pre-finish to check grain

[Bill Carey]

I read somewhere that you could wipe on ??? to simulate a darker finish to check grain patterns, but naturally I can't remember what ??? was. I think it was acetone but I'm not sure. I getting ready to glue up a 48" round red oak top and want a better idea of how the boards will look. Thanks for the replies.

[Jerry Thompson]

I check for imperfections with mineral spirits. It will also give one an idea of how the grain looks.

[Charles Taylor]

Mineral spirits for me too.

[George Bokros]

Mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. DNA will dry quicker so that may be a draw back to using for this application.

[Howard Acheson]

>>>> I check for imperfections with mineral spirits.

Mineral spirits will work but it's not the best choice. It takes quite a while to fully evaporate and disappear from the wood surface.

Better choices are alcohol and lacquer thinner. Both will evaporate in a few minutes letting you get back to finishing much faster than slow evaporating mineral spirits. Acetone will work too.

Use whatever you have handy.

[Bill Carey]

thanks for the info. I just happen to have some DNA, so it'll do.