Bill,
This is a subject I’ve been struggling with.
I see the same issue with sanding in finish to fill the grain. What you say about coloring the finish and over lay of stain is also true and I’ve used the process. But, I feel using that method does not give me the same results as what the stains applied before any finish. It seems more muddied. I’ve been using some highly figured black walnut with large pores that are tough to fill. I’ve had good results sanding finish in but loose any color I add and end up with more of a natural wood color. I would realy like to fill the grain first, sand, stain and then finish, but filling and not sealing the wood, somewhat anyway, has been an issue and the wood does not take the stain as raw wood does. I’m seeing talc, plaster of paris and rotten stone used as fillers. The rotten stone might be a little tough on checkering tools but I’m really curious if anyone uses any of these. I’m especially curious about the plaster of paris becuase I could add color to it, and I’m thinking it may not impede the absorption of any additional color I appliy. Been using alkenet with fairly good results in the finish, but I’m still not getting colors that I’m looking for.
Bob
