On color filling...

[gomeral]

I just color filled some pen blanks that I had laser engraved. The blanks all were CA/BLO finished with 5-7 coats before engraving. Do I need to do more CA/BLO to seal the engraving? I've left the pens unassembled in case I need to do this, so it won't be that difficult to re-mount on the Delrin bushings and go to town, but I can't afford to screw up the blanks - they are commission and I don't have time to redo them.


Thanks,

daniel

 

[workinforwood]

What did you color fill them with..inlace? Sounds like you finished the blanks, then color filled them. I would put another finish over it if you used inlace. Normally you wouldn't have to put a finish over inlace as it will polish up like any plastic, but if you have a finish on the wood then use the inlace, the inlace might not have perfect adhesion like it would if it was directly on the wood. Therefore, I would use a thin coat of CA to ensure it is sealed in. If the pen was finished with your CA/BLO, then sent out to be engraved and then filled, well the inlace is in direct contact with wood on the bottom, so you are fine.

 

[1080Wayne]

Daniel
I certainly would . and would bring it back to the original surface level , if you haven`t already done so with the colour fill . you don`t want the engraving collecting dirt, especially on a commissioned job .
Wayne

 

[gomeral]

Jeff, I color filled using Pro Color Fill from Laserbits. Basically turned, finished, sent out for laser, got back "raw" and color filled myself. Wayne, I tried to get a good amount in there to bring it level, but the stuff must shrink a little as it dries because it's definitely not flush. I'm thinking I agree with you, bring it back to flush and cover it, I'm just nervous about it - not sure how to make sure I get CA in the engraving without messing everything up, and I can't really sand it out of there.

This will be a ponder for a while and maybe I'll try tonight.


Thanks,

daniel

 

[workinforwood]

Plastc baggie inside out on finger, thin CA, speed on low, wipe thin coat of CA across the pen. turn of lathe, spin by hand and spray from a distance a small amount of accellorator. wait about 30 seconds, repeat, then your done. few minutes later you can sand it all out even and polish it up. If doing this, I like to start out by dry sanding with the lathe off. I lightly dry sand across the pen with 220 grit to level the surface. Then I flip on the lathe, speed it up, grab the 320 and begin wet sanding up through 6000 and then plastic polish and wax.

 

[Rmartin]

I would leave it as it is. I use Pro Sealer over color fill to keep the color bright. I like the 3-D effect of engraving rather than a smooth surface which to me, looks painted on.

 

[DozerMite]

I don't like using accelerator, it usually turns the CA white. That will ruin your day real fast if it does that in the engraving.