Had a recommendation to use a filler that has Silex (ground quartz?) and the local places look at me oddly. Not finding much on the internet, anyone have any brand recommendations?
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Isn't ground quartz beach sand? Why would you want that in a grain filler in wood? I'm asking because I don't understand why that would be recommended.
My understanding based off of the above is the silex would eliminate shrinkage while maximizing stability especially for woods like limba.
Okay, sand is certainly stable with time and temperature change. I like marine epoxy for filling grain, because it always stays a little flexible. It can move when the wood expands and contracts. That's why it's used on boats.
I read Terry's post and I have to disagree with him. I've also been painting instruments for many years, and West Systems epoxy is my preferred grain filler, because it's stable and doesn't shrink back from time and weather. And, yes, I have instruments here with epoxy filler that are 25+ years old. And several test pieces that I hung outdoors in CA sun for two years. I have real experience and testing.
I read Terry's post and I have to disagree with him. I've also been painting instruments for many years, and West Systems epoxy is my preferred grain filler, because it's stable and doesn't shrink back from time and weather. And, yes, I have instruments here with epoxy filler that are 25+ years old. And several test pieces that I hung outdoors in CA sun for two years. I have real experience and testing.
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Appreciate your feedback. I am in MI and the weather variance can be hard on wood. I have seen many others recommend that product for similar reasons. I have a limba V that I am debating about redoing the finish. A 335 archtop and a Fenderbacker body that I will begin working with so thanks for the info.
