How to do a Matte Finish

[Mapster]

I have turned many pens, and all of them have a shiny finish on them. I know a lot of people work hard for a deep shine, but it is the common thing to see. There are always a few blanks that I want a matte finish on but I don't know how. I have seen a few on metal blanks but that is very different than acrylic. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[ed4copies]

Recently read an article by Russ Fairfield (whom I consider the authority on finishing pens). Russ pointed out that our CA finish is, indeed a plastic and therefore is easy to buff to a high shine. However, he also suggested that you can "dull" the shine by using 0000 steel wool as a last step in finishing. Haven't tried it yet, but I'd say your odds are better than 99.75% that Russ will be right.

Give it a try!! Post the picture of the pen!!

 

[1080Wayne]

Use nothing finer than 600 grit for a semi-gloss finish . 400 if you want it more matte . Make sure final sanding is lengthwise - best done off the lathe .

 

[wolftat]

I have used 0000 steel wool and it works great.

 

[NewLondon88]

I'll second the 0000, but add a caveat. You don't want to stop on your
way UP the scale .. before you take the shine down. You want to see
the full gloss and THEN take down the shine. This allows you to see any
flaws in the finish before anyone else does. Your matte or semi-gloss
finish might look good just sanding to 400 or 600, but after a while the
customer's treatment of the pen could actually add oils and make the
finish less dull.. and more see-through. Anything under the matte can
then show up.

 

[soligen]

When I want a non-bloss finish, I do a Med CA/BLO finish, and dont do anything to it after applying.

 

[BobRad]

I've used woodturners finish and buffed it up, then down again with #0000 wool

Personly I don't like high gloss finished in furniture but my customers do - I don't know about pens yet and what people want

 

[nava1uni]

I have customers who want a matte finish or semi-gloss. They want to feel the wood and I just explain to them that it won't be as strong as a gloss finish. I also tell them how to clean the wood. I do seal it with sealer and then apply a shellac or hard wax finish.

 

[thewishman]

I take it up through 12,000 to make it shine, then finish with 1500. That way I know the finish has the right scratches - not the ones I missed.