Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Mar 23, 2012 02:59pm | #1

   Repair

   Working on top of a finish is the hardest way to learn touch up.  Without seeing what you're up against =

   I would do a burn in with a back ground color than with pigments - draw in the knot that was there to hide the defect. Can you post a photo ?

   SA

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 23, 2012 04:53pm | #2

   Let me try again, the stupid anti-spam filter canceled my first reply, for what ever reason some silly programmer thought might indicate spam.  I haven't a clue, since no brand name products were mentioned, nor was there a link.  I'll try again. 

   First, Westchester is right that touching up with the finish already in place is challenging.  On the other hand, short of avoiding the tearout to begin with, or replacing the damaged board before the glue up, it is necessary to have completed both the color stages in the finishing schedule, and at least one coat of the final top coat.  Only then do you really know what colors and grain effects will you have to match. 

   You do need to assume that you will have to put at least one more coat of finish over your repairs, especially since you used a satin finish.  Matching the sheen of the top coat with a repair is more than just difficult. 

   You will need to fill the divot with something like burn-in shellac or lacquer.  If it is small you might even use a wax filler.  But one filler, by itself will not ever match or make the damage disappear.  Look closely at the surface.  There are almost always a multitude of shades and tints.  Choose the filler material to match the lightest tone you fine in the surrounding area.  Then look at the texture.  If the pores weren't fully filled, then you will need to simulate the dimples caused by the pores.  A heated pin, and a deft hand can to this.  Then you need to correct for the overly monotone colors by "painting" on some pigment.  I usually mix this dry pigment with shellac because that makes it easily reversible if I don't get it looking right the first time.  Continue grain lines, match different shades.  If there is a knot, then just make it a more solid tight looking knot. 

   Then after you get the artistic work done and cured, apply your final coat or two of the final finishing material. 

   Also remember, that you will see the defect long after anyone else won't have a clue that it was there. 

2. 
   ncvol | Mar 23, 2012 04:56pm | #3

   Here is a picture that shows the problem.

   Thanks

   
1. 
   Westchester | Mar 24, 2012 07:51am | #4

   Picture

   You can definitely improve this blemish.  Looking at the photo ( a little glaring from the flash or ceiling light  )  it appears the exact grain can be seen below when looking into the damage.  There are transparent burn in sticks available.  Another technique is to add a small amount of gold burn in stick to the transparent stick while it's hot on the iron - this may get you to where you want to be - 

   Drip it in off the iron - lightly press down with your finger to lock it in place - pull the iron across the filler using burn in balm to level and remove excess filler - be careful not to harm the finish around the repaired area - finally draw in some grain across the repair - maybe even draw in the knot again.  Look on the Mohawk site - they have directions for the products they sell - research on line "burn in repairs" - hope this helps - repairs do take time to learn so practice on scrap -

   SA