Grain filling

[Haggis]

Hello!
I´ve decided to try "french polish" on my first build. Mainly because there are difficult to find the laquers sold at StewMac here in Sweden.
I know that rosewood needs to be grain filled prior to finishing, but what do I need to do with the top (sitka)? Is that supposed to be pore filled as well?
/Häggis

[kencierp]

The sound board does not need pore filler (unless it's made of hardwood Koa, Walnut, Mahogany etc.). However, seal the top before applying pore filler to prevent unwanted staining of the light color wood.

[tippie53]

I agree with sealing the top to avoid staining . French polish or even raw shellac can make an excellent finish . We are talking about using shellac flakes and everclear or grain alcohol . There are a number of methods to fill the grain .
Find the techniques that work the best for you . Keep up posted on your progress .

[David L]

I used rattle can lacquer sealer to seal the top prior to pore filling the B&S.

David L

[hummingbird]

What sealer do you recomend? Does it depend on the finish?