CA Finish

[baker4456]

Turned a pen and finished using CA. I used thick CA and sprayed it with activator after each coat (8). When I got through sanding and polishing I noticed some small cracks in the CA buildup. They were not visible on the surface but you can see them in bright light. Any one have a problem with cracking when using activator?

 

[Marc Phillips]

Originally posted by baker4456

any one have a problem with cracking when using activator?

No... but I did using thick CA and applying multiple coats... so I switched to thin CA and sand between coats.... no more cracking or haziness...

 

[baker4456]

Marc,
Thanks for your reply. This pen was the first one I had tried the activator on but I think it is the first pen I tried to build real thick with CA. I used the thicker CA becaus it will build quicker. Think I'll go back to my old way. A little activator probably won't hurt but lots of thick CA will. Thank you for your help

 

[fiferb]

I think it is your activator causing the small cracks or lines. I use medium CA and no activator, no problems.

 

[Ligget]

I never use activator on a CA finish, no problems here![8D]

 

[monkeynutz]

Ditto on nixing the activator. Let it cure on its own. More time, but harder finish, ultimately.