Finishing Stabilized Woods

[dankc908]

I have several wooden blanks that have been professionally stabilized. I also have several that I have stabilized using the Minwax Wood Hardener. My question is - Should I finish these as I do my wood blanks or as I do my acrylics? Wood = Turner's Magic and Acrylic = MicroMesh and One-Step plastic polish. Thanks in advance!

Dan

 

[RussFairfield]

Stabilized wood is neither 100% wood nor 100% plastic, and it has to be finished for the softer of the two. There will always be wood grain that is sticking through the plastic, and it will become more obvious with age if the pen is not finished.

 

[thewishman]

I find customers want to choose themselves. I offer stabilized wood with or without a finish and never know which will be preferred.

 

[Craftdiggity]

I have several wooden blanks that have been professionally stabilized. I also have several that I have stabilized using the Minwax Wood Hardener. My question is - Should I finish these as I do my wood blanks or as I do my acrylics? Wood = Turner's Magic and Acrylic = MicroMesh and One-Step plastic polish. Thanks in advance!

Dan

Dan,

I think the rule of thumb is to finish as if it is all wood. That is what I have been doing and it seems to work well. You have to protect the wood parts first and foremost since they are most vulnerable to damage so it makes sense to do it this way. The acrylic parts won't care one way or the other.