Ben's RCA-4 Build

**BJMtz** · 22-06-2018, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by blinddrew

That'a a really nice consistent grain across the front. What's the plan?

The plan is a natural finish. I'm still debating on the tint I want it to be. I'm leaning towards a finish like the Ric that's on the first page of this thread. Something light. But I also like a dark stained wood.

I'm definitely shopping for a different bridge. I don't want to spend $130 on a Ric replacement so I'm looking at other options.

**BJMtz** · 22-06-2018, 12:14 AM

Anyone know of a good grain filler that's available in the states? I want a smooth finish so if I need to grain fill I will.

**wazkelly** · 22-06-2018, 08:26 AM

Not sure if you can get timber mate over there but it is really easy stuff to work with and comes in 'natural' and various other pre tinted colours.
The natural is more of an off white shade with more grey than brown tones if that makes sense. Best part is if you do a coloured stain the natural just soaks it up and blends in. Sometimes not what you want if trying to pop the grain with a contrasting colour.
Cheers, Waz

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**BJMtz** · 22-06-2018, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by wazkelly

Not sure if you can get timber mate over there but it is really easy stuff to work with and comes in 'natural' and various other pre tinted colours.
The natural is more of an off white shade with more grey than brown tones if that makes sense. Best part is if you do a coloured stain the natural just soaks it up and blends in. Sometimes not what you want if trying to pop the grain with a contrasting colour.
Cheers, Waz

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

I can get it through amazon. Stew Mac also sells a grain fill that closely resembles timbermate. I have read some comments that a water based grain filler like timbermate won’t take an oil based poly top coat. Do you know if that’s true?

**wazkelly** · 24-06-2018, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by BJMtz

I can get it through amazon. Stew Mac also sells a grain fill that closely resembles timbermate. I have read some comments that a water based grain filler like timbermate won’t take an oil based poly top coat. Do you know if that’s true?

I use Tru Oil all the time and no problems with it going down on top of water based Timber Mate or water based stains either.

**Simon Barden** · 24-06-2018, 05:28 PM

Others here have used poly finishes on top of Timbermate without any issues. Providing the Timbermate is given time to fully dry out, then I can see no reason for it to work. Only if you try and put a finish on too soon, so there's moisture trapped under the poly are you likely to have issues.

I'd always give a grain filler at least 24 hours to dry before attempting any sanding back, longer if it's been thickly applied in order to fill big gapes or holes, and I'd still wait a day or two after that before applying a finish.

If it's very cold or very humid, then the Timbermate will take longer to dry out, but most finishes don't like being applied in those conditions anyway, so better to wait until it's warmer and/or less humid.

**BJMtz** · 24-06-2018, 11:14 PM

Thanks guys, I ordered a jar of natural timbermate. The middle of summer in Arizona will provide no problems for it drying out quickly.

Right now I'm sanding the body in preparation for the filler. I've sanded with 120 but will be going up to 320 when I get my shipment with paper in. Is sanding to 320 then grain filling the right process? What should I start sanding with after and to what grit after the grain filling is done?