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Well wouldn't you know it. I finally found a pore filler (System 3 Silvertip) that I like with Enduro-Var finish and the inside of my forearms are breaking out in a rash.
Any body else have this happen and have you found an alternative pore filler that you like? I would prefer a pore filler that is clear and one that is compatible with Endurovar.
Thanks

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Formerly know as Mandodiddle.

I am allergic to epoxy and I will no longer use it regardless of how small the job and how much protection I think I have. Do not fool yourself by trying other brands and hoping they are not as bad. As far as pore filling, I expect other members will give you many alternatives. Good luck.

Depending on the wood, you might consider filling the pores with Endurovar. When brushed on it builds pretty quickly. Test it on scrap of the same wood you will be finishing.

It would be a shame if you had to stop using Silvertip. When do you get the rash? During application, during sanding, or both?

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Both

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Formerly know as Mandodiddle.

Mr. Higgs:

This is not medical advice, nor should it be interpreted as such.

My understanding is that there are highly qualified medical professionals specializing in the treatment of occupationally-related allergies. I would imagine that consultation with this type of medical provider might afford a person suffering symptoms of contact dermatitis with very specific and useful information regarding prevention and post-exposure care. I would also imagine that - knowing which component of the epoxy system in use provokes the response - a person might be better equipped to search out a replacement material.

Also keep in mind that some two-pack finishes as well as nut and saddle repair materials may contain dimethacrylate monomer (i.e., epoxy acrylate) or other compounds, diluents, or residual monomers commonly seen in epoxy formulations.

Good luck and stay healthy!

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We have become a civilization that elevates idiots, prostitutes, and clowns. Am I still to defend it? Yes, for its principles. Yes, for what it was. Yes, for what it still may be.

-Mark Helprin, The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story, A Love Story (A Novel)

Although exposed by skin contact, some of my encounters resulted in the offending chemicals passing into my blood stream and causing systemic reactions. Do not approach this as only a localized reaction. Next time it might be worse.

I bought some Aquacoat about a year ago and it's the best darn filler I've ever used. Easy peasy, water based, safe and dries fast and sands back well.

I do like to use CA as a filler too for many of the same reasons but it's not pleasant to work with too.

Someone said it once and I agree 100%, epoxy is good for boats

I know a lot of you out there use it to great success but I like that snarky comment

I'm also a fan of Aquacoat and prefer it over epoxy or oil-based fillers. Perhaps the OP might try this as an alternative.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Alternatives:

Pumice, shellac, and sawdust (too many debates about how important each is to the mix and how much of each is best, but those are the ingredients)

Egg whites and sawdust

Timbermate

AquaCoat

Drywall compound died darker than the wood it is filling

Sorry this happens to some people. Good luck with finding a replacement that works well for you.

Thanks everybody for the replies. Unfortunatly, I think my rash was a systemic response and not contact. I will probably have to avoid all epoxies in the future. The resin in System3 SilverTip contains bisphenol and I think this is the most common allergen.
I'll give the AquaCoat a try.
Bill

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Formerly know as Mandodiddle.

Make sure to keep AquaCoat away from koa and Tassie blackwood, unless you like green instruments.

After trying almost everything in general (I have not tried every brand of epoxy, for example) I've pretty much settled on the traditional French polish fill of pumice and shellac, with whatever wood dust gets generated in the process. Once you get some practice it can go pretty quickly, it's very durable and reliable, and so far as I know, nobody is allergic to shellac. From what I've read and seen, epoxy allergies are not something to mess with: after you've developed it the second time can kill.

Interesting. I am finishing a guitar right now with koa binding, head plate, etc. No green. Of coarse I always seal with shellac first.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Good point. Shellac may well be an adequate barrier against AquaCoat. I'd be inclined to give it more than a single thin wash coat. The culprit seems to be the water in the AquaCoat, as many have reported green stains when bending with water. Similarly, I've seen green turn up under water based finishes.

I always sand any pore filler back to wood. I think that is how aquacoat, unlike epoxy, is supposed to be used. That could have something to do with the green color too.

On the bare wood I use 2 coats of shellac, 2# cut, padded on. AquaCoat fill, sand it to wood, then another round of AquaCoat and sand back to wood finishing with 320. Then on to french polish.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"