grain filler and oil finish

[Caisa]

hi,

i what to stain my maple top/mahogany back and then finish it with some coats of oil or wax. do i have to use a grain filler?
if so when do i have to use it? after staining the body?

regards from germany

stephan

 

[Keyser Soze]

Mahogany is an open pored wood.  If you do not grain fill then you will either end up with visible pores (if using an oil finish) or wax buildup in those pores should you apply a wax product.

While oil finishes on open pored wood can look very nice and natural the wax would be more of a problem.  Once it is in the wood you will probably never get it completely out and over time it will tend to dry out and become discolored.

If you choose to grain fill then you should do so after staining.  Be sure you use a grain filler that is compatible with your final finish.  Should you use a colored grain filler then you also have the choice of either applying it directly over the stained wood (in which case it will alter the color of the stained wood) or seal the stained wood prior to applying filler.

 

[Caisa]

If you choose to grain fill then you should do so after staining.  Be sure you use a grain filler that is compatible with your final finish.  Should you use a colored grain filler then you also have the choice of either applying it directly over the stained wood (in which case it will alter the color of the stained wood) or seal the stained wood prior to applying filler.

Hi, I want to use tobacco stain from Stew-Mac, than sand it slightly down and after that using amber tint stain (For the maple top). How much will the grain filler alter the color of the stained wood if I apply it over the stainded wood? Can you recommend a filler which is  compatible to a hard oil finish and not colored?

Thanks
Stephan

 

[dmraco]

I did korina (very similar grain to mahogany) with no grain filler...turned out great.  The grain is still open but looks great.

I just use some satin poly...nothing else.