The best wood grain filler for oak cabinets is Bondo body filler or Bondo Wood Filler, hands down.
The reason is that it dries fast, and you only need 1-2 coats. There are other options, but Bondo is just so easy to get because it is readily available, low-cost, and easy to work with.
Wood Grain Filler To paint oak cabinets and not see the grain?
In order to turn grainy oak cabinets into a smooth surface before painting, you will first have to fill and hide the grain.
The most common procedure is cleaning the surface and removing any grease or grime.
Then you will have to sand the surface and prepare it for your filler.
150-220 grit sandpaper is ideal.
This ultimate guide to painting kitchen cabinets has everything you need to know about the process, materials, and determining what type of cabinets you have!
Next, you will have to fill the grain.
The most commonly used products are:
- Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler,
- Wood Filler,
- Plastic Wood Filler,
- and Bondo.
In my personal opinion and experience, Bondo works the best.
It is our go-to product at 518 Painters.
Regardless of what method you use, be prepared o add an abundance of hours to your products between filling and sanding.
Related article Best Primer For Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding
How do you use Aqua Coat on oak cabinets?
Apply a generous amount of Aqua Coat grain filler on the surface and work it into the grain with a squeegee or Bondo blade.
Let it dry for approximately 1 hour, then lightly scuff sand with a green Brillo pad to create a tooth for the next coat to bite into.
Repeat this until you achieve your desired look.
Aqua Coat white grain filler works well to fill and close grain on wood cabinets.
However, if you are looking to completely fill and hide the grain, then be prepared to apply multiple coats.
You will need at least 3 coats if not more on real grainy oak.
The related article Do I need a primer for kitchen cabinets?
In conclusion
The best way to fill wood grain is by using Bondo body filler or plastic wood filler watered down with 30% water.
Whatever method works best for you, be sure to account for the additional hours for prepping.
Such an informative blog because I’m looking for that type of blog.
Thank You!
Such a great blog and I’m really very happy to read this amazing blog.
Thanks!
I appreciate your YouTube channel. Can you do a video using the bondo? Similar to the video you did using the aquacoat!
Would love to see a demo video of using Bondo to fill in grain on oak cabinets. Thanks!