First build finishing questions

[CodyPenland]

So when finishing my first walnut/spruce build can I pore fill the binding? The binding is Indian rosewood and contrast very well. I guess all finishing tips for the entire guitar would be welcomed!! I'll post pictures tomorrow!!!

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by CodyPenland

So when finishing my first walnut/spruce build can I pore fill the binding?

Yes, if a filled grain is the look/feel you want.

[B. Howard]

Yes it can be pore filled. What method of filling and finish will you be using as some will look better than others in the end.

[CodyPenland]

Originally Posted by B. Howard

Yes it can be pore filled. What method of filling and finish will you be using as some will look better than others in the end.

As far as that....Still researching and open to options and opinions. I was going to use a grain filler (walnut color) then use Behlen Instrument finish. If there are other better options....I will consider them!

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by CodyPenland

As far as that....Still researching and open to options and opinions. I was going to use a grain filler (walnut color) then use Behlen Instrument finish. If there are other better options....I will consider them!

Your choice of grain filler should be fine and is probably one of the easier (easiest?) options available. Some people fill will epoxy or CA glue, and then again pumice and shellac can be used for a perfect color match, but these methods can be much more challenging.

[B. Howard]

I think I would go with a black paste fill for that combo of wood, the walnut may look a bit light in the pores of the rosewood. You will need to put down a sealer prior to the pore fill and then another coat of sealer over it. Some of the other methods that Ned mentioned like a shellac/pumice fill can look really messy when trying to fill different species of wood side by side.

[H165]

"....and contrast very well"

Your nice contrast may be reduced with just about any dark filler. As noted above, seal first.