GRAIN Filler for Cabinets.... Aqua Coat Wood Grain Filler

How to remove the thick wood grain of oak cabinets using Aqua Coat to create a glass smooth finish. Perfect wood finishes.
🛠TOOLS USED IN VIDEO⚒
Raven Gloves: t.ly/mZG2j
Paint Life Gear: t.ly/kszs
Game Changing Tools: t.ly/kszs
Aqua Coat Grain Filler: t.ly/zZOjX
Paint Life Apparel: t.ly/GBYj
Music: bensound.com/royalty-free-music
👀ABOUT CHRIS 👀
I started The Idaho Painter KZbin channel as a way to help out others who were trying to paint themselves. I have a passion for painting and helping other people to fall in love with painting. My primary focus is to educate, empower, and equip painters word wide. Hope you enjoy our channel.
📌Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter (or Chris Berry and the Paint Life crew), We cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. The Idaho Painter and Paint Life assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. The Idaho Painter recommends safe practices when working on any structure and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of The Idaho Painter, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from use or improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not The Idaho Painter.
Joshua 1:9

[@tokyolane]

FYI, spoke to AquaCoat and they suggest the final coat sit overnight and then sand within a couple hours of painting final coat. If you final sand and then paint a day or two later, you won't have the same adhesion. I have rec'd lots of great info from your channel. Thank you!

[@michaelfederoff3417]

I do high-end cab. refinishes and try to use high build pigmented lacquer as much as possible. I had done wood filler way back and found an extra coat or two does the trick. Most clients want to see grain, but not all of it! Glad you can take the time, of course prep is everything... what ever works...

[@mikeenders598]

Thanks for showing the hard areas. The wide open flat areas are pretty straight forward, but the challenge areas are were the tips are the most helpful

[@Idahopainter]

Glad to help

[@Gasdetection]

I saw the video, went out on the job, applied the product to oak cabinets, the application process was slow, the result is good. I like using the vinyl sealer.

[@angelicoutcry3478]

Chris your visiting KZbin has taken your videos to the next level. I'll miss all your entertaining mispeaks but the professional editing makes you as good if not better then what one would expect from a T.V. based show.

[@Idahopainter]

Thank you for your support

[@conniepleasantnails]

You make this look so easy, I’m a manicurist and I love to paint 🎨 I will totally remember this technique if I ever need to paint cabinets. 🌟

[@aheimi]

Thank you so much. The information you provided was very valuable when I started a project of changing old golden oak cabinets to a nice white updated finish. The only thing I did different was using the 'clear' Aqua Coat. It went on super easy but I wish I had purchased the 'white' Aqua Coat. It would have been much easier to see any grain spots that I may have missed. Lesson learned.

[@SX-sv6vo]

How many coats did you end up using? Did it hide the grain pretty well?

[@daverhodes7235]

Thank you! You give me the courage to tackle some of these projects myself.

[@natalieburbank8680]

Very informative! Where can I find part 2? Also, do you have a list of all products used? (primer, glaze, lacquer?) Also a step by step readable list would help to! Can't wait to start my cabinet project!

[@paintbynumbersllc571]

Customer didn't want the grain filled on his oak cabinets I painted. I used the clear Aqua Coat mixed it with a little water and brushed a clear coat on front and back of cabinet doors and cases. Sanded, primed and painted. End result all grain was painted using an HVLP with no grain areas missing paint. Used Sherwin Williams KEM Aqua as the finish coat. Will be checking out Centurion Products very soon.

[@pauld2502]

Great video. You just convinced me to apply a second coat of aqua coat wood grain filler. I’ll do this on the cabinet carcass and frames. I’ve ordered shaker style replacement doors and drawer fronts.

[@vdocter]

I would love to see part two!

[@marygee476]

Did you find part 2?

[@billd.4224]

WHERE IS PART 2 ?

[@maniac0908]

Need part 2 as well

[@gcastilloiii2279]

Did anyone ever find pt 2

[@joelandes5089]

Well I fuked up and painted without wood/ grain filler. I’m happy I found aqua coat which as u mentioned can be applied after painting then paint it again. I appreciate your input and all your videos keep up the great work!

[@Idahopainter]

Can be applied any time Joe

[@erico556]

Would you recommend applying a coat of shellac first prior to applying grain filler? I would imagine bonding issues occurring in a kitchen plagued with oils and grease. Having to go back and address all those issues would be a pain. Or have you not had much issues with aqua coat bonding?

[@ismaelblancasochoa656]

Really good question thank you I would have asked the same question

[@cindywyattrailey8391]

Finally turned the "Aqua Coat" can at 12:25 to see the spelling ! > Love your videos . Thank you guys !

[@haj78]

I'm enjoying the video alot

[@Idahopainter]

Thanks

[@lisaw8863]

Hello, I've never used Aqua Coat or painted a cabinet before. I'm in the process of doing so, how do I determine how many application of Aqua Coat is needed before priming and painting? Thx,

[@natebruntz3627]

Can you tell me why no primer is needed after the aqua coat process? I will be applying SW Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, and need to know if I need primer before the top coat. If so which one? Thanks

[@rougebaba3887]

A customer fell in love with a super shinny product called "Fine Paints of Europe", an oil based exterior coating that was so glossy you could see your reflection in it. Her front door had tons of brushed acrylic paint and plenty of imperfections. The same company that made the paint also sold a product that served as a filler. It was also oil based. The filler worked okay, but that paint was so hard to apply. I just hate spraying oil paints. In hind sight, I should have opted to use an HVLP, but I just didn't have confidence in the only one I had in working order. To get one I thought could handle the job would have set me back about $1,900... and I just didn't have enough in this "paint my front door" job to justify it. I would have lost at least a grand and times were tough at that stage. I had only been in business for about a year. Some areas on that damn door took four coats to get it right..... but it was a thing of beauty when we were done. I ended up sectioning the door off into panels and rails to get it to look right. I got a great HVLP now. I'd do that kind of work in a heart beat... but I'd price it way higher and use my HVLP. Live and learn.

[@Idahopainter]

That paint is the most difficult paint I ever used

[@rougebaba3887]

@@Idahopainter Yeah, so you know the stuff! The finished look is fantastic... if you can be absolutely perfect in your application.

[@faustinosolano9555]

Wood filler for hardwood floors works great also and sometimes takes only on coat depending on how bad the grain on the doors is. You apply it the same way as the aqua coat.

[@mexinumba1]

Quick tip, scoop some of that material into a drywall mud pan the use you plastic scraper to apply onto the doors.

[@zip19145]

Thank you again!!! Do you do the back of the door ?

[@Grimreaper420ful]

Best videos ever.

[@pauljimenez4026]

Thank you for the demonstration .. great info

[@jeffwhicher7719]

Do you have to sand at the 45 min mark? Or can it sit overnight?

[@jazz901]

I couldn't understand what you said is the name/type of sander you are using. Can it be connected to vacuum? Thk you. I'm preparing 26 old varnish window trims plus using aqua coat to eliminate most grain because I want smooth paint look. I think I know what steps I need, but I really like that sander you are using. Just couldn't catch the name.

[@andrewcoon7407]

I just tried Dap 3 in 1 for the first time filling in grain on an oak dresser and it came out beautifully. Very easy to work with, fast drying, and super easy to sand. Give it a try if you've never used it. Also a lot cheaper than Aqua Coat.

[@pattyf3984]

Part 2 Chris? Lots of comments asking the same with a reply by you, "it's there". Maybe just link it please? Thanks

[@amymckay3826]

So did I understand right that after all the coats are on and sanded it’s ready for paint? No need for primer?

[@NicoleHopper]

Please post a link to Part 2!!

[@Idahopainter]

OK

[@mikedelgrande5138]

Where is part 2? How about a link? Thanks

[@Idahopainter]

It’s there

[@mikedelgrande5138]

@@Idahopainter you have hundreds of videos I've scrolled them looking for part 2, I've searched keywords cabinets, aqua coat, and part 2. A link would be amazing.

[@jeffbidniy6552]

Can I stain or oil coat wood after applying Aquacoat? Wondering if Aquacoat would show.

[@rootvalue]

Do you have a link for part 2?

[@fbarek]

can I use this product on old stair treads before painting?

[@tony81bc]

Nice job. You are the best

[@movetohamptonroads]

Question, is it expected to fill the back of the door as well or is it just the face that gets filled?

[@RW-kp3gz]

Looks like I'm painting my cabinets now🤣. Keep up the videos Chris, always good stuff!!!

[@SammyMaeQ]

Didn’t really know any better and used drywall mud to fill after a good sanding. Took a long time and was messy, but the result was spectacular. I would not have been happy with a grainy finish and have never regretted spending the time to do it. It’s been a few years now and it’s holding up well. I did not get by with caulking the panels, though. It has cracked, and I’m not sure what I should have done instead.

[@Erin_Davenport]

Curious if you live in a dry climate? I’m planning caulk our panels and do live in a dry climate but am still a bit nervous. Glad your project is holding up well generally!

[@denniscotey8182]

Dry wall mud works well but you need to thin it to the consistency of thick paint. That will make sanding it back really easy. Cabinet maker, furniture builder and finisher for 40 years.

[@2410Codered]

Do you think it matters if using an orbital sander for the initial snading or palm sander only (oak boards)

[@janetrodriguez914]

What is the brand name of the sander you’re using in this video? I’m working on oak cabinets right now. I’m painting them white. I’m using aqua coat to fill the grain, thank you for that tip. I’d love to buy a sander like the one you’re using.

[@Pamsmith59]

You are a true artisan and I've loved your videos. Love seeing how your technique has progressed with improved product and tools. Wish you were in Vegas!

[@lakona9982]

Confirming aqua coat CAN be applied after painting? No issues with bonding? I have some holidays I need to fix.

[@jazz901]

Do you ever use a sanding sealer after you use aqua coat and before you paint? Also, do you apply a primer before you paint? I am not spraying the paint on, but need to use a brush and roller. Thank you.

[@Weisz82]

I have mocha oak cabinets. It’s the same steps for darker oak cabinets?

[@jonathanrogers266]

Do you fill the grain fill the back side of cabinet doors?

[@93gmctruck18]

Good job where did you buy the soft sanding pad

[@jusgibs]

Excellent channel! Thank you very much.

[@Tom-qn5nd]

I'm building some cabinets and the plywood has nicks and dings in it, as a matter of fact there are a lot of them on the plywood. I need to fill them in so the surface is smooth before painting. I just got done applying a primer and it really showed all the imperfections in the plywood. some are not very deep and others around a 1/8" deep. I've tried to use a wood filler but it doesn't it would take so much product. Would this Aqua Coat be the product to use?

[@danieldwyer9919]

Obviously this is for the painting process. Let's say you were staining the cabinets. At what point would you use the aqua fill. Stain-sand-aqua fill- seal? Is it possible to use with boiled linseed oil? Thanks

[@Idahopainter]

After stain

[@vinhle3272]

Does Clear aquacoat still work for white painting cabinet or we have to use White aquacoat?

[@furyofbongos]

You could give us a link to part 2.

[@ADESIGNMODELING]

I watched another video , he was using those steps but he didn't mention brand or link to buy . 1. Sanded 2. Bonding-adhesion primer 3. First Coat (cut)of grain Fill on 4. Sand grain fill 5. Second coat(cut) of grain fill 6. Send second coat of grain fill(use fine grit) 7. Tannin blocking stains primer 8. Lightly sand 9. Finish coat (cut) 10. Caulking 11. Final coat Aqua Coat is not available at local stores, what do you think what kind of primer used in #2 , #4 ,#7 .?

[@starfeld66]

Great video, but I wish we could have seen the cabinet doors after they were painted.

[@joepierce7177]

One question. I want to use this product but I planned on using oil based primer and oil based paint. Can I still apply this product, sand it down, then use the oil based primer and paint? Great video. Thank you.

[@chrisdamiano500]

Is there a Part 2?

[@sumankhasa7045]

Love this video..there is one question..should I use aqua coat before or after priming cabinets?

[@ewayne1527]

I’m building a red oak keepsake box for my wife. She wants it stained. Can you stain the oak after using the aqua coat and not have blotches?

[@sashay9002]

Hi, thank you for video ,can I use this wood filler on existing paint ?

[@LiloUkulele]

I shoot nitro lac over sanding sealer...do you recommend applying AC over sanding sealer...or...apply Ac as a first coat directly to bare wood?

[@nrey4255]

I want to caulk my cabinets. So do I do so before or after the grain filler?

[@Skabanis]

I would do it before and let it dry

[@tonyrome068]

Thank you very much much

[@Idahopainter]

You are welcome

[@soeneido443]

The directions on the aquacoat label recommend to degloss prior to sanding. I noticed that you didn’t do that here, do you think that deglossing is necessary? Also is it necessary to apply a coat of primer prior to spraying your paint color of choice? I’m using BM Advance for a set of bedroom cabinets. Thanks soo much!!!

[@lynettescott9996]

Do u ever have to worry about tannin staining?

[@clickster1883]

Did you ever do a Part 2 to this tutorial?

[@Idahopainter]

I did

[@fredr.5723]

Could you give the title to it can’t seem to find a continuation in the vids Great work

[@vinhle3272]

Is CLEAR aqua coat instead of white work the same for cabinet door painting?

[@briansnyder9496]

What kind of sander and also, did you make that rack or build it?

[@Idahopainter]

SurfPrep

[@jacqjacq5920]

Where is part 2? I can't wait to see it!

[@kellyroberts9040]

did you find part 2?

[@jacqjacq5920]

@@kellyroberts9040 no.... sadly

[@robhappe853]

How much do you think I would need to fill around 600ft of 1 1/4 oak moulding?

Thanks for the in depth video. Love this stuff. I'm interested in the rack that you placed the drying panel on. Did you make it? If so is there a video on that drying rack? If you bought it, where from please?

[@joserafael73]

I do two of problock oil base then two coat IILVA 2K Poly and that is enough to fill the grain.

[@qhpainters]

That cushioned sand paper is awesome? Who sells that ?

[@dazk2]

great stuff nice new education set.

[@GorillasGuns]

Can you use this before dying the wood? I am using a transtint dye. Alchohol based

[@SpeedisSpeed]

Is this necessary if you are spraying lacquer?

[@scottrobinson8590]

are there any worries with using this water based product over an oil finish? Or any other adhesion problems you may run into?

[@l.newell8828]

Do you recommend using the grain filler on the back side of each cabinet door and the actual cabinets?

[@r6si3g36]

I personally didn’t since the doors are closed most the time I still painted it and it looks fine to me

[@brandoncampbell9794]

I'm curious about this product. I've always just used wood filler mixed into a slurry, dries hard and it seems like it would need less coats than this, usually just one or two for bad areas. It's much less expensive too, but maybe its harder or messier to work with. Does anyone have experience with both that could give me the pros and cons?

[@edgarpino5791]

Would I be able to use the Aqua Coat if I'm using an oil based lacquer for the final finish?

[@gilllafleur8242]

How many buckets of aquacoat does it take you for a kitchen? Or how many doors per bucket?

[@joysolomon-fs6dy]

Do you fill the grain on the boxes and panels?

[@Idahopainter]

Yes

[@MRBAKKO1]

On a kitchen, do one only Aqua Coat the doors?

[@davidhurst3780]

Would this work on full sized doors? We would like to get rid of the grain and paint them smooth

[@aideecontreras7657]

Where is part 2? Can’t find it?

[@joeychgo]

can you apply grain filler after primer?

[@janetbennett175]

Do you prime then paint or just paint?

[@Idahopainter]

It all depends

[@briand6250]

I used aqua coat on my grainy cabinets and it worked great!

[@johnny.9879]

Im building my home out of picket about to get my cabinets done. And im teying to do all the stuff i can myself to save money, painted the inside, will paint the outside soon (fighting the elements). Want to paint my cabinets but scared of ruining something that expensive or them looking bad when finished.... so im curious how did your project turn out, and 1-10 how difficult would you said it was to spray your cabients?

[@thomasanthony9180]

What is the sander you are using

[@tonymejia2497]

What do you think about using a deglosser instead of sanding?

[@cynthasizer08]

Is there a part 2? Can't find it.

[@ronjacobs581]

Just Watched Aqua coat Grain Filler Do you remember back in the 80s Sherwin Williams had a paint grain filler worked great sanded easy what happened to that product

[@TheAlejandromd]

Hey how is it going I did 3 coats and still feel wood grain should I apply another coat or maybe I did the to thin?

[@robinupham1975]

On oak if you want true 100% fill you need 4 - 10 coats depending on how deep your grain is, and how thin you are applying your product. I've done some oak where 2 coats fills the small grain areas, but some pieces of wood have such wide deep grain it takes 8 coats.

[@nikkishelton8493]

@@robinupham1975 wow, 8 coats. I cant imagine doing 8 coata x 30 cabinets

[@fastbamaz]

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard you say “we are NOT going to caulk the panels because it’s a dry climate… sometimes you can get away WITH caulking them” So which one is it?

[@nasoj21]

Thanks for the video. I went got Aqua Coat after tying another since Rockler was out of Aqua Coat. Much easier to use. What would you prime with after Aqua Coat? B-I-N?

[@Stephanie-lg3jl]

Where can you get that sanding pad attachment for getting into the tight spaces? I can't for the life of me find it, but it could be because I'm not sure what it is called. Do they make such sanding sponges for orbital sanders as well or just the rectangular one like you use?

[@Idahopainter]

paintlifesupply.com

[@deanhuffman9241]

Where did you get the sander?? Wow, I have to get one. Nice video

[@jamietessier1635]

Yeah I want one too

[@Idahopainter]

SurfPrep

[@joserafael73]

Very hard to find

[@Liz-ye2ld]

Can I use this on an oil based paint? You mentioned this is a water based filler.

[@stevegaymer9764]

Thanks I have to try that one looks like a really good method I ordered one of those Sanders this week looking forward to using it thanks for all the tips and tricks

[@Avital4414]

can you use this on trim?

[@01jbeals]

I am sooooo glad that I found this video! Like really, I cannot express how much I appreciate you sharing your expertise without all the bull shit! … However if you were in California I would just hire you!

[@GreenAppelPie]

I’ve love the stuff, two coats seal well with letting just a little grain show through. Stain first if your polycoating, it looks absolutely fabulous. You shoulda shown the final results with paint.

[@neddyboy01]

GreenAppelPie this is part 1 of a 2 part video. I imagine he will show that in the next video

[@GreenAppelPie]

Ned Casey whoops didn’t catch that