Which comes first, Sandin Sealer or Pore Filler ?

Hey guys,


I've built many Tele's, but am always looking for more tips and ideas o get even better !


I've used pore filler many times on Swamp Ash, and had somewhat good luck with getting a SMOOTH finish. . . . but i'm reading that some people like to use Sanding Sealer with Pore Filler.

Any ideas on which would come first between the two ?!?! I would guess the pore filler. . . . and maybe this two together idea isn't all that great.

WOULD LOVE THE FEEDBACK PLEASE !

Thanks

I haven't used ash yet, though I got some recently. I usually seal with a coat of shellac before gain filler, then (but not always) sanding sealer before top coats. I've also filled the grain with epoxy using an old credit card to scrape it across the grain. That worked well. Like yourself, I'm always open to new advice.

First thing I always do is apply a washcoat of sealer to seal the wood unless I'm applying a stain.

I always put on a coat of sanding sealer before pore filing to protect the natural color of the wood even when shooting any translucent color like Mary Kaye white, Blonde or Butter Scotch Blonde. The slurry that you create when the pore filer is wet can stain the wood if unprotected after you scrape and sand away the excess pore filer off the body.

I've been experimenting with Timbermate filler on scrap ash.

Sealer, then filler with the excess scraped away, another coat of lacquer, then sanding is working OK so far. My reasoning is that the 2nd coat of sealer will help keep the filler in the pores.

The only time I've used sanding sealer I used it after the color coats were finished, which
meant after the filler. Normally, however, I skip the sealer altogether and let the lacquer
do the job.

The last 2 times I used filler it was Timbermate and I used it before the sealer. Not saying it correct, but it did leave a very smooth surface after sanding. I also feel the water based Timbermate raised the grain which contributed to the smooth surface.

Thanks for the feedback guys ! It all helped alot !