Many species of wood have pores, East Indian Rosewood is one of them. If you want a shiny smooth surface you must fill those pores before applying the finish. I have recently been using a special epoxy as a pore filler.
You mix exactly equal amounts of the Epoxy and its Hardener and apply it with a flat device like a credit card, spatula or a razor blade. It is very thin and a little bit goes a long way. Don't apply it very thickly as you are going to have to sand it almost all off later
Fortunately it sands very easily and you will soon have it almost back to raw wood but the pores will be filled.
Before Sanding and After sanding. You end up with a nice smooth surface void of pores.
The sides are a little more difficult to sand. Still very easy sanding, just takes a little longer.
the pores seem nicely filled. It is time for the wash coat of French polish.
The Wash Coat, is the first coat of dilute Shellac rubbed liberally on the wood to form a foundation for the coming applications of more dilute Shellac and olive oil of the French Polish process. I will let this dry for a few hours and then begin. So far they are looking good.
