[OldRestorer]

Today was  Grain filling day! 
Grainfilled most of the cabinets that did not need repairs.


Grain filling:
I am grain filling some cabinets today and if you dont do it....
You are either doing 10x the work To attain that factory correct finish or are not getting it..
First picture is a radio I did many years ago without grain filler..
Second was the redo..
The rest of the pictures are before and after grain filling or side by side to show the difference...

How I do it is to first mix the H**l out of the grain filler. When you buy it, it will usually be a rock under some thinner in the can.
It must be mixed to a batter consistency. I add mineral spirits whe it is a shallow grain or if it is sunny out to prevent premature hardening...
Apply with a credit card or plastic putty knife if you dont have any sort of card.. Casino cards work well, lol
I scrape the grains in an X pattern across the grains. I never scrape with the grains or strait across. You must fill all the grains and WEAR GLOVES.. It absorbs into your skin!
You may have to apply multiple times. It depends on the grain depth. 
I am using Medium walnut on these as the toner that I will use will be medium walnut and darker. There are different colors. I only have medium and light walnut.
If you are toning a radio that should be light then you should use Sanding sealer. easily bought at home depot. This will prevent the grain filler from staining the veneer.
I have a different method from others for wiping off the filler. They say to use burlap and rub it hard in circles over the veneer. I feel the rough fabric creates grooves in the grains. I personally find it much easier to fill the grains by using one finger in a plastic glove, covered with a sheet or pillow case material and working it in nice and tight going in circles... 
If you do it right then you will tone on a mirror flat surface and use less clear when finishing. It will create 10X less sanding too. If you apply clear right, there can be no sanding but it starts with grain filling
There are many videos online for this so google it if you need a visual. 
Here are the pictures: They are not great but you can see the open grains and the the flat surface..


Tomorrow I will smooth everything, clean the cracks and corners, Possibly do some more grain filling on one or 2 and then tape and TONE!


Me