Is This Open-Grained Wood?

Hi Eric,

I have seen a reference about kempas that says it needs to be filled before finishing. It really is a matter of personal choice. If you want a “smooth as glass” finish then it needs to be filled. But if this really isn’t important for your work then the piece can be finished without filling.

The only real challenge that this presents is that oak, for instance, with its open grain can introduce air bubbles into the finish from the air trapped within its grain when using poly as a finish coat. But multiple layers of finish with light sanding between applications can usually resolve this issue.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.