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I am currently doing a french polish on some white oak. I used a grain filler before I started but it didn't result in a perfectly smooth surface. I did quite a few bodying sessions and still have some little things that need filled. I was reading a french polish tutorial and I thought I would try the pumice method of grain filling. Only thing is, what I have read said to do the grain fill after a few spit coats. I already have most of the build on the body and I was wondering if that method would still work.

Probably not ideal but I think you can. Just use pumice and alcohol so you are reworking the existing shellac build.

I like Z-poxy as a pore filler under french polish. I usually sand back to wood but I have also used a thinned continuous coat on test pieces and it seemed to work fine.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

I thought about using zpoxy or something like that, but the pores on this oak are huge. I used crystallac clear grain filler because I wanted a more natural look.

Hi, Evan. I don't know how to best advise you at this point, but others will help you. I'm just encouraging you for your next effort--and also encouraging others who might be lurking and pondering this step of the process. Pore filling by any method can be a little tedious and often requires a second application a day or so after the first. Oak can be especially challenging, as you've discovered. But a smooth, filled, flat surface is definitely achievable with a little patience. Next time you're filling pores, try this: After the first application is sanded back, sweep the surface free of dust and wash it with naphtha or mineral spirits and examine it carefully under a strong light. Loose sanding dust can often rest in open or partially-filled pores and trick you, so it's important to get all the loose stuff cleaned off. If pores are still showing as low spots, the filler has either shrunk while drying or was pulled out of the pores as you worked. It's common for either of these things to happen. Just go over it again with a second application of filler and repeat the examination process. On extremely porous woods, you might even need a third pass, but stay patient. It's not difficult, but it can be a little tedious and messy. Oak can be beautiful, and it really says "thank you" once the pores are filled and it's gleaming under a nice smooth finish. Best of luck to you.
Patrick

The french polish tutorial I learned from says you can pumice at anytime, well at least any time after a few spit coats.

http://www.milburnguitars.com/frenchpolish.html

FWIW they suggest using 5 minute epoxy. I use egg whites.

You can, absolutely, pumice fill anytime during a FP finish. Due to my impatience, I have had to finish pore filling well after I was into the bodying sessions. Works fine; it's just slow.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I like system 3 epoxy under a FP. Seems to toughen it up a bit. If you use the silica powder added in it filsl pretty quick. 2 coats usually does rosewood or mahogany, might need 3 on oak.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks for the tips guys. I've been experimenting with different grain fillers on all the guitars I've done so far. On the next couple I want to try egg whites and drywall compound.