Please critique my finish (Kinda Long)

[rjwolfe3]

Hey all,

I've been having a heck of time with my CA/BLO finish ever since I switched to the better Med CA from Monty. (Not a dig on Monty or his glue since that is what everyone uses) I was using the cheap Gel Superglue from Lowes when I first learned the technique. I followed the video where the guy puts the ca on a towel and then blo and then sands <s>and rinse</s> and repeat three times and then MM to 12000. Can't remember who the video guy was but he was easy to follow. The problem I'm having now is the CA doesn't seem to want to fill small pits and cracks in the wood (but the CA dust will and leaves white streaks) and there seems to be scratches in the CA even though I sand lengthwise after each grit. It also doesn't seem to shine like it should. Should I invest in a buffing setup? Should I try a different finish? Take a look at the last three pens I did and let me know what you think of the finish.

Thanks for looking and all your comments and helpful suggestions,

 

[Johnathan]

A three step buffing setup will make a huge difference. Also, I have tried CA and CA/BLO and love the CA (Fangar Method) I'm not seeing my gloss on these pens and it could be the lighting, pictures, or the pens. I think it's a little tricky when first starting out but believe me, it will get easier. CA slurry first, prep the wood before a full CA finish. The buffing wheel thought will take out all of those tiny scratches if they are still there and you're going up to the 12000 micromesh. Just make sure after every step up on the mesh, you can't see any scratches. Hope this helps.

 

[karlkuehn]

Rob, you're using Russ Fairfield's technique there. Try switching to Don Ward's (search for his tutorial) technique. I've never been able to use Russ' method to save my life, and no matter what I do, I can't hardly screw up Don's way. The big difference is Don's method has you putting the BLO on the blank first, and then dribbling the CA on after.

Some people have luck doing it one way, and some the other. I don't like putting the CA on the paper towel, because each type of paper towel is going to have a different effect on the curing of the CA.

I use Monty's teal label med. CA for my finish, too, and I've noticed that it sets up a lot quicker than other stuff, so that might have something to do with the problems you're seeing.

Hope this helps!

I love that spalted timber on the second pen, by the way!

 

[Ligget]

Or go back and get your CA from Lowes again! LOL