Pore filling

[smorris]

I have a large (~16 sq ft) Padauk table top and want to fill the pores to get a nice even surface when it is finished. I've tried water and oil based pore fillers on some scrap and just don't like the way it comes out, not to mention the trying to get the color just right.

My current thinking is to just apply dewaxed shellac, sand, apply shellac, sand, lather...rinse...repeat until I get the pores filled then finish coat with varnish. I want to use shellac for the filler just so I can actually finish this before I grow old and die. Other than the time involved are there any drawbacks to using this method?

[cabinetman]

If you use solvent based (turpentine) pore filler (paste wood filler) as directed on the bare wood, it will take stain. You have to follow the procedure as indicated on the label.

I get better results and a more uniform finish than using shellac.
.

[atgcpaul]

Jeff Jewitt describes two methods to fill pores. One involves sprinkling on
pumice stone and then wiping it in with linseed oil. The second involves a
stiff mixture of Plaster of Paris and water. After it has dried, it is lightly
sanded then the surface is flooded with linseed oil. In both cases the powder
packs in the wood pores and the linseed oil turns it translucent. I haven't
tried this myself but I trust that Jeff Jewitt has done it many times. I like
that you don't need to match the filler to the color of the wood.

If you get a subscription to FWW online, you can read the article here:

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki.../011177121.pdf

Paul

[Daryl]

Check out how this guy does gun stocks. The pictures are gone now but as I remember he did a super job.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=240961

[smorris]

Thanks guys. I'll take a look at those links.

I wasn't planning to stain the piece, we like the natural look of the wood. If it was anything else that didn't have such color variations across the surface it wouldn't be so problematic. We even bought the dyes for the filler but you get the red dialed in and it doesn't look right in the orange area.

[pecker]

Have you tried anything like this?
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17353


I've use a competitors brand, but it has the consistency of auto wax. You apply it with a squeegee...it's real slippery at first. Then it gets really hard. It's completely clear in the pores, but anyplace you leave some piled up on the surface you can see it, so it must be sanded well.