Jack Medure Posted January 23, 2012 Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 i been working the finishing a oak table top, ran into a few issues but got most of them worked out. The grain structure of the oak has very large and porous patterns. I have concerns that over time the table will suck in every bit of liquid that comes in contact with it so i would like to fill the pores. It has a base coat of danish oil and about 5 coats of arm-a-seal satin. Can i still fill the pores and what is the best way? Here is a pic of the wood, you can see the pore ponds! Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulMarcel Posted January 23, 2012 Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 Use Aqua Coat clear grain filler; it is a water-based grain filler you use after some coats of finish. Once applied, sand it back lightly and apply some more top coats to finish the sandwich. Coincidentally, last week I did a review of it. My thumbs wish I knew about it before I started my sculpted mahogany vanity... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted January 23, 2012 Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 Kind of surprised the Arm-R-Seal isn't filling in the grain some at 5 coats. Are you wiping it back after you apply? Did you thin the product some? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Medure Posted January 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 I will check out the aqua seal. I applied thin coats wiping it on then dragging the wet cloth over it one time. The grain is still pretty porous. I'm just worried over time liquids will get in and cause problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Medure Posted January 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 When i get back to the shop I will take a picture trying to capture the detail of the grain. I worked with oak a lot and never had concerns but these were pretty big boards and the grain is really deep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted January 23, 2012 Report Share Posted January 23, 2012 Arm-R-Seal has high solids. So by applying in many thin coats, you will have to apply more coats to get a nice film build and protection. I use a folded cotton rag. Dip in the finish full strength. Apply a nice wet coat and don’t over work the finish. Work a wet edge. Once dry, apply a second coat in the same manner. Once that is dry, block sand with some 600-grit sandpaper to level your finish. Careful not to sand through your finish and stay off your edges. By block sanding the finish, you’re removing about a layer of finish cutting it back some. So the grain pockets are filling and remain untouched from the sanding. You can keep repeating this process till your grain is filled to your liking. If I remember...General Finishes recommends about 3 good coats as a final thickness. I’m not sure if the Aqua Coat is compatible with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal and may cause adhesion issues. Perhaps you should contact General Finishes for any compatibility issues! Maybe Paul has addressed that in his review? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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