Thanks for the feedback.
John, Cabosil is still available, and I can get quantities cheaply here.
Since the post I've done some internet research, and dispersion and air micro-bubbles entainment are the problem for clarity (they were talking about thin layers in that article). Even vigourous mechanical stirring is poor at dispersing it.
Ultrasonics are required for better breaking up of the nano "clumps" (for want of a better word) as they are so small they stick together quite tenaciously, part of the properties of a colloid.
Maybe an ultrasonic cleaner? Certainly the frequency is about correct, normally +/-40 mHz. May be worth a try, perhaps with a little water initially and then adding it to acrylic "a la" the Padma as it would help to minimise shrink-back normal for all air drying lacquers.
Hey, Padma, thanks for pitching in. Perhaps mechanisation is the answer to thicken your waterbased, or is a drill and bent wire coat-hanger just that step to far?
Hesh, I'm trying to avoid epoxy (it does a reasonable job of course) because of I am working with enough toxins as it is (and it's a really messy to apply and a tough sand, hence easy to sand through, by me at least)
The Crystalac thing - fumed silica is part at least of the ingredients (huge tubs only and twice as much for postage from the states as the price of the product) and it's had mixed reviews - Guitar ranch said NO NOT USE, dries patchy white, but seemed to be trying it to fill huge dings and craters with it, and I'm not sure they sealed it first, which is needed.
Thanks David, and the LMI paste is the nearest I could see commercially to what I was thinking of, may end up trying it, but seems to be what I am trying to do here in UK and the colour put me off.
Thanks Jim and mhammond, Egg white is a possibility - easy to try out, I'd already had a look at the archives, but hesitated because of possible medium term degradation of organic material (food) - yes I do know it's been used for centuries.
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From the past posts again, Robby O'Brians end grain dust tempts me as well. I did think about that previously but had dismissed it as impractical trying to get the fill to stay in the pores, but that was with water based. Thin cuts of shellac obviously work better.
Mike, HHG would work, but you haven't you seen how messy I am!
Seriously, I hesitate to apply HHG to woodwork over such a large area I have invested that amount of work in with a handle like "clumsy Colin" in my family, and wince at the thought of hot water based substances even near something I have had for years in a humidity controlled environment.
Daniel, fish glue, difficult to source over here, and shrinkage as it dries - multiple coats. Essentially that's the reason for my search for a clear bulking agent for a filler. Basically it's best to start with an ideal as an goal, then compromise only if one has to.
And a big thanks for the input to all.
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