What is the Best Finish for ?

[avbill]

WE all learn at different rates -- So I say What is the best finish for a wooden pen? I started and still using Mylands Friction polish. Yet I have read others use CA, And then there's Unaxol and Enduro. If you use a different finish can you explain why its a better finish for you.

Second; At the same time what finish do you use with acrylic pens?

I start sanding from 150 and sand down to 12,00 MM I sand at slow speed. I then use white diamond.a higher speed on the lathe Then I put two coats of Myland Friction polish as described. The finish looks better than the pens I have seen at the craft shows I have been to. But I'm looking for the exceptional finish that say "WOW" !

On the acrylic side again I sand to 12,000 My last pen I actually wet sanded the pen blank and did see a different in the finished sanding. I then white diamonded the pen blank. I then took a scratching solution from MM and rubbed into the pen and the brilliance of the pen was great. After I finished I used Ren wax for a protection on both wood and acrylic.

One last question What is difference between Tripoli and EEE-Ultra Shine? I know that EEE-shine has tripoli in it! and its a paste.

I have used tripoli but have not like the brownish results from it --But I believe I put too much tripoli on the buffing wheel.

I know my questions are long winded! Thanks again


Bill Daniels

 

[Ligget]

Bill I either use CA or Enduro as a finish on wood pen barrels.

The CA finish really does give you the WOW factor especially if you pop the grain with BLO just before sealing it with several coats of CA. It can make the wood look very plastic though especially to customers.

Enduro is another finish I use, especially on oily woods. Waiting for Enduro to cure is a real negative if you want the pens finished quickly, but results are good and consistent success rates make it a great fionish worth trying.

Buffing pens, I have a three wheel buffing system that fit into my lathes, but I never use it, so knowledge of buffing results is very low!

 

[jeffj13]

There are lots of finishes that you can use. Pretty much any finish you would use on furniture or other wood products will work to finish pens. CA is very popular and, in the right hands, can product a great finish. I prefer spraying lacquer although the curing time can be a problem if you need the pen quickly.

I don't apply a finish to my acrylic pens. I MM them through all the grits and then use a automotive scratch remover.

jeff

 

[DKF]

Wood: I use CA....Enduro....Lacquer. Each one has it's differences, advantages and disadvantages. There are tutorials available on all three....

Acrylic: MM through 12000....Brasso, WD, TSW.

 

[Brewmeister35]

I use mostly CA but sometimes shellawax FP. Depends on the wood really. Still wanting to try enduro and that will be soon. CA takes a bit to get used to doing but you really do get the "wow" effect you're looking for. For acrylics, I MM all the way up and then kit scratch remover. Finally have ren wax so that will go on top.

 

[cdcarter]

Bill,

Some depends on my mood, but my basic finish is ca/blo. Depending on how that comes out, I sometimes add a coat or two of lacquer.

Don't tell anybody, but I've even been known to go back and wipe on a coat of lacquer or poly, and guess what? Looks just fine. Often, I use Mylands on top of a ca/blo finish, just because I like that soft glow it gets, and as it wears off, the pen still has a nice ca/blo finish underneath it.

Sometimes we have too many rules for our own good.