One method of grain filling is, as Jerry Mayfield says, to use shellac. However when I need to fill grain I mix in some talc with the shellac. It is colourless in itself, so takes up the shellac and imparts a great glow.I have to admit shellac is my favourite finish.
I am a great believer in several thin coats rather than a few gloopy coats. This way it dries faster and I have no problems with streaks in the finish. Sorry I don't know about pound cuts. My simple method is the one an old antique finisher taught me back in the UK. Just put the flakes in a jar and just cover them with meth. If it's too thick just add more meth. When applying shellac I put down the first coat or two with a brush and I'm not over fussy about how it goes on. My brush is a cheap varnish brush. The purpose is to raise the grain. This I sand back and after that I do very little sanding. Also I'm not fussy about cleaning the surface of the work after the first sanding. A quick once over with the hand brush removes the very loose sanding debris. What's left happily sits in the pores. After all it is no more than a little wood dust and shellac. The first coats are applied with a brush because the rough grain tends to wear the face of the rubber. Then the rest is done with the rubber. I have a general purpose rubber and a finishing rubber. The GP is the applicator and the finishing rubber which is used just with meth, is used to correct any problems and, as it's name suggests to smooth the surface of the shellac on the final coats.
Jerry
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