Official Luthiers Forum!

I was just wondering if anyone was fininshing their guitars without using any pore filler at all ? is there any reason not too do so, besides getting a more ' primitive look ? thanks Jody

A lot of closed pore woods do not, or hardly, require pore filler. Pau rosa, bloodwood, ziricote, ebony are among those.
You could fill all pores with finish with multiple coats, and sanding in between, although only oil varnish (and perhaps the new poly/urethane finishes) tends not to shrink and expose the pores again.
IMHO no pore filling only looks good with a wiped oil finish. A satin finish will still have the pores look shiny, which doesn't look too hot, and a buffed finish will look awful with the pores apparent.

_________________
Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

finishing is an art. I have not seen a guitar finised without filling that needed pore fill that looked good. Most closed pore woods will do well with just sealer coats. Hog Most rosewoods , will require filling , it is just part of the process for a good result. If the base of the finish is not flat you won't get a god finish surface.
john hall

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it