CA Alternative for Inlay Kit

[brey]

I'm newer to turning pens (about 30 under my belt) and want to try a stars/strips inlay kit. I don't want to use a CA finish, though, for a variety of reasons.

What are suggested alternatives? I won't be doing a ton of inlay kits, so I'm okay with one that might be a bit time consuming. What's best to provide some of the benefits of CA (shine and protection) with something like the inlay. Spray lacquer? Something else?

 

[larryc]

Id be curious about the replies you receive.
I am just getting ready to finishing up 10 right now. This will be a total of 50 that I have made. I never thought about anything but a CA finish.

 

[raar25]

Any finish will work. My first inlay pen 3 years ago was standard shellac based friction polish and it is still going strong, just not still glossy like CA would be. Just make sure the gaps between the pieces are filled with some glue before you start to turn.

 

[BJohn]

I too would be interested in responses, I have done several inlay kits. I have used CA not only for the finish but also to glue all the pieces together once assembled.

 

[Akula]

Well if you have access to a rod dryer then I have used a product called envirotex lite. You must have the slow rotating dryer so the finish don't run or build up in places. It's not the easiest or cheapest way to go but results are worth it IMO. I just happened to have everything so there was no extra costs involved.

Wipe on Poly is another option. Slow process to dry

Real Tung oil is another option. Slow process to dry

CA is almost always my go to because of time, it's fast.

 

[brey]

Thanks for the suggestions so far all!

Looking like my standard wood friction polish application (Doctor's Woodshop Pens Plus) or possibly wipe-on poly.

Keep any other suggestions coming!

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I used pens plus for my last one and it came out nice. Was much less complicated than the Stars and Stripes one though.

 

[brey]

I used pens plus for my last one and it came out nice. Was much less complicated than the Stars and Stripes one though.

Great to hear that Pens Plus worked well, even if with another kit!

 

[marter1229]

How to you fasten the small pieces without ca glue?

 

[brey]

How to you fasten the small pieces without ca glue?

I don't mind using some glue to assemble the kit as needed - I just don't like using it as a finish.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Cross inlay with pens plus

 

[plantman]

I have used a water based finish by the name of Hydracoat. Wipe or spray on, drys clear in 15 minutes. Often used on gym floors. Jim S