Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 06, 2007 03:58am | #1

   The filler is needed if you want to fill all the pores so you get a "glass smooth" (nearly) surface.  Behlen Pore O Pac is one.  Woodcraft sells it, and a lot of other on-line places.  Bartley also makes one (check out http://www.homesteadfinishing.com ) for some good info on it.  Benjamin Moore also makes a Wood Grain Filler--probably a good Benjamin Moore store will have it, or will be able to get it. 

   These can be tinted your self with either oil paint or japan colors, or most can be purchased with a dark tint.  The Benjamin Moore dealer also could add the proper tint on their brand.  On a dark wood like walnut tinting is quite desirable.  On bare wood the filler acts as a stain as well as filler, over a wash coat of sealer, such as dewaxed shellac, it lodges in the pores and quite a bit less on the surfaces between pores. 

   Sometimes you want to stain or dye the wood first, then use the wash coat sealer, and put the filler over it.  In this case the filler can be of a contrasting color to the first stain, either a bit lighter or darker, or altogether different (for special effects.)

   Follow manufacturer's directions except that they often don't suggest thinning enough.  I like thinning to the consistence of very heavy cream because that's how I learned, some use it heavier.  It is brushed on--a cheap "chip brush" is just fine, and then after it starts to get "hazy" it is wiped off across the grain.  A old credit card is helpful, and the traditional recommendation is coarse burlap. 

   Manufacturer's also don't always tell you to wait long enough after the filler has been applied.  Some tell you silly things like recommending the top coat after 24 hours drying.  I'd put 72 hours as minimum, with good drying conditions, and a week won't hurt you.  (The penalty for being impatient may not appear for months, and if it does it is nasty--the pores can turn greyish white.  The only remedy I know for that is stripping and starting over.)  DAMHIKT.   

1. 
   baker_p | Jun 09, 2007 05:08am | #4

   Steve the homestead site is great. Needless to say I'm new at this. When you say to thin out the filler what do you use to thin it out and how do you do it.

   Edited 6/8/2007 10:09 pm ET by baker_p

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 11, 2007 01:55am | #5

   naptha or mineral spirits will work fine to fill oil based fillers.  It's just a matter of stirring the filler well, removing some of it to a working container and stirring in the paint thinner. 

2. 
   Gretchen | Jun 06, 2007 04:50pm | #2

   As Steve said, IF you want a glass smooth top, use wood filler. It isn't "required".

   Is this an old piece?

   Gretchen
1. 
   baker_p | Jun 07, 2007 05:22am | #3

   The desk is about fifty years old. Thanks for everbodys help. I will have to find a Benjamin Moore dealer which shouldn't be to hard. The person that told me what to use and how to do it just rubbed the filler in with his fingers.

   Steve the homestead site is great. Needless to say I'm new at this. When you say to thin out the filler what do you use to thin it out?

   Edited 6/6/2007 10:55 pm ET by baker_p