
D now I spray 1 coat every hr or so for about 8 to 10 coats.

Re: Grain Sealing

Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 10:10 pm
by Kbore
Thanks ,John. What do you use after it flashes off to rub the filler into the grain? Squeegee, burlap, blue jeans?

Re: Grain Sealing

Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2017 7:16 am
by tippie53
burlap or denim
You can also use a wool bonnet on a buffer to work it in.