Problems with CA

[texaswoodworker]

I recentally began using CA/BLO finishes and have a question for all you pros. How do I stop the ca from streaking on the wood? It covers all of the wood but tends to streak in some spots and I cannot figure out how to get it to go on smooth. Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Rangertrek]

When you say "streaking" do mean little ripples in the surface?
We need more info in order to provide a few tips for you.
Which CA are you using, thin, med, thick?
Sanding method?
Accelerator or just BLO?

 

[texaswoodworker]

I usually snad to 12,000 grit then apply BLO and thin CA with a paper towel This is where most of the streaking occurs. Yes, the streaks are ripples in the surface.

 

[ctubbs]

I have tried several applicators and red many post on this subject. My preferred applicator is the brown Taco Bell napkins while many others prefer the blue Scott shop towels. What you apply the CA with can dramatically effect your results with a CA finish. Small ripples are not uncommon from time to time. I find that if I get in too big a hurry and apply too much CA, it will ripple if I do not work it down. Once I do get the dreaded ripples, it is then time to sand long ways on the blank to smooth the finish before going on with more layers.
Please do not take this as expert advise for i am far from that.
Charles

 

[rvarner10]

CA/BLO Finish

Texaswoodworker, I use Bounty paper towels, folded to about 3/4 to 1" wide. I put three drops of boiled linseed oil and then apply in one smooth wipe across the entire pen. And then i rub about 3 to 4 times which evens out the blo. I then put three drops of med CA glue, the same way i applied the blo, but i go back and forth about 8 to 10 times or until I feel some resitance, I havent had any streaks (yet). As I have a handout for CA/BLO if you want it.
Bob

I recentally began using CA/BLO finishes and have a question for all you pros. How do I stop the ca from streaking on the wood? It covers all of the wood but tends to streak in some spots and I cannot figure out how to get it to go on smooth. Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Drstrangefart]

Yeah, just try putting CA on a bit thicker, wipe it a few times, and put light from the side on it. You can SEE the ripples smooth out before it's drying with a little practice.

 

[bradh]

Thin CA will set up faster than the thicker grades. BLO will accelerate the set. Paper towels will also speed up the set.
I do not know where Reno is, but higher humidity can also speed up the CA set.
I think the combo you are using is causing the CA to set before it can flow properly.
I would suggest dropping the BLO or perhaps switching to medium CA to allow the CA to flow a bit more before it sets. the idea of using more CA will also help slow the set.
Some ridges or bumps in the CA is common, that is one of the reasons for the final sanding step.

 

[MarkD]

Not sure if this is causing you problems but you may be sanding with too fine a grit prior to the BLO/CA. I usually sand to 600 before applying the BLO/CA. You may have sanding too smooth for the CA to grab. When finished applying CA I left ir dry awhile then sand with MM to 12000.

 

[texaswoodworker]

Not sure if this is causing you problems but you may be sanding with too fine a grit prior to the BLO/CA. I usually sand to 600 before applying the BLO/CA. You may have sanding too smooth for the CA to grab. When finished applying CA I left ir dry awhile then sand with MM to 12000.

I'll have to try that and see how it turns out. The wood I'm using is cocobolo so it's really smooth at 12000 grit.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[texaswoodworker]

ctubbs, I'll have to get some and see if that is the problem.

Drstrangefart, I gave that a try and it helped a little but didn't completely solve the problem.

Brad, I'll have to give that a try too.

Bob, That just about what I do too but I use a little more BLO than that. I'll have to try using less and see if it helps too.

Thanks everybody for the advice.