Good durable matt finish

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Talfalfa33

Talfalfa33

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Joined
Feb 19, 2012
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141
Location
Dallas, Tx
Can anyone suggest to me a good durable finish that isn't glossy but will hold up like CA does. I have 3 sets of ash pen and pencil sets to turn and engrave but not sure what finish to use. I've thought about semi-gloss poly but just not sure. Or is there any way to do CA and have it turn out in a dull luster.
 
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Sure, just let me do your CA finish for you.:biggrin:

Sorry I couldn't resist that after it took me so long to finally figure how to get a decent CA finish on my pens.

Jim Smith
 
CA is still a good option if you like the other qualities, just don't go up the Micromesh chain as far as you would for the uber-gloss. Review the finish/gloss after each pad and stop when it looks right for your needs.
 
For matte finish do your normal CA finish all the way thru Micro Mesh and polish then cut it back with 0000 Steel Wool. Looks great and holds up just like gloss CA
 
Greg hit the nail on the head! I saturated my pen with thin CA and and used 0000 Steel Wool to remove the gloss and surface CA. I did this a couple times to fill voids and ensure the CA saturated the material. It gives a nice flat finish that you can control.

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Hi peoples,

Yes, I agree that the suggestions given above, are the best I know to get the strength of a good CA coat but without the shine HOWEVER, this should not be attempted immediately after the CA was applied, particularly if there are many CA coats on it, why...???

The more CA coats the thicker the layer and the longer will take to set hard all the way through so, is a BIG risk of the heat applied by the steal wood or sanding paper/pads to reverse the hardening of the CA and you endup with a clogged up mess that you will have to strip down to bare wood again.

The steal wood is the most culprit on this, even tough is one of the quickest and most effect ways top knock down the CA shine but the heat resulting from the friction is dangerous if the CA is not set hard/cured and that can take up to 72 hours if lots of layers were applied...!

The safest way is use a wet sanding/rubbing system such as the wet and dry sandpaper and pads, the water will cool down the CA as the rubbing action is applied to it. Water will not affect the wood and or the finish but will moderated the temperatures exerted but the rubbing action.

Always, better safer than sorry...!:wink:

Cheers
George
 
robutacion, WHY use a lot of layers of CA if you want matt finish?:)

6 layers of CA/BLO usually goes for very nice matte finish, and sometimes you even do not need to touch it with sandpaper or micromesh at all.
 
I use MINWAX Water Based Oil Modified Polyurethane Satin Finish and have found that it is as durable as CA once fully cured.
I can get a reliable, consistent finish every time without any of the inconsistencies associated with CA finishes.
I apply using my Dipping Method.
Works great for me.

Les
 
I suggest you try Wood Turners Finish (available at Exotics, Woodcraft and others). It applies easily, without the risks inherent in CA finish. It can be buffed to a glossy sheen (wait a day after application to buff for best results) or it can be sanded similar to the suggestions above for a nice matte finish. It started out as a floor finish, so unless you do a lot of walking on your pens its durability shouldn't be a problem!
 
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