Postives & Negatives of Enduro and CA

[philb]

Hi,

Just been reading through the last 5 or so pages of the the finishing threads and see most people use CA or Enduro finishes, although some lacquer but that isn't an option at the moment!

Just looking to see what people see as the positives and negatives for both? for example, there durability, ease of application, clarity etc?

Cheers PHIL

 

[toolcrazy]

CA
Positives
-------Fast and Durable.
Negitives
-------Fumes and some of us can't get a handle on making it work.
Enduro
Positives
-------Easy to use, no fumes and durable.
Negitives
-------Slow curing time so it takes longer to finish pen.

I prefer Enduro. I don't mind the curing times. And I like the look of the finish better. I feel that the CA finish is too plasic looking. JMHO

 

[leehljp]

Steve,

That is a good concise summary. Right on and too the point!

 

[Sylvanite]

I'd also add that Enduro is resistant to acetone, and is suitable for pieces that may come in contact with nail polish remover (basically anything that lives in a purse).

Regards,
Eric

 

[philb]

Is there much difference between durability and the gloss that can be achieved?

 

[Gary Max]

No one method works all the time.

 

[Sfolivier]

Are you sure about Enduro and acetone? I found it to be very sensitive to solvent, even alcohol... It is pretty resistant to anything (including fingers) otherwise and I use it systematically for my pens. Apart from the curing time, I find it superior to CA or BLO/CA. It is easier to apply and at least as durable. I usually apply it on top of EEE cream to bring the color of the wood out but I've used it directly on some light woods that I wanted to keep very white.

 

[igran7]

IMHO CA/BLO is the best possible finish out there for durability and sheen. You can achieve a glass like finish that isn't possible with any other finish including Enduro. Sorry folks I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes, but I've used both. You can achieve a great finish with Enduro if you don't mind the cure time. However, you can achieve a superior finish with CA/BLO without the cure time.

 

[Sfolivier]

With Enduro, I use at least 5 coats of the sealer and 5 coats of the top finish. Combined with twice overnight curing time (I'm conservative) this is clearly not for production people.

I have mad a few pens with CA finishes and didn't find it too hard. Either way, I could get a "wet glass finish". I just hated the smell of CA. I also think that the Enduro is "warmer". I don't know how to describe it... It just seems less clinky, less plasticly for lack of a better word. Some of the CA pens I have seen looked so "fake". I don't know why I don't get the same tactile feeling with a good Enduro finish (I don't use wax or any topcoat on Enduro).