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Here is the latest Luthier Tips du Jour video - The topic is using shellac and sawdust as a pore fill
This video as well as all my other videos are available via my website, http://www.obrienguitars.com/videos , LMI's website or on youtube.
Enjoy!

Thanks for the tips!!!!

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MK5acoustics.com

Great video. Just what I was looking for! Thanks Robbie.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Interesting. I was doing something not too distant from that method only yesterday. I sanded an actual Back and then rubbed the sanding dust into the pores using my fingers. I then brushed on a coat of Shellac, going across the grain. Of course it didn't fill them in one go but I was surprised at how effective it was. The colour match (I used a dark seedlac,on Walnut) was as good as it gets. Your method might be more efficient. I'll try it!

I've just tried this on scrap wood. I don't have a belt sander so I had to use 120G by hand. It's has to be the most painless pore filling method known to man and health wise relatively benign. I can always buy a cheap belt sander and do the sanding out of doors.

Yup, two big thumbs up to Robbie.

I've been filling pores this way for a while. Haven't had any problems with it. I just use Zinsser Seal Coat right out of the can.

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George :-)

Thanks Robbie!

Thanks Robbie!
Dan

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Thanks Robbie.....great timing.....

I've thought about doing this many times but was scared the slurry will shrink over time and show the pores... I bet that using a thin cut so that there's actually very little shellac in the pores is key.

It took a while to find the video... it didn't appear in the post. It's under Mailbag....

I wonder about a variation to this method: In the past I had compatibility issue between shellac and lacquer (the lacquer would not stick well to the shellac undercoat, leading to finish peeling) so what about using very thin lacquer solution (or whatever finishing material you use, like EM6000) for the pore fill instead of shellac?

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I am really new to trying to do a serious finish. But I took an idea from a YouTube video: My first coat of poly I rubbed in with 400 or 600 sandpaper, creating the slurry. The matte poly finish does have some artifacts, but I think they are due to my sanding. I was surprised how smooth feeling the end result was, almost like glass. This was on spruce and pine which probably didn't really need it.

I am using this process on a Mahogany / Walnut solid body.
So far, this is working like a charm!
Mahogany was filled with three applications, Walnut is taking a bit more.
I apply it and then sand until I'm left with shiny grain showing, and repeat.
I don't want the slurry to cloud the overall look.
I should be able to start lacquer spraying tomorrow.

Question: is there any point to spraying a vinyl sealer next, or just go straight to lacquer?

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According to a recent conversation I had with the Mohawk Finishes tech, you don't ever have to use sealer if you don't want to. It is mostly for sanding ease, according to him.

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It will probably be alright.

Thanks Greg!
I'm using Behlen which I believe is a Mohawk finish.
The shellac is really making the figure pop. I think it will look great under lacquer.
Dan

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Outstanding, Robbie. Thank you!

You are quite welcome. Enjoy.

Thought I'd share result of shellac-dust filler.
The dark pores add contrast.
Fantastic!
Dan

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Dan, that looks fantastic!!!

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Thanks Robbie. I've always been a little suspect of the bond between fillers and finish but I know the bond between shellac and any finish is good. The process looks a little therapeutic also which is always good.