The grain filler is a paste. Brush it on, and gently remove the excess with a wide blade scraper. When the filler dries, sand off the residue. You can use an acrylic or sovlent based semi-gloss enamel.

Face and edge grain are indeed different; John's description is a good one. We initially looked at having our cabinetmaker build our wood counter, and here was his recommendation: - End grain if you are going to be actively cutting directly on the counter regularly. - Edge grain if you are sometimes cutting on the counter but it's usually just a normal prep space - Face grain (also called plank) if you are using the counter primarily as a table or other low-intensity space I think there was a $250 difference between face and edge grain, and a big difference between those two and the end grain (which makes sense, of course!) Aesthetically I liked the face grain best; we went with IKEA in the end because it was 10% of the cost and we needed to close a budget gap, so it became moot. I think theirs is closest to edge grain.

I don't usually post to this board but there are some procedural questions. First,remove the cabinet doors and hardware and thoroughly sand the doors and frames. Then, you can begin the priming process with a primer perhaps tinted with the final color. Even using an oil based primer, it will raise the grain some so you will need to resand after the first coat of primer is completly dry. Then apply the second coat of primer. This process should should give you the grain free surface you are looking for. I would then use a good matte finish paint which can be either oil base or latex. If I was doing it I would have the doors professionally sprayed although you can obtain a good surface using a good quality brush. there is a right way to approach this project if you want a quality job.

Hey Bobsmyuncle I was hoping you'd come to the rescue. You gave me lots of info. to refinish a desk awhile back. I failed to complete it because I'm too chicken to use a harsh stripper. The top was the only part I got done. I'd love to take a hands on refinishing class but there's nothing like that around here. Anyhow, If I use a stripper to remove the existing finish do I need to take down the stairs? (I'm hoping you say no.) What about ventilation? Can I just open some windows and use fans? As for painting, I know my Dad took all of the stair pieces to his work and sprayed a clear coat. I don't know what it was but could find out. Just clean and 'scuff' not completely strip the protective clear coat? Thanks for the BIN suggestions. I'll use that if I ever get brave enough to try this. With the BIN after you sand, prime, is there a chance you would need to lightly sand and prime again or should one coat do it? I'm assuming there are directions on the stuff but was curious.