Stabilized blanks

[Gary]

Do you finish stabilized blanks the same as you do unstablized ones, or do the resins interfer with lacquer, poly, etc?

 

[jkirkb94]

Gary, I have only done a few stabilized blanks but have found that the resins are a finish themselves. You might try to get some MicroMesh sanding sheets or pads. They go up to 12000 grit. Polishing the stabilized blanks to 12000 gives a beautiful gloss. You can still use other finishes but may find them unnecessary. Kirk[8D]

 

[wayneis]

I turn mostly stabilized blanks and still use a finish on each and every pen that I make. I have heard a few that don't but I don't belive that the resins offer enough protection. You can get a very nice shine on a lot of the stabilized blanks but if you sand just plain wood the same way, there are many types that will also take an incredible shine. The only blanks that I use no finish is acrylics.

I use Enduro poly and have in the past used CA and have never had any problems with a finish not adhearing to a stabilized blanWayne

 

[Gary]

You're right Kirk...I noticed that Micro Mesh polishes them marvelously. I was wondering how they would hold up in use over time, if it would be a problem without a topcoat.

 

[PenWorks]

Hi Gary, finish same way as any other pen. But a stabilized blank will allow you other alternatives as in "short cuts" Like Kirk said, I use MM to 12000, that alone will give you a nice satin sheen, or even a slight gloss depending on the blank, you can leave it like that, buff or friction polish. Nothing like having a variety of choices. Anthony

 

[Gary]

Thanks Wayne...that was my feeling. It seemed to me that a finish would still be needed.