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I'm curious as to whether anyone here on the OLF has experimented with using System Three's paste pigments to color Silver Tip epoxy before using it to fill pores. I'm going to experiment on some test pieces, but thought I would see if others have done so.

Note that I will be sanding back to bare wood after application and full cure. This is not one of those instances where I want to leave a thin film of the epoxy on the wood. So, the color should only be left in the pores when I'm done.

I know that the paste pigments work with Silver Tip, because System Three's videos about the pigments show Silver Tip being used. I know that coloring more traditional pore fillers (like oil based filler) is the norm, of course. And I know that getting the color right won't be that hard, because System Three recommends mixing the paste pigment into part A (the resin) and using the combined weight or volume to compute the correct amount of part B (the hardener) to add. So, really, my question is not whether it can be done, but rather, did you like how it turned out?

I've used Silver Tip on rosewood and mahogany, always leaving it clear. But I've just built a guitar with quartersawn white oak back and sides, and it might benefit from a darkening of the pores via color in the epoxy.

Thanks for any information you can share.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I don't have experience with that brand of pigment, but I do think the effect will not be the same as a tinted paste filler. It is sort of the difference between a dye and a pigment. Pigments have strong color that overcomes the background whereas dye sort of have just a hint of color that is greatly effected by the background (unless a lot of dye is soaked into a light colored wood).

Paste filler has a white or neutral base to begin with that is completely opaque. Mix colored pigment into it and it becomes an opaque color medium that completely covers whatever you apply it to. When used as a filler the color is quite pronounced. But when you mix pigment into a clear base like epoxy, the color will sort of disappear when it goes into something as small as a pore. Especially on a dark wood. I am probably not explaining this very well. You can try it on scrap to see if it will work, but I am doubtful.

Thanks for the input, Barry. I think I understand what you are saying. The base of paste wood filler starts out as opaque, but the base of Silver Tip is clear, so if you add pigment to the clear, and spread it onto/into something as shallow as a pore, the color might not be noticeable. That might wind up being the case. I'll experiment and see what happens.

Two data items that might affect those thoughts:

First, here is the video from System Three. They use Silver Tip, but it sure looks like the pigment causes the epoxy to be opaque. Perhaps it won't be when it gets spread thin. The video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX-0owveLVg

Second, the quartersawn white oak I am tempted to use this on is light colored, and the pores are huge.

I'll let everyone know what the test pieces look like. In the meantime, any additional thoughts are much appreciated!

I have used Trans Tints mixed with West System epoxy on many occasions. It is transparent when mixed and does not seem to affect the epoxies curing or strength. I have no experience with System 3 but you might experiment with the Trans Tints if you are after a transparent fill.