This grain enhancing paste will help to darken the grain of the ash shaft. The grain enhancer is not intended to be a grain filler that blocks the grain completely but it will bring the black grain back to life with a deep black colour (As you can see in the 2nd and 3rd photo). It will also help to make the shaft super smooth at the same time (This won't work on a cheap heavily varnished cue as it needs to get to the grain to make it darker) Apply a thin coat and leave for 20 minutes then buff off. For a even better finish use some fine sandpaper before and after applying with 600-1200 grit (These are the 1oz/30gram tins **Not the really small tins that some others are selling)