NUD: Kala Elite Mahogany Tenor

Luthiers often refer to an epoxy pore filler they have to sand and steel wool in multiple coatings to make an even, level surface for applying a high-gloss glass-smooth finish. Which is also applied in layers and sanded and buffed.

I speculate that instead of matching the surrounding wood color, they use a contrasting colored epoxy to make the pores and grain pop?

But I'll defer to the people who work with the materials to provide an informed answer.

Kamaka uses an open-pore finish on their ukes. Just enough to seal the wood, while allowing the pores to show.

Pono, on the other hand, puts a glass smooth, high-gloss finish on their deluxe and PC models.

Mya-Moe uses a multi-layered True Oil finish on their instruments. (Also used on gun stocks.) Including on the fretboard.
 
Recently saw this video on the doghair finishing process. Looks like they basically wipe on the black stain, to get it into the pores, wipe off the excess stain, then probably finish with normal UV clearcoat.

https://vimeo.com/188374748

Pretty cool. Though I wish they would have showed the whole process.
It is one of my favorite looking finishes.
 
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