grain filler or sealer first?

[chrisg]

I have a gut feeling that I should use grain filler first before sealing - it just seems more logical that the filler should bond to the timber.  However my relative inexperience in this area leads to this question.  The body I am finishing is a swamp ash tele.

Any input by the finishing gurus would be much appreciated.

 

[chrisg]

I should provide some further information.  I am planning on using oil to achive a natural finish, and would like a black grain filler to accentuate the grain in the swamp ash.  Maybe slightly more glossy than the picture below.

Thanks

 

[-CB-]

When you grain fill, you're doing a lot of sanding of the filler down flush, you'll probably sand some sealer off.  Some argue that sealing first prevents the filler from shrinking in, making filling easier.

So, do this, as sealer is cheap and easy.  Seal - dont even sand back.  Then fill, do that several times, then seal again, sanding back to 320 grit or so.  You cant go wrong, and have both ends covered.

 

[chrisg]

Thanks CB  ccasion14: