HSTurning
Member
I have a general idea of the pros and cons of a few finishes. I have not seen or been able to find a thread about the pros and cons of all the finishes that we can use on wood pens. I know some put a finish on the plastics but most don't. Many threads have been started about individual finishes or comparing 2 or 3. I was wondering if people with experience with the different finishes could weigh in on this topic. If you have experience with any of the following finishes or if you use/used something else please let me know what you think of it.
Friction Polish, CA, CA-BLO, Enduro, Wood-Write/PSI gloss or super gloss friction sealer, Plexi-tone, Spray lacquer and any others that I didn't mention.
The reason I ask is to figure out if I want to try something else. (Enduro mainly)
I also think having a single thread would help many people figure out what finish may be best for the shop that have or the effort they may want or not want to put into the finish.
This is what kind of info I am looking to put together.
Friction polish:
Pros: Quick to apply, Inexpensive, No noticeable buildup (can sand to bushing and apply), Non toxic, Finish don't crack, application temp don't matter
Cons: Heat buildup can crack blank, Wears off in a day or 2, Dull look, Leaves wood grain open, wax can build up in deep grain,
CA:
Pros: Quick to apply (once you find a way that works for you), Durable, Seals wood grain, High Gloss finish possible
Cons: Moisture in the air can affect finishing, Toxic (need to use respirator and/or good ventilation), Need to sand below bushings and build up layers, Can Crack, Cold room temp extends the drying time (use accelerator), Takes a good amount of practice to get it down, feels like a plastic pen, CA goes bad if you don't use it within a year
Any input you have about any finish is appreciated.
Friction Polish, CA, CA-BLO, Enduro, Wood-Write/PSI gloss or super gloss friction sealer, Plexi-tone, Spray lacquer and any others that I didn't mention.
The reason I ask is to figure out if I want to try something else. (Enduro mainly)
I also think having a single thread would help many people figure out what finish may be best for the shop that have or the effort they may want or not want to put into the finish.
This is what kind of info I am looking to put together.
Friction polish:
Pros: Quick to apply, Inexpensive, No noticeable buildup (can sand to bushing and apply), Non toxic, Finish don't crack, application temp don't matter
Cons: Heat buildup can crack blank, Wears off in a day or 2, Dull look, Leaves wood grain open, wax can build up in deep grain,
CA:
Pros: Quick to apply (once you find a way that works for you), Durable, Seals wood grain, High Gloss finish possible
Cons: Moisture in the air can affect finishing, Toxic (need to use respirator and/or good ventilation), Need to sand below bushings and build up layers, Can Crack, Cold room temp extends the drying time (use accelerator), Takes a good amount of practice to get it down, feels like a plastic pen, CA goes bad if you don't use it within a year
Any input you have about any finish is appreciated.