Review on 🌊 Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler - Clear Gel, Water-Based, Low Odor, Fast Drying, Non-Toxic, Environmentally Friendly (Pint) by Tony Conlon

This product gives a perfectly clear putty on open pore woods such as oak, walnut, ash, hickory etc. However, it requires little skill and an adequate technique for its use (like all grain fillers), so I'm not surprised that some people are giving this product poor ratings, given the inability to simply open a can and get it to create flat surfaces on its own. . How to use this product: 1. Prepare the surface by sanding (up to 220) or planing2. Apply Aqua Coat with a plastic card, making sure to press it deep into the pores of the wood.3. Slightly scrape the top of the plastic card to remove excess material. Be careful when doing this, you want to try to do it in one go and you don't want to press too hard as you may pull the grain filler back out of the pore.4. Wait 45 minutes, wipe away any missed lumps with a paper towel, then lightly sand the part with 2205 grit sandpaper. Repeat this process until the pores are completely filled. There is no "fixed" number of recommended layers for this, you must individually assess how many layers are required. Continue until you can scratch the entire board with your fingernail and it doesn't catch on a pore. Apply a top coat of your choice. If you're concerned about how an oil-based polish will adhere properly, apply a coat or two of dewaxed shellac to it first. I like this product because it keeps my pores deep after drying. This gives projects a 3D look instead of coming out flat which can happen when using wet sanding + grit oil methods.