This viewer question comes from Chip who asks:
“In your finish video, you show how to fill the pores on an open grain wood like oak. Is this a required step, or is it an aesthetic decision? In other words, what happens if I don’t fill the pores?”
And my reply was:
Grain filling oak is both aesthetic and functional, but not necessary. If you plan on using the table as a writing surface, the pen or pencil could get caught in the grain. You probably shouldn’t write directly on the wood anyway, but its something to think about. Also, I find pores make the surface harder to clean/dust.
So filling provides you with a nice smooth surface that wont be susceptible to the above situations. It also provides aesthetics. If you plan on going with a high gloss finish, you definitely want to fill the pores. High gloss on non-filled pores just looks…..wrong. I don’t know how else to explain it. The pores interrupt the surface, and a clean, flat, blemish-free surface is required for a true gloss.
Now keep in mind that filling the pores can give the surface a very “unnatural” look. Some like it, some don’t. So my rule of thumb is if I am going gloss, I fill the pores. Otherwise, I like the more natural look. Hope this helps.
3 Responses to “Is Grain Filling Necessary?”
And when exactly is the last time you cleaned and dusted furniture?
In picture 2-4 and others the dust pickup is several inches away from the router bit – why? I’d think that it should be even with the back of the bit at least, if not half surrounding it. Remember the problem is it’s the invisible sawdust that is dangerous to your lungs, not what you can sweep up (have you read Bill Pentz’s site? http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm).
In a class environment, its not always feasible to get things set up the way we might have them in our own shops. Since there are so many people all at different stages of the project, its a good idea to wear a dust mask the entire time you are in the shop. Its just the nature of the situation. And yes I am aware of Pentz’s site. I have his link on our Links page and I even use a cyclone that is built from his design.