Following some great advice from the list I’ve just put on the 6th layer of 2# dewaxed super blond on an ash table frame and am more than pleased. Going to polish it off tomorrow or so, but on the next frame I wanted to try filling the pores. Is there a transparent filler out there that would not appreciablely darken the pore structure? I’m not really after the effect of filling the pores to match the wood color here this time (with lime or plaster, for example), but am looking for something that might add to the translucent shimmering ash and light woods can show. I remember building Estes rockets with great care, filling the balsa pores with some compound before sanding and painting, and just before slamming the unsuspecting creation into the turf from 1000ft or sending it into the next county; is there something like that-maybe a clear glaze would work?
Thanks as always for any suggestions.
JK
Replies
Clear pore filler. Available at Stewart MacDonald's guitar supply. I think Homestead Finish products sells it as well.
John—
I believe that, on ash, a clear filler would be a mistake. It is likely to refract more light than the surrounding wood and thus show up more noticeably in contrast to the natural color of the wood.
My money is on a particular pore filler I’ve used for years and years: Benjamin Moore Wood Paste Filler in "natural." It is tan in color, goes on smooth and buttery (if you mix it well) and gives the final surface a wonderful silky feel. The color should blend quite nicely with your ash. Of course, I would do a sample finish panel on ash first before committing to the real thing.
Ask the paint store if they carry the Benjamin Moore brand.
—Andy
Thanks-I'll start testing.
JK
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