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As I was building my #2 guitar, I was coating the sides, back, top, everything with shellac. My thought was it would give a little protection and I was planning on using zpoxy later to pore fill. Then I read Mike Doolin's description of how to use KTM 9 and realized he doesn't recommend using zpoxy with shellac. They don't adhere. UGH!!!

Any suggestions on pore filling?

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I just realized I wasn't clear about what type of shellac I used. I just rubbed on Zinser unwaxed shellac with a cloth. THanks for any advice out there.

Sean

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Since you already have applied the shellac I would use non-fuming (foam-safe) CA from a local hobby shop. You can apply shellac on top of it after it's leveled. You might want to check the archives for alternatives to KTM-9. Some builders have had issues with it and I don't think Mike is using it anymore either. EM6000, EM7000, KTM-SV?

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I have some tubes of gel ca glue that don't foam, would that work? I was thinking using a razor blade would keep the application neat with little sanding needed. THanks for the tip.

Sean

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+1 for KTM-SV over 9...

You can pore fill with the finish you are using. It just takes a few more coats ( depending on what wood). I find a razor knife type blade works well for a scraper. You'll want to lay down more coats on the back and sides. After 6 or more you'll be able to start scraping. You can also use pumice with shellac. Someone should be along to give you the skinny on that method. I think there was a time when people didn't use epoxy to fill.

Good Luck

You can always try what you have on some scrap and see if it works. If you use a razor blade make sure to round the corners.

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Ken Franklin
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So by saying unwaxed you mean 100% wax free yes? You're using the Zinssers Seal Coat? Not the traditional finish and sealer I hope?

You can pore fill over shellac with CA, use a razor blade, work in small sections, you'll probably have to do 2 sessions after you've sanded back the first. Then do another 1-2 coats of the shellac before applying your finish.

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Thanks, yes I am using the 100% wax free seal coat. Thanks for the tip.

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im actually in the same boat right now. sealed everything with shellac. planning on using KTM-SV. found out people have had adhesion problems with the SV over shellac with oily woods. so i was planning on sanding everything back to bare wood and then pore filling with zpoxy. the only place there will be shellac left is in the pores. hoping that solves my problems. anyone concur?

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Filippo,

THanks so much for your advice. Actually, in Mike's description of using the KTM 9, he is refering to a different epoxy that he uses, so maybe that is the one with adhesion issues and not zpoxy. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I'm going to try sanding again, and go ahead with the zpoxy.

Sean

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thanks, bro.

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Thanks Todd. I appllied the zpoxy to the back last night and it worked fine. I'm really excited now! Do you ever thicken your zpoxy for filling voids, like tearout or grain, on the sides? I thought I did a better job thicknessing my sides this time but have some lower spots at certain parts where the grain is darker, so I need to level them. I've already sanded as much as I should, and it's still low. I thought I would mix in some silica to thicken the zpoxy, in hopes more would stay in these spots?

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