Taster’s choice

A while back, I came across a discussion on using ground coffee and epoxy as a wood filler. I began to wonder how various coffees would react under this kind of use.

After much careful laboratory analysis using some of my personal favorites, I came up with the beginnings of a "primer" that might be helpful to those needing to fill their voids.

Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: Yields a fresh and light "earthy" filler that would complement any dark toned exotic. Darkens even more when combined with a great epoxy.

Sumatra Mandheling: The classic, rustic, earthy profile preferred by many who enjoy a rich, full-bodied filler. Very versatile but requires the use of a classic vintage epoxy to realize it's full potential.

Brazil Estate: The old standby; nutty, sweet, low-acid, with exceptional bittersweet and chocolate qualities. Blends easily with just about any quality epoxy but due to the need for the full range of tones to develop would suggest that this is not the best to use with fast setting glues.

Indian Monsooned Malabar: Potent, pungent and wild. This is great for those who like strong, deep musty overtones. Not too dark so very compatible with your lighter colored and spalted woods.

Kona: Clean, pleasant, mild. A notion of "good filler" handed down from a time when low-grade filler was called Brazil Rio and it was seriously foul and dirty. If you love these intense fillers, Kona may seem too light, too simple, too mild.

Folger's Instant: This stuff has got no character at all. Just makes a plain old brown paste. Mix it with anything. Still looks the same. Bland and featureless but cheap.

D.D.