pgfitzgerald
Member
Like many of you, I started out many moons ago using friction finish and found that it simply didn't stand up to daily use.
I then ran across Les Elm's Minwax Polyurethane technique. Try as I might, I just couldn't replicate the look Les was able to achieve. It also took a long time to get through all the necessary steps.
Next, I gave CA a shot. The fumes were a lot to handle, but I finally ended up being able to get a somewhat consistent outcome. I just don't like the look or the feel.
Most recently, I've been using Enduro. But like the Minwax Polyurethane, I can't seem to replicate the look I see in the "Show Off Your Pens" forum. Nevertheless, I like Enduro best so far.
...
I'm just extremely frustrated that I haven't been able to get a great finish with any method no matter how much time I spend practicing.
All I want is a smooth, blemish free, gloss finish. All I seem to be able to get is a smooth gloss finish with lots of little imperfections. My pens always look great until you pick them up and look at them.
...
Using Enduro and following Wayne's instructions word for word gives me the best results of anything I have tried. Using Viva paper towels really does help... and everything seems to go very well until I get to the last part.
Using MM from 3200 to 12000 on 3 coats of the glossy top coat results in, more often than not, blowing right through the 3 coats of glossy top coat.
So I started doing 6 coats. Blowing through doesn't happen as much, but when I get done with 3200-12000, the finish isn't smooth.
I figured starting with 1500 rather than 3200 might help. That ended in, more often than not, blowing right through the 6 coats of glossy top coat.
So I started doing 9 coats. Blowing through doesn't happen as much, but when I get done with 1500-12000, the finish still isn't smooth.
I figured maybe using Brasso, like Les Elm does, after the 12000 MM would help, but it made things worse... and when I redid the MM to get back to where I was before the Brasso... I blew right through what was left of the top coat.
I was thinking about trying some Huts Ultra Gloss Plastic Polish, but I really don't know if it will help.
I was also thinking about giving dipping lacquer a shot, but I'm reluctant to give up on the Enduro since I feel like I'm so close to finally achieving the finish I so desire.
I just have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I don't know anyone nearby that can give me some hands on help. I haven't yet found a video that has been able to get through my thick skull. And I've read so much I feel like my eyes are going to stop working here shortly.
Anyways... Thanks for letting me vent. And if you read all of that... Wow, thanks for taking the time. If you have any words of wisdom, that would be great!
Paul
I then ran across Les Elm's Minwax Polyurethane technique. Try as I might, I just couldn't replicate the look Les was able to achieve. It also took a long time to get through all the necessary steps.
Next, I gave CA a shot. The fumes were a lot to handle, but I finally ended up being able to get a somewhat consistent outcome. I just don't like the look or the feel.
Most recently, I've been using Enduro. But like the Minwax Polyurethane, I can't seem to replicate the look I see in the "Show Off Your Pens" forum. Nevertheless, I like Enduro best so far.
...
I'm just extremely frustrated that I haven't been able to get a great finish with any method no matter how much time I spend practicing.
All I want is a smooth, blemish free, gloss finish. All I seem to be able to get is a smooth gloss finish with lots of little imperfections. My pens always look great until you pick them up and look at them.
...
Using Enduro and following Wayne's instructions word for word gives me the best results of anything I have tried. Using Viva paper towels really does help... and everything seems to go very well until I get to the last part.
Using MM from 3200 to 12000 on 3 coats of the glossy top coat results in, more often than not, blowing right through the 3 coats of glossy top coat.
So I started doing 6 coats. Blowing through doesn't happen as much, but when I get done with 3200-12000, the finish isn't smooth.
I figured starting with 1500 rather than 3200 might help. That ended in, more often than not, blowing right through the 6 coats of glossy top coat.
So I started doing 9 coats. Blowing through doesn't happen as much, but when I get done with 1500-12000, the finish still isn't smooth.
I figured maybe using Brasso, like Les Elm does, after the 12000 MM would help, but it made things worse... and when I redid the MM to get back to where I was before the Brasso... I blew right through what was left of the top coat.
I was thinking about trying some Huts Ultra Gloss Plastic Polish, but I really don't know if it will help.
I was also thinking about giving dipping lacquer a shot, but I'm reluctant to give up on the Enduro since I feel like I'm so close to finally achieving the finish I so desire.
I just have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I don't know anyone nearby that can give me some hands on help. I haven't yet found a video that has been able to get through my thick skull. And I've read so much I feel like my eyes are going to stop working here shortly.
Anyways... Thanks for letting me vent. And if you read all of that... Wow, thanks for taking the time. If you have any words of wisdom, that would be great!
Paul
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