Replies

1. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Apr 12, 2002 06:59am | #1

   This is excerpted from a finishing discussion recently entitle "I'm confused ..."

   I disagree with part of what Bill wrote!

   Grain fillers (best understood if you use the complete name "paste grain fillers") are heavy thick substances that fill the pores.  This compound is rubbed into the wood prior to finishing more or less as Bill stated.  It is primarily used for ring porous woods or woods with large pores.  About the only woods I paste fill are red oak and mahogany.  For diffuse porous woods like cherry or maple, paste filling is generally unnecessary unless you desire a super high-gloss finish.

   He description of sealers is more appropriate to something called sizing which is often a thinned adhesive in an aqueous solution.

   True sanding sealers are whatever the finish (eg lacquer or varnish) with added zinc stearate.  Zinc stearate has a soapy feel to it and it facilitates sanding so that the sandpapers do not clog.  As this is generally the first coat of finish, it seals the wood.  You don't have to use sanding sealer per se; often times I seal with lacquer (the finish I use) and sand it.  I often choose this methodology  because sanding sealers are slightly softer and as such the overall finish is slightly more susceptible to damage.

1. 
   triswhite | Apr 13, 2002 02:52am | #2

   Thanks for your reply Stanley (it is Stanley isn't it).  I'm beginning to get my head around finishing in theory at least and I appreciate any input.

   One more question-What is a grain filler made of?  In the thread you referred to it was mentioned that it was originally plaster of paris.  I have a vague memory of reading somewhere that you could fill grain with a slurry of fine sanding dust and  shellac.  Would this work?

   Thanks

   Tris

1. 
   RLMillard | Apr 13, 2002 04:47am | #3

   As noted above, sealers and grain fillers are two different things.

   You can fill the pores in wood by applying a thick enough coat of a film type finish ( lacquer, shellac etc.), but this is time consuming to say the least.

   You could make your own filler but it’s hardly worth the effort, since it is available commercially. There is an article in the current FWW about making grain filler, it is in the article on French polishing, it looked very interesting, but I'll stick with the stuff in a can.

   There are two ways to apply the filler. One is to just slop it on the bare wood, the other is to seal the wood first. I always seal the wood before applying the filler. Filler is a lot like mud, and I’d rather get the color of the wood through dyes, which give depth and clarity, and have the filler only in the pores. I use a thin coat of dewaxed shellac as a sealer, under varnish and shellac. I don’t have enough experience with lacquer and other topcoats to say what to use with them.

   Filling the grain is one of my least favorite chores in furniture making, but the one that makes the most difference in the quality of the final product.

1. 
   sschefer | Apr 13, 2002 07:54am | #4

   Rob, do you have a vision problem ? Just curious and please dont take offense. The type face that you have chosen is fine its the size and the bolding that scares me. I thought I was stuck on the freeway, underneath the  offramp sign, giving directions to a tow truck driver. No offense, but if you could take it down a notch or two I sure would appreciate it.

   Thanks

   Steve - in Northern California