[Ron Ramirez]

Why not use sanding sealer? H**l, the use of stains is also a "lack of originality" as Philco did not use stains - they used tinted lacquer to give color to the wood.

Regarding the grain filler, I've found that it takes multiple applications to get the grain filled. If you're better at it than I, and I have no doubt you are since you have more cabinet experience than I (I'm not being sarcastic, I'm being serious), then you probably won't have as much trouble with the stuff as I seem to have.