CA Application

[Stephen]

I have tried this applcator for CA finish without getting my fingers burnt and stuck. Uses less CA since there are only two layers of paper towel.

 

[Gentleben]

If you apply CA to quilter's batting (buy at fabric store), it does not interact with the CA and lets you apply it evenly. I usually cut about a 3 or 4 inch square and then fold and tape to get a 2 by 4 piece. Hold onto the taped part to keep CA from fingers. This works really well. I have also started using a different method to apply my CA. I sand my black through 320. I then put one of the small plastic bags from the pen parts on my finger. While the lathe is running, I place one medium to large drop of CA on the plastic back and apply to blank by running my finger back and forth quickly until it starts to set. I then spray lightly with accelerator while the lathe is still running. I then wet sand using micro mesh up to 12,000. Wiping dry between grits. Then I apply a second coat of CA and follow the same steps. This is a much faster process and gives a beautiful shine and finish to the wood.

Martha

 

[Stephen]

If you apply CA to quilter's batting (buy at fabric store), it does not interact with the CA and lets you apply it evenly. I usually cut about a 3 or 4 inch square and then fold and tape to get a 2 by 4 piece. Hold onto the taped part to keep CA from fingers. This works really well. I have also started using a different method to apply my CA. I sand my black through 320. I then put one of the small plastic bags from the pen parts on my finger. While the lathe is running, I place one medium to large drop of CA on the plastic back and apply to blank by running my finger back and forth quickly until it starts to set. I then spray lightly with accelerator while the lathe is still running. I then wet sand using micro mesh up to 12,000. Wiping dry between grits. Then I apply a second coat of CA and follow the same steps. This is a much faster process and gives a beautiful shine and finish to the wood.

Martha

Thanks Martha.
What I have found is there are many ways to get a good CA finish from infomation gathered in this forum. I will try your method also. What I have experienced is CA finish varies from day to day. By that I mean my technique, besides the temperature, humidity, CA manufacturer -although I do not have much of a choice for this in Singapore, papwer towel quality, the type of wood, my inconsistent and over confident procedure, (mood of the day) elapsed time since opening the CA bottle etc.
All said and done there are good days and bad days but the brighter side is with practice the quality gets better when more are done. When compared to my earlier finishes I am happy with the present. I still have a long way to go when compared to pens I see in IAP forums. That is my target.
Thanks again for your suggestion. Never too late to learn. The more you do and fumble the wiser you get.