Sean,
I doubt if my choice of finish will hold up in a purse or pocket. I just felt like doing it with a finish that I wouldn't have trouble finishing it down in the grooves.
I rigged up a rotisserie motor that makes about 15 rpm in front of a cardboard painting box. I put the barrels on a dowell and give them a coat of spray every 15 minutes or so. As I understand it, additional coats of lacquer "burn" into the previous coats so I do not do any sanding between coats unless I have a major screw up that causes me to start over. [
] To me the important thing is to Leave It Alone!! for at least a week to allow the finish to harden. Then, depending on how well I sprayed the coats on, I will give it a light buff with 5/0 steel wool and follow with the polish of my choice.
I hope this helps, just remember it is worth exactly what you paid for it! [
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In dental school we would often say "This method works best in my hands." That is the important thing, to find a method that works for you; it doesn't matter if it doesn't work for others.
BTW, I only added the last part because Ed4Copies holds me in such high esteem that I am required to make weighty statements on a semi-regular basis. [
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