Replies

1. 
   jg0258 | Jul 17, 2010 01:25am | #1

   I believe in the US

   it is called plaster of Paris, here in Mexico it is called blanco de españa  (white of spain). Mix this with yellow or white glue and some cherry saw dust with water, it will take any stain after you have mixed it and it dries very hard so you can sand it. I don't have exact proportions but I mix about half a cup of plaster, about 2 tablespoons of glue and the rest is enough water (not too much) to make a thick enough paste you can spread easily but will still hold even upside down. You can add the stain at the moment you have the paste or when you are filling, it takes a bit of practice to get the exact match but it works wonderfully. 

2. 
   PeteMohr | Jul 17, 2010 09:02am | #2

   http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2020580/Timbermate-Water-Based-Wood-Filler/videos.aspx

   Scroll down to see video.

3. 
   sapwood | Jul 17, 2010 05:49pm | #3

   Finish first then fill with shellac sticks. These are melted in with a hot knife. You can achieve a perfect color match.

4. 
   BruceS | Jul 17, 2010 09:11pm | #4

   Ditto timbermate

   I'll ditto timbermate,   A little stinky but sure works great,  and can be used as a pore filler if you want..  Dries very quickly.

   http://www.eagleamerica.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=timbermate

5. 
   DonStephan | Jul 18, 2010 02:08pm | #5

   For cherry, my usual filler is epoxy tinted dark black with fresco powder, to simulate resin.

   I've never been able to guess in advance how a wood will look after dye and first coat of finish.  If your guess is wrong, you can color with dewaxed shellac and fresco powders, using a fine artist brush.