Replies

1. 
   bodybasher | Aug 18, 2005 08:53am | #1

   I have wiped on a solution of shellac flakes dissolved in methylated spirits onto the endgrain only. This seems to seal the pores very well and inhibits the endgrain from becoming too dark.

   Cheers from Oz

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Aug 18, 2005 05:48pm | #2

   There are a number of strategies. The easiest is to super sand the endgrain with paper at least one grit higher than you do the rest of the board. Your objective is to burnish the wood so sand until your hand falls off and then sand some more.

   Another stategy is to use a thinned version of your clear finish or a 1# cut of shellac. Apply it, let it dry and then lightly sand it with 320 paper.

   To see which one does what you want the best, test them out on some scrap wood. Don't be surprised.

   Howie.........
1. 
   flglide65 | Aug 18, 2005 09:54pm | #3

   Thanks for the feedback. I have also been experimenting with glue sizing and MinWax's wood conditioner. I'll try shellac next.

1. 
   SgianDubh | Aug 18, 2005 10:57pm | #4

   In addition to the suggestions made earlier you can use the medium that carries the stain as a blocker.

   For instance, if the stain is carried in white (mineral) spirits, i.e., oil based,  flood the end grain with this stuff prior to staining. Similarly if the stain (or dye) is dissolved in alcohol or water, use this carrier to flood the end grain prior to applying the dye or stain.

   The idea is that the already flooded open pores of the material reduces absorption of the colourant. It's essentially the same principle that others have mentioned using a polish such as shellac, and hide glue too can be used in a similar manner if it hasn't been mentioned before.

   As others have mentioned, experiment on scrap first to see what end result you will achieve. Slainte. RJFurniture

3. 
   forestgirl | Aug 19, 2005 02:57am | #5

   This won't help with your table, since it's already made, but when I'm cutting for exposed end-grain, I use the Freud Ultimate Cut-Off blade (LU85).  It burnishes the wood as it's cut and leaves the end grain downright shiny!  A quick wipe with thinned shellac, very light application, and it's ready to stain.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 21, 2005 07:19pm | #6

   What is wrong with End Grain?
   It is wood and what it is!

5. 
   Paul_Snyder | Aug 21, 2005 08:02pm | #7

   I like to use a coat of thinned finish, called a washcoat. Shellac is a good choice for this. Read more at this link - Washcoat

   Paul
   http://www.finishwiz.com

1. 
   flglide65 | Aug 22, 2005 08:14am | #8

   Thanks for the tip. I have been experimenting with glue size & shellac. I didn't know it was called a wash coat.

   I have been have some good results with a glue size wash coat, and I am now experimenting to get the right ratio. The link gave me some good insight into this so maybe it won't be so much trial and error.

   Thanks everyone for your input. I'll post pictures when the table is done.