How to Use Grain Filler on Oak Cabinets Before Painting

Grain filler gives oak cabinets a smooth, glossy finish.

Grain filler, or wood filler, is a paste used prior to staining or painting some woods. It fills in the porous parts of the wood, allowing for a smooth finish. Oak, mahogany, ash, and walnut are woods that require a grain filler to achieve a glossy finish.

Things You'll Need

• Wood filler
• Trowel
• Sander
• Work gloves
• Burlap bag
• Safety glasses

Instructions

1. Sand the surface of the cabinet using a very fine grit sandpaper (#100 to #180 grit). Wipe it off and check for any imperfections that may need wood putty.

2. Apply matching wood putty to any obvious imperfections and let set. Lightly wipe off excess with a damp cloth and let set.

3. Apply the grain filler going both with and against the grain of the wood. Wipe off any excess and let the grain filler set for the recommended time.

4. Cut the burlap bag into strips a little wider than your hand and use these to buff the surface of the cabinet. Continue until you can run your hand across it and only feel a smooth surface.

5. Paint or stain the cabinet as desired. The result will be a glossy, smooth finish that will look very rich.

Tips & Warnings

• When sanding always start with the finer grit (#180 vs #100) and work your way up to coarser grit if necessary. Work the grain filler like you would drywall mud, in thin coats, removing excess as you go. The desired result is much the same as when working with drywall mud--a smooth, soft surface.

• Always wear safety goggles, gloves, a respirator and protective clothing when sanding, using grain filler, painting or staining.

References

• "Understanding Grain Fillers". Woodsmith (Des Moines, Iowa: August Home Publishing Co.: October, 2008
• Amateur Woodworker: "Filling wood grains with a paste wood filler"
• Finishes & Finishing Techniques: Taunton Press: 1999