I'm getting back in to pen turning after a 20-year hiatus. Back then I just used sandpaper (80-320 max). I didn't really know what I was doing, and there was no Internet!
Today, I see these pens that have what appears to be a clear coat/plastic/almost glass-like finish over the wood. And that is what I'm going for.
I have dabbled in a number of methods:
- Micro Mesh only - Sanded down starting with 100 grit to 400 grit sandpaper then finishing with the MM pads. This gives the wood a smooth texture and [temporary] shine. But it soon wears dull.
- CA glue - I'm perhaps least experienced with this. I've watched some videos and read a bit. Tried it once but ended up with a dull almost opaque cover on the blanks.
- Polyurethane - I started this on a pen last night. I used a piece of shop towel to apply the poly while the pen turned slowly on the lathe. I'm planning to sand it tonight and recoat, then repeat at least once more. I also plan to try the drip method at some point.
But, bottom-line: How do I get that nice clear coat finish on my wood pen blanks? Is there some super-secret method that only the elder pen gods know about and require a pilgrimage to the highest mountain in the land to reveal??
Thanks,
Mark
P.S. - Regarding CA, I suspect that one of my issues is that I don't allow the CA enough time to dry. Can someone advise me on the proper drying time for one coat of CA before sanding/reapplying? Thanks.
Today, I see these pens that have what appears to be a clear coat/plastic/almost glass-like finish over the wood. And that is what I'm going for.
I have dabbled in a number of methods:
- Micro Mesh only - Sanded down starting with 100 grit to 400 grit sandpaper then finishing with the MM pads. This gives the wood a smooth texture and [temporary] shine. But it soon wears dull.
- CA glue - I'm perhaps least experienced with this. I've watched some videos and read a bit. Tried it once but ended up with a dull almost opaque cover on the blanks.
- Polyurethane - I started this on a pen last night. I used a piece of shop towel to apply the poly while the pen turned slowly on the lathe. I'm planning to sand it tonight and recoat, then repeat at least once more. I also plan to try the drip method at some point.
But, bottom-line: How do I get that nice clear coat finish on my wood pen blanks? Is there some super-secret method that only the elder pen gods know about and require a pilgrimage to the highest mountain in the land to reveal??
Thanks,
Mark
P.S. - Regarding CA, I suspect that one of my issues is that I don't allow the CA enough time to dry. Can someone advise me on the proper drying time for one coat of CA before sanding/reapplying? Thanks.
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