The number of people skipping grain filler on oak is driving me nuts
I keep seeing projects online, especially from that big DIY channel in Austin, where they slap stain directly on raw oak and wonder why it looks blotchy. The open pores just soak it up unevenly. I use a water-based filler like AquaCoat, sand it back, and the finish is smooth as glass every time. How did this basic step become optional?