Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why would you grain fill cabinets before painting?

If you are trying to acquire a smooth finished cabinet without any grain showing. After being painted you need to seal and fill the pores and grains to accomplish this. If you don’t, the cabinet will continue to absorb the primer and paint. This really helps when refinishing older oak stained cabinets, bathroom vanities or even doors. 

2. Why not use wood putty or joint compound? 

Wood putty and joint compound are clay-based products. Clay based products, over time, dry hard and brittle so they can crack with the expanding and contrasting of the wood cabinet. They also create a large amount of dust. The White Cabinet Grain Filler is acrylic based like paint and will be able to absorb more of the expanding and contracting of the wood. 

3. What types of primer and paint can I use over the grain filler? 

You can brush or spray any oil- or water-based stain blocking primer, paint or lacquer over Aqua Coat White Cabinet Grain Filler. 

4. My customer already painted their own kitchen cabinets, the grain is showing and they look terrible, can I fix this for them? 

Yes, you can apply the grain filler as long as the previous coat is cured per the manufacturer of the paint or lacquer. Scuff sand with 220 grit sandpaper. You can then apply 1-2 coasts of the grain filler as instructed and prime and paint once again. 

5. How much White Grain Filler will I need? 

We recommend 1 quart for a kitchen with up to 35 doors and drawers using two coats. This product has a shelf life greater than one year. 

6. Why would a contractor use grain filler and how much should a contractor adjust for their bid? 

If a customer wants their older cabinets painted without grain showing, a contractor can ONLY obtain 80-90% removal of grain without filling it with a grain filler.  If you want to obtain a look without grain showing, a grain filler should be used. When using grain filler you are offering a premium service to customers. From our discussions with contractors, we have found they have added a 30% premium to start with when applying the grain filler for their customer, and adjusted it as needed.  Customers usually prefer no grain showing so a grain filler is required to obtain that. 

7. Does temperature and humidity affect the application of grain filler? 

Yes it does.  Ideally you want it to be between 60-85 degrees.  You do not want it to be too humid or dry. Each of these will affect the performance of the grain filler and the dry and cure time.   

8. What is the dry time? 

Give your cabinet 45 minutes to an hour to completely dry before applying your next coat of grain filler.  For optimal performance, after you have applied your final coat of grain filler, and before you sand and apply your primer, we recommend you let it set/dry overnight.  After it has set overnight, then you can sand it and apply your primer. 

9. Can you tint the filler? 

Yes, with water soluble trans tints and dyes.  You would want to tint the filler to use as a decorative finish on products.  We recommend you take these water soluble trans tints and dissolve them in extremely hot water first.  Take a sub container with a small amount of hot water and add the dye and stir it. Then add grain filler until you receive the concentration you want. 

10. What is the difference between the clear and white grain filler?  When should I use each one? 

Aqua Coat Clear Grain Filler is used on surfaces that you plan on putting clear coats as their topcoats.  It is extremely clear and will help you attain a glass smooth finish with less coats of a topcoat. Aqua Coat White Cabinet Grain Filler is used when painting wood surfaces.  It was developed so customers can see where they applied it. It has a better adhesion and higher solids/build and will perform better in less coats. 

11. What is the difference between the High Performance Clear Wood Grain Filler and the Clear Wood Grain Filler?  

They both are easy to use, water based, non-flammable, low odor, low VOC, easy to apply, easy sanding, fast drying and water cleanup.  The High Performance has a little higher solids and build and will perform better than the clear in less coats. Just make sure though if you are painting, use the white grain filler. 

12. How do you prepare the woods surface?

13. How do you apply Aqua Tone Stains? 

14. How do you apply Aqua Coat Sanding Sealer?

15. How do you apply Aqua Coat White Cabinet Grain Filler?  

16. Do you have a video on how to apply Aqua Coat White Cabinet Grain Filler? 

17. How do you apply Aqua Coat Clear Grain Filler? 

18. Do you have a video on how to apply Aqua Coat White Cabinet Grain Filler?