Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Feb 23, 2005 02:28pm | #1

   For the checks and holes, I would use burn in sticks. These are available in a wide array of colors and can be melted together to produce nearly any color. For the tearout, the burn in sticks may also work depending on how deep the defect is, if it is too shallow, there may not be enough "tooth" to hold it in place. In that case I would use thick blond shellac to fill it. Just place a drop or two on the offending spot every few hours until you have filled the depression, and let cure a few days. Then either sand or use a very sharp chisel to bring it flush. If it is deep enough to hold the burn in stick, but not so deep as to expose the substrate ( with veneer) I like to use the clear, as this makes a nearly invisible repair.

   Rob Millard

2. 
   Tao | Feb 24, 2005 02:51am | #2

   Burn in sticks will do the job, but on a lot of the antiques I have worked on, holes in burl veneer were repaired by simply inlaying a small piece with similar grain.  If you look at old pieces with extra fancy burls, you'll often see LOTS of inlays, but you have to look pretty close to see them.

   You can buy dry pigments from places like Wood Finish Supply.  These colors mix with shellac or lacquer and can be used for painting in grain on burn-ins or onother fillers.

   Michael R