I'll always go for the slurry method - use something like Permalyn Finish and when the coat is dry then wet-sand it with the grain in sections about 2x3 in., using the Permalyn Sealer as a lubricant. When a slurry of walnut dust and lubricant begins to form then rub it briskly into the grain/pores of the wood and allow to dry while moving on to the next section. When the whole stock is done and completely dry, wet-sand again, this time wiping off the slurry as soon as it sands smooth. Let dry again and apply the next coat of Finish, repeating the whole process. Usually 3 or 4 cycles will completely fill all the grain of even open-pored wood, and the filler is always a perfect match to the wood because it IS the wood.
