I've stopped using grain filler on oak and my work looks better now

For years I filled every oak piece, thinking it was the 'right' way. Then I saw a 1920s mission oak dresser in a St. Louis antique shop that was never filled, and the open grain had aged into this beautiful, deep texture. I left the grain open on a white oak table I refinished 6 months ago, and the client just sent me a photo showing how the light catches the pores perfectly. Am I the only one who thinks we overfill oak sometimes?

2 comments

2 Comments

jenniferlane1d ago

I get what you're saying, but for a lot of my clients, a super smooth finish is the whole goal. I just finished a modern oak desk where the filler gave it that sleek, polished feel they wanted. Without it, the surface would have felt too rough for writing on. That open grain look is cool in some settings, but it doesn't fit every style.

oscar_hall601d ago

Yeah the filler can make it look sort of plastic sometimes. Maybe it's just me but that open grain feels more real, like you can see the wood's history.