Yet Another Decal Thread - BLO?

[DurocShark]

I'm making 10 pens from pine for an event. I was thinking about using BLO to give the wood some color. I expect to have to adjust for the color when making the decals so they look right, but what about adhesion? Should I turn and BLO the blanks and let them set for a week or so before attempting the decal? Or will it stick ok on "fresh" (24 hour) BLO? Or something else?

 

[TellicoTurning]

Don't take my opinion as anything definitive, but since BLO is an oil, I'm thinking that until it is fully cured, the decal wouldn't stick well.

 

[DurocShark]

Yeah, kinda what I was thinking. Maybe I'll put a coat or two of shellac on first instead.

 

[Chasper]

I use 2-3 coats of BLO/CA before applying the decals. The BLO pops the wood color and the CA turns into a hard and oil free surface that the decals adhere to. After applying the decals then put on a few more coats of CA to cover and protect the decals. You should not get any uneven color fade after the decals are applied.

 

[AKBeaver]

I do a couple CA coats, then sand/polish through 12K MM. Then I add the decals using Micro-sol to set the decal, then wait 24 hours, then 3-4 CA coats. If you use model or commercial decals, you do want to spray them with the Testor's Decal Fix, or Deft as a buffer between the decal and the CA, if not the CA will dissolve the decal. (Found out the hard way). This also works with BLO/CA as well, but right now I am only using CA as my finish.

Dave

 

[pianomanpj]

You might want to consider Myland's sanding sealer. It'll pop the grain, and really help fill the soft, porous wood. Decal over that, and use a decal setting solution to really help it "hug" the pen. That will help avoid silvering under the decal. Then apply your CA/BLO finish.