How to Pore Fill with Z-Poxy - Luthier Tips Du Jour Episode 143

Products used in this video:
Z-Poxy - www.lmii.com/g...
Gloves - www.lmii.com/s...
Vacuum Clamp - www.lmii.com/c...
Vacuum Pump - www.lmii.com/v...
In this episode, Robbie goes in-depth on how to fill your pores with Z-Poxy.
Z-poxy is used much like our System Three epoxy filler. It's a great advantage is that it is much more forgiving when it comes to the mix ratios. With the System Three filler, we recommend using a digital scale to get the ratios right, but with Z-poxy, you can "eyeball" it. The only disadvantage (some consider it an advantage) is that it is not 100% clear and will add a subtle amber warmth to the color of the wood.
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[@timothycharron9687]

Thanks that was helpful. I have not done epoxy filler.

[@staffansvahn]

I've used this and it is a really great product! Easy to use and great result. Best wishes

[@natesenft5376]

Staffan Svahn could I sand it back and use a stain or dye then put a nitro laquer

[@staffansvahn]

@@natesenft5376 I think the right order is to stain, pore fill, sand back and then laquer. Please ask an expert because I have never stained any of my guitars. Best wishes Staffan

[@fluidalchemist68]

Thank you so much, that was a great video.

[@schrammguitars]

I've had problems with Z poxy under lacquer. After about 6 months the lacquer delaminates from the pores. Had this happen on several guitars and had to refinish them. All were sealed with vinyl sealer.Waited 48 hours after pore fill. Z poxy was mixed well. I've since stopped using Z poxy under lacquer finishes.

[@schrammguitars]

@Chris Herrod I've talked to other luthiers about this who said they have had the same issue and they stopped using it. A client in Arizona recently told me he contacted R.E. Brune and he strongly recommended against it for this exact issue.

[@paulleate5768]

great video thank you robert, just wondered can i use nitro cellulose over the z epoxy? many thanks in advance. paul uk

[@stevetottosy1477]

No respirator mask?

[@geezberry8889]

i didnt realize there are different types of z-poxy and the box looks the same on all of them. There is finishing resin and "total adhesive" i bought the wrong one.

[@becomingalulabro4536]

Is this a good method for pore filling on a mahogany neck? I noticed you’re not pore filling the neck here

[@stringtheoryx]

Have you compared Z-Poxy with Solarez "I Can't Believe It's Not Lacquer Grain Filler"? The "ICBINL Grain Filler" is also fairly low viscosity, and cures with UV, so you have control over when it cures.

[@luthiersmercantileinternat5786]

We haven't but we'll check it out.

[@ayeapprove]

Nice tutorial, just a quick question: would it be possible to use z-poxy as a finish? It's self leveling and can be buffed to shine, right?

[@tweakrr99]

Using EverClear for its true purpose!

[@mikechallgrenguitars9189]

.... will it work to fill the back, let it dry and then the sides? I don’t have a guitar grip on my bench...✈️✈️

[@mikechallgrenguitars9189]

@Chris Herrod ... thanks, I am pretty patient... I’m only doing these guitars for myself...✈️✈️✈️

[@mikechallgrenguitars9189]

@Chris Herrod ... I’m pretty patient, I don’t have to hurry, these guitars are for my enjoyment...✈️✈️✈️

[@joem6859]

Mrl O'Brien, thank you for the video, very informative. Do you like staining before or after porefilling?? IMHO, one of the most challenging sequences in the finishing operation. Can you dye the Z poxy?? Gonna try soon...

[@OBrienGuitars]

I would apply the zpoxy pore filler first without dying it. I like to sand the zpoxy back to bare wood and if you had already colored the wood you most likely would sand through it and that means trouble. After the pore filler is sanded back to bare wood then apply your color to the wood. Then apply your topcoats to that and don’t sand through them and into the color. The technical term for that is BAD.

[@joem6859]

@@OBrienGuitars yep..... BAD is an apt technical term, and I've sanded thru more than once on other projects. will the zpoxy take your stain?? I've been using the angelus dyes lately, kinda cool, alcohol and glcol ether solution. My only concern with applying the filler first is that it will affect the staining process, should probably just adjust accordingly. thanks for the response. joe

[@OBrienGuitars]

@@joem6859 I have never tried to tint the zpoxy and I don't think it is necessary. Do some sample boards to test what you want the final result to be. That is always much better than practicing on your guitar. Yikes!

[@joem6859]

@@OBrienGuitars I'm doing a very dark stain on mahogany, probably a '10' on the finish challenge scale...lol. So because of that, i think i would need to tint the pore filler if i was going to put it down first

[@OBrienGuitars]

@@joem6859 You could also tint the lacquer. This way you would be able to reverse the finish if it didn't come out the way you like.

[@MrMaumarq]

Robert, I finished my first soundboard in Marupá. I know that traditional woods used on tops has no pores to fill, however, Marupá has. What do you think about using z-poxy for this specific pore filling?

[@MrMaumarq]

Big hug from Brazil!

[@OBrienGuitars]

That would be fine but I make sure to keep it very very thin. Good luck! Abraços de Colorado

[@MrMaumarq]

@@OBrienGuitars Muito obrigado! Let´s try!