I fixed it, but did I goof with the grain filler?

Working on my first build and wondering if I goofed up my application of grain filler (Using Lawrence MacFadden from StewMac)

Big question: are you supposed to be real aggressive with the scraping/ squeegying? I sort of used a credit card to squeegie and press the filler into the grain while removing the excess, however it ended up leaving a very thin layer which I didnt really notice until more than 24 hours later when I was ready to sand. It was a big mess to sand, and found it difficult to sand through the very thin layer of semi-hardened filler (maybe I should have let it sit for another day or so). Just looking for input from those who've been through this before... so I do better next time..

Thanks in advance!

You're not alone. There's a lot of work sanding back the filler after it dries. On the up side, you probably left enough on there so if it shrinks back the grain divots won't be that noticeable under the next coat of sealer. Had you squeegeed with something softer like a rubber squeegee you'd have pulled some of the filler out of the pores and you'd have to put on another application (don't ask me how I know that). You didn't mention if the filler went on bare wood (like Gibson does) or if you put down some sealer or "spit coat" first (like most of us do).

It might be time to try a cabinet scraper instead of sandpaper which is going to clog up from the filler.

I did put down a coat of sanding sealer first... Also, I ended up using a utility knife blade to scrape off portions of the body... Overall a lot of elbow grease but it worked well..

grain filling sucks

It might be time to try a cabinet scraper instead of sandpaper which is going to clog up from the filler.

+1. This tool works very well for this. Read up about how to sharpen on first.

When scraping off wet grain filler it is best NOT to scrape either with the grain OR across it. This may remove too much from the pores. Scrape diagonally, same as with tile grout. This way the scraper doesn't go down into the grain slits at all.

After dry, use a razor blade or utility knife blade to scrape the dried stuff on top away. Don't be afraid to use a few since they do dull.

Actually it sounds like you are in pretty good shape, just a bit of manual labor left to do.

Thanks for the replies... I do think I have the hang of it and will be better at it by the time body #2 is ready..