De-Whiskering Wood

One of the problems with using water-based stains and finishes is that they tend to raise the grain on the wood surface, leaving it rough. George Vondriska shows a great way to avoid raising the grain by de-whiskering your wood before staining or finishing. A WoodWorkers Guild of America (WWGOA) original video.

6 Responses to “De-Whiskering Wood”

1. Harold September 24th, 2020

   Since I’ve heard George say that he uses Zinsser seal coat to keep the grain from raising, does he still recommend using water to raise the grain? Thanks.

   Reply

   • Customer Service September 27th, 2020

     Yep, wiping down with water and letting the grain raise before a final sanding is also a good option for de-whiskering. You don’t have to do both. A shellac seal coat has other benefits as well.

     Paul
     Woodworkers Guild of America

     Reply

2. JOE December 15th, 2017

   I was taught to use distilled water when dying and/or raising the grain on my projects in order to keep minerals in the water from unintentionally staining the project. While most tap water might be safe to use, it may be a consideration for woodworkers in some parts of the country.

   Reply

3. chris December 11th, 2017

   Great tip, I always wondered how you go about it. The light touch with super fine sand paper, good tip.

   Reply

4. Klaus December 11th, 2017

   For an amateur woodworker who works almost exclusively with water-based finishes, this is an excellent tip – so simple. Why didn’t I think of that.

   Reply

5. Dolores Testerman December 10th, 2017

   thanks!

   Reply