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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: tenbrook on February 06, 2012, 09:55:00 AM

Title: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: tenbrook on February 06, 2012, 09:55:00 AM

What are you guys using to fill the wood grain on woods like Wenge or Walnut to get that glass like smooth finish?

I have been using super glue but am wondering if there is a better product.

Also could you explain your technique (super glue or other)?

Thanks    :thumbsup:  

Tenbrook

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: Dmaxshawn on February 06, 2012, 11:08:00 AM

Zinsser Bulls eye shellac   from home depot dries in about five min.   I use it to seal the bow.  Works great.

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: Glunt on February 06, 2012, 11:29:00 AM

I have used Bullseye as well on oily stuff.  I sand lightly after the first coat, then steel wool after the second coat, then Helmsman Spar.  Haven't tried wenge yet but it seems like it might take some serious filling.

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: bjansen on February 06, 2012, 11:55:00 AM

Thin CA glue works quite well for me.

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: T Folts on February 06, 2012, 12:10:00 PM

I have a bit of experience with wenge. You really have to do alot of coats and sanding to completely fill wenge. I use automotive clear (used to use Krystal) and brush the first coat on heavy. Sand it down almost to the wood and then spray on a double medium coat and sand it down almost to the first coat and repeat until no divits are gone. Then the wood is sealded and ready for your finish. Wenge sucks peroid but is great looking if done right. I'll send you a pic if I can of one I am working on.
Terry

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: tenbrook on February 06, 2012, 12:40:00 PM

the picture you sent me looks great.  do you mind providing a link to the exact type of auto clear your using.

thanks

tenbrook

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: T Folts on February 06, 2012, 12:45:00 PM

I dont have a link but I am using a product call transtar 6844. You can use any automotive clear I'll bet. Check with your locl auto parts or find a automotive paint supplier near you. dupont will be the more expensive and I dont think you need the best to use as a filler. I work with a ex paint chemist and he said the less expensive is all I need.

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: milehi101 on February 06, 2012, 04:41:00 PM

I use Fuller Plast it is a catalyzed varnish I spray a thick coat on the wood and let it dry.  I sand that coat and if I need to I spray another coat and do the same. I can fill about any riser with 2 coats.  I then finish the bow with it also. The only bad thing is if you use a satin finish in a year or so the handle becomes a gloss finish due to the hand polishing it while shooting.  I find it a very durable and long lasting finish otherwise.  I have also used a commercial 2 hour Epoxy and thinned it to a water thickness and brushed it on the riser.  That also takes about 2 coats and then sand it and use a varnish finish on the wood it works well also

Title: Re: Filling Wood Grain
Post by: Joe Pawelko Jr. on February 09, 2012, 10:57:00 AM

I always filled handle woods such as wenge using Thunderbird epoxy but you have to put a little bit on the tip of your finger and rub it in small circles on the riser. Do one coat then wet sand it, then do a second coat, wet sand again, clean it off with acetone then spray it, works very well, this was per Thunderbird.