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First time using EIR fretboard; was quite surprised how obvious the open pores of the grain are. Inclined to think I should seal with epoxy, but I don't really know how to do that when the frets have already been cut. Seems doubtful I can fill the pores with shellac or the StewMac fret oil. Appreciate any advice.

roy

Fretboards are not usually pore filled, just sanded really good before fretting. Up to 2000 will generally get you there.There is some pretty funky rosewood out there and you may just have some with unusually big pores. I used to sell EIR fretboards and some had so few pores that you would think they were ebony. Oil will never fill the pores. I don't use any rosewood anymore, but I do use a number of open pore woods for fretboards. I put on a couple of coats of shellac before fretting , then sand it off the surface and it helps. You'll still see the pores though.Maybe someone else has some filler ideas. We'll see. -Bob

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I build with rosewood fingerboards. Just put some Howard’s Feed N Wax on it from time to time. Embrace the pores.

Generally the buying public has no need for porefilled fretboards…

I played an old strat one time with a rosewood board that I'm guessing was cut with so much run out that it exposed many large pores. Almost seemed like black Palm in that respect. I remember really liking it thinking that it might have cut down on the friction or something. I've had my eye out for a piece like that ever since.

Pat

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Pat

I am in the camp that appropriate sanding and fretboard oil will be fine as far as acceptance by the general public. Hey it’s just wood being wood.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Lemon oil (mineral oil with fragrance added) and beeswax mixture is often suggested for cleaning and "finishing" fingerboards. Used sparingly between string changes it can help keep a good appearance to the wood.
Woodwind bore oil (again - mineral oil) comes in small convenient bottles at a relatively high price, is another good choice if you don't like the smell of artificial lemon. I'm speculating that Stew Mac fretboard oil is something similar.
If you want to "Baby" your guitar you can use baby oil (mineral oil)

Howard's. Feed-N-Wax, works great. Got this trip from our very own Hesh. Works great for pre fretting wipe down as well.

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