[Geoff]

I applied grain filler to the sides and top today. I decided not tu use sanding sealer first. That Pore-O-Pac grain filler was really something elese. What a mess! The Behlen video on YouTube makes it look so easy when it shows them stirring the contents in the can. For me, the solids were really SOLID. I tried stirring, and stirring, and stirring but I could not get it to mix well with the the liquid that was in the can. I ended up just scooping out some of the stuff and placing it in a cup and then adding mineral spirits and mixing until I got the consistency I wanted. I think I actually made it a little too thick because it started to dry as soon as I applied it. A few strokes with the paint brush on the cabinet and it started to become almost unworkable. Next time I'll make it a bit thinner. I then scraped off the residue with a plastic putty knife that had a nice straight edge and let it set up for a little bit and then wiped the cabinet down with burlap that I bought at Jo-Ann fabrics.

Anyway, here are the results on top. Here is a photo witht the flash on:

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/065.jpg]

Here is one with the flash off:

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/064.jpg]

Here are the rest:

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/066.jpg]

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/077.jpg]

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/078.jpg]


I did find a spot where the grain did not fill all the way:

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/079.jpg]

My plan now is to let this dry overnight and then lightly sand. I would like to use 320 grit but I'm all out. All I have is 500. Anyone see any issues with using 500? Once sanded I plan on applying another coat of grain filler, but this time with a little thinner mixture.

Should I grain fill the columns as well? I think this is a harder wood and doesn't have an open grain but would like to know what others would do. Once the sides and top (and maybe columns) are done I plan on masking things off so I can hit the front with a coat of sanding sealer, then lightly sand, then grain fill the front.

And by the way, don't use a plastic cup when mixing the filler. I used one of those red Solo cups and the bottom dissolved.. I should have known better...

[Image: http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m533...40/080.jpg]

- Geoff