Grain filler - where do you get yours, or what do you use to make it?

[The Spin Doctor]

First off, I don't like using pumice, or talc. I find there's a faint washed out look with them. Lately I tried a different tac to see if I could do something more visually appealing... I tried boiled linseed oil and wet dry paper on a NSW Rosewood Cabinet that was then going to be french polished. I sanded the oil into the wood along with the dust that was generated. Overall the look was spectacular. Waited a week for it to polymerise and got to polishing it... It worked but I don't think it filled the grain as much as I would like. It still took a fair bit to build up the finish so the pours weren't visible from a low angle.

In Canada I used to use a fairly noxious product that readily took an oil based stain but can't remember its name and don't think anything like that is sold here. I'd prefer to avoid a water-based product... Anyone know of a good tintable grain filler in Australia.

Just to clarify. Not looking for a wood filler - it has to be a grain filler.

[Lappa]

I use Feast Watson Sanding Sealer..Admittedly, it looks and sands like talc, but I have no complaints re its effectiveness.
I ‘ve used it under shellac as well as other finishing products.

[aldav]

Yep, this one - Feast Watson - Sanding Sealer | Feast Watson (https://www.feastwatson.com.au/products/preparation/sanding-sealer)

Two or three light coats is the way to go. The main problem people seem to have with it is when it's put on too thick. It tends to form hard resinous lumps on the sanding media and this becomes a real problem when it has been applied too thickly. If in doubt apply by brush then wipe across the grain with a rough cloth.

[Swifty]

I have used AquaCoat and if I had to choose a quick and easy way to fill the grain that's the one. Luthiers swear by it.
I still prefer to do it the traditional way using a rubber, a tiny bit of shellac, alcohol and pumice. I never get any problems doing it that way, it's just time consuming and labor intensive. If you are getting a washed out look, maybe using too much pumice? Use sparingly.
Cheers Swifty

[The Spin Doctor]

I have used AquaCoat and if I had to choose a quick and easy way to fill the grain that's the one. Luthiers swear by it.
I still prefer to do it the traditional way using a rubber, a tiny bit of shellac, alcohol and pumice. I never get any problems doing it that way, it's just time consuming and labour intensive. If you are getting a washed out look, maybe using too much pumice? Use sparingly.
Cheers Swifty


I thought that at first but I think it may have been the NSW Rosewood also. It has lots of pours and is dark. No matter how much they say the pumice turns translucent it still has a lightish colour to it.

I'll look into aquacoat. I'd like something that's tintable.