Tn-Steve
Member
Hey Gang,
I think I'm finally getting the hang of a CA finish. One of my problems was that I was too GENTLE with my sanding, and not getting the good crisp reflections that I wanted.
While I was doing an Acrylic pen, it struck me, CA is ACRYLIC, and I need to make sure that I get it smooth the same way. I'm using the first 2 grits of MM DRY so that I get a flat surface all across, no shiny spots (which I have figured out are actually depressions in the CA)
Then I WET SAND thru all the grades, using a moderate amount of pressure. (Before I just barely laid the MM on the pen, I think with the water lube I probably was not even making contact).
THis pen was done with 8 coats thin CA, applied the "CA THE NEW WAY" technique, wiping off extra accelerator between coats. Very thin coats were applied. Sanded as described above, Finish with Mothers Mag and Chrome Polish, Buff with Tripoli and White Diamond, polish with Hutts Plastic Polish.
All told, I don't think that it took much more than 10 - 15 minutes to do the finish, and it's the best one I've had yet. Some minor flaws, but that may be because I didn't use any sanding sealer first.
Comments, as always, are appreciated. The pics are just a quick and dirty, haven't had a finish that deserved a light box yet... guess I'm getting there.
Steve
I think I'm finally getting the hang of a CA finish. One of my problems was that I was too GENTLE with my sanding, and not getting the good crisp reflections that I wanted.
While I was doing an Acrylic pen, it struck me, CA is ACRYLIC, and I need to make sure that I get it smooth the same way. I'm using the first 2 grits of MM DRY so that I get a flat surface all across, no shiny spots (which I have figured out are actually depressions in the CA)
Then I WET SAND thru all the grades, using a moderate amount of pressure. (Before I just barely laid the MM on the pen, I think with the water lube I probably was not even making contact).
THis pen was done with 8 coats thin CA, applied the "CA THE NEW WAY" technique, wiping off extra accelerator between coats. Very thin coats were applied. Sanded as described above, Finish with Mothers Mag and Chrome Polish, Buff with Tripoli and White Diamond, polish with Hutts Plastic Polish.
All told, I don't think that it took much more than 10 - 15 minutes to do the finish, and it's the best one I've had yet. Some minor flaws, but that may be because I didn't use any sanding sealer first.
Comments, as always, are appreciated. The pics are just a quick and dirty, haven't had a finish that deserved a light box yet... guess I'm getting there.
Steve
