CA/BLO Problem

[cherokeeturner]

Hi everyone,

We are just branching out to try CA finishing on a slim line pen with king wood and ran into a problem.

After sanding to 600, we added alternating coats of CA/BLO three times sanding with 600 between the first two coats. This was done at 500 rpm. We then increased the rpm to 1800 and buffed the pen with a piece of "brown paper sack". OOPs, this produced a wonderful swirl pattern in the finish. The DW is going through the MMs to see if she can remove the swirl pattern and salvage the finish.

We used 'thin'CA to prevent a major build-up.

We would appreciate all suggestions on how to do the 'final step' using this process.

Thanks

 

[wdcav1952]

Use the Search button at the top of this page and search for CA or CA finish. That should supply you with lots of reading.

Also, read this article from the Library on the Home Page http://www.penturners.org/content/DonWardCA.pdf

 

[gwilki]

I haven't done many ca/blo finished pens yet, so there is no doubt that other, more experienced members will be able to help you. I can say, though, that Russ Fairfield's video says to use the thickest ca that you can find for the finishing process. Use thin to seal the wood, but not for the finish. I've followed his advice and all is well so far (touch wood []) Your problem sounds like the finish wasn't hardened before you started buffing it. Once hardened, I really doubt that grocery bag could cause swirls.

 

[Olson86]

I was using Thin CA/
BLO and was having problems with swirling and clouding.
I found that using medium CA solved these problems.
As suggested above, I'll try thick CA, and see if that improves even more.
Regards, Chuck

 

[cherokeeturner]

Thanks everyone for your comments. On my next project, I will try using 'thin CA' to fill and 'thick CA' (since I don't have medium)for the finish.

By the way, my DW did a wonderful job of reviving the finish on her Slimline by going through the MMs. When I learn how, I'll post a picture.

Bob