My first kit build - GS-7Q

[Eric67]

Hi Theorn,
I did grain-fill the top too, first to fill the wood fibers to minimize the quantity of poly absorbed, and second to bring the quilted maple to pop up. I simply added some black tint in the wood filler which was also thinned with water to be easier to apply. After that I did a light sanding (beware of the very thin veneer while doing this). I am a beginner also, so I was just experimenting with some of the stuff I have seen.

Hello Eric,
I have the exact same kit and am still in the process of choosing finishing materials. At the moment I have only a white stain that I had mixed for me to use to create a whitewash for a burst effect.
I really want to bring out the quilted maple. I am completely unfamiliar with staining wood, beyond basic furniture or decking. What materials and steps do you recommend to get that grain to pop as you have. I was under the impression that maple didn't require a grain filler.
Thanks in advance for ANY advice that you care to offer.
Cheers!

[Theorn]

Hi Theorn,
I did grain-fill the top too, first to fill the wood fibers to minimize the quantity of poly absorbed, and second to bring the quilted maple to pop up. I simply added some black tint in the wood filler which was also thinned with water to be easier to apply. After that I did a light sanding (beware of the very thin veneer while doing this). I am a beginner also, so I was just experimenting with some of the stuff I have seen.

I'll use a grain filler for the back but I think that I'll skip it for the maple veneer. My big question at this stage is, Should I use black pigment to accent the maple top before going back with my white stain. I want the finished result to be a white washed center burst with black/grey stain around the edges and back.
Thanks for the tips. You've definitely helped to steer me in the right direction. Picking up a piece of quilted maple to test different options seems like the way to approach this for sure.