Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 29, 2009 09:28pm | #1

   While if any finish would adhere to the wax, it would be shellac, it's not recommended at all.  Wax for filling imperfections is used AFTER finishing, and then only for very small dings.  For anything of any substance  you would want a harder, more durable filler.  The only filler for before finishing use is slivers cut from the same wood, with the grain oriented the same as the surrounding wood. 

   Otherwise, the time to fix imperfections is after the staining and first coat of the top coat has been applied.  Then fillers can be color matched to the final appearance.  This is where shellac or lacquer "burn-in" sticks come in, or where other fillers can be tinted and applied. 

   The other thing to mention is that on items being finished for the first time, there should be very, very few dings to be filled.  Also be aware that dent, that haven't broken the wood fibers can be steamed flush to the surface, eliminating the need for filling. 

1. 
   TEXAS70 | Mar 30, 2009 03:59am | #2

   Thanks Steve. Just a clarification. I applied tung oil first and let it dry. I then applied shellac. Then I would put on the wax and then put on a finish coat of shellac. Does this alter your suggestion?

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 30, 2009 04:28am | #3

   Not really.  The shellac is hard, the wax soft, and I would expect the shellac over wax to crack under any sort of impact.  Wax filler sticks are made to use on top of the finish for that reason. 

2. 
   joinerswork | Mar 30, 2009 04:46am | #4

   Hi Steve,

   I've had good luck using burn in sticks or stick shellac, before any finishing.  As long as you know what color the finish will be, and choose accordingly.  This eliminates the problems associated with cutting thru the color coats when levelling the burn in sticks.

   Only problem I've had is in some instances, Minwax Antique oil will leach out the color from darker shellac sticks.  I prevent this by painting the repair with a dot of shellac to seal it off from the oil's solvents.

   Ray

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 30, 2009 01:54pm | #5

   Yes, when the finishing schedule is well worked out they can work fine that way.  But only with the harder burn-in sticks, not with soft wax sticks.  I don't think all that many folks have the schedule well enough worked out to carry that off.  Another reason for always making test boards on any new finish.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 30, 2009 08:16pm | #6

   I use sawdust out of the vacuum and mix with the shellac!

3. 
   sapwood | Mar 30, 2009 08:57pm | #7

   As Steve has said, you are better off using the burn-in type of stick filler under any type of finish. I used to use the soft wax stick to fill small holes, checks, and whatnot after I completed the finish. I was never truly happy with the outcome as I found that the wax application (from the filler) would alter the sheen enough to draw attention to the repair spot. Nowadays I usually apply the first or first two coats of finish then use hard burn-in sticks then apply the final coats of finish. This way I can match the color of the fill to what's actually there in the wood, and I can be assured of an even sheen after the final coat of finish.

   A tip: The success of a fill job relies on how well you can match the varying color/texture of the surrounding wood. Seldom will any significant area of any board be completely any one color. So to hide the fill one must use two or even three colors in each ding, hole, or timid joint. Also if it is a round hole that needs filling, such as a nail hole, don't be afraid to alter it a bit to an odd triangle shape. Roundness more than anything shouts out.... "Hey look at me!'