With encouragement from you finishing mavens, last night I feathered in some stain on the light patch, and I think it’s made an improvement. I thinned my dark mahogany stain and mixed in some of the dark mahogany filler to get a color that is close. I feathered, and feathered, and this morning it looked pretty good. There’s some residue, probably silica, on the area, but I think I can rub it off.
I am thinking of adding some shellac to add a little more orange to the area, but I’m concerned about other effects. I still need to fill a second time, then varnish. Can I feather in some amber shellac without creating a noticeable glossy spot? Should I do the second fill then apply the shellac, before varnishing? Or should I find an orangy stain (or dye?) to add to the spot? Thanks, Todd
BTW, I’ve still got those filler streaks to deal with.
Replies
You can pad on a thin layer of shellac to the problem area, and then apply your final "coat" of filler. When the filler has dried and you scuff it with the synthetic pad, this will knock the gloss off the shellac. This scuffing will also go a long way towards getting rid of your streaks. If after the scuffing they are still visible, let the filler dry at least 3 days in a warm area and try a white synthetic pad with naphtha on it. By rubbing very lightly with this pad you should be able to remove the streaks, but not remove the filler in the pores. Even with the filler it will take several coats of your varnish to achieve a fully filled surface.
I did some feathering with a mix of stain and filler on the light area, which brings it very close to an unnoticeable blend. Last night I went over the entire piece with 320 no fill paper, and everything seemed to work. The streaks are virtually gone, and there is a even sheen and blend of colors, with some minor exceptions. I may try a little more shellac for a small area as you suggested, but it's pretty much ready for another fill. It's actually the best it has looked.
I had not planned on using another coat of shellac over the filler, but I might use one over the entire piece, which will avoid unevenness. I could then add a little more where needed I suppose, and sand. I have to keep reminding myself that flaws always seem to show through at the next step, so fix them now if possible.
I also had not thought of using abrasive pads. I am going to fill smaller areas the next time. It may be that I need to follow the burlap with a soft cloth sooner, before the streaks dry. I have plenty of time to use the burlap, but perhaps not the streaks. Anyway, I have confidence the sanding will remove them without damaging the piece. Thanks.
Edited 11/27/2002 11:54:28 AM ET by SORETHUM1
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