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marcruby

marcruby

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Joined
Feb 22, 2008
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1,175
Location
Warren, Michigan, USA.
I just realized that between turning plastic pens and large bowls my skill with CA as a finish has degraded. Before I turn a bunch of pens to get up to speed I keep wondering if I should try something else - the time it takes to complete a pen is not a concern.

So I have the following options:

1. Several thicknesses and kinds of CA
2. a can of deft gloss lacquer
3. Several cans of rubbing poly - minwax and watco
4. a can of blond shellac
5. four different kinds of wax
6. a can of deft water-based poly
7. several heat setting finishes
8. Waterlox, waterlox, and more waterlox (my current favorite for large work)
9. some stuff at the back of the cabinet that still gurgles when I shake the can.

Any idea which one of these will produce a durable, attractive finish over wood?

Marc
 
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Marc, so far the best I've come across (found out about this on this site) is the CA glue finish. I have tried the Shellac/Wax finish, and it doesn't hold up like the CA does.

Also practice your technique on some scrap blanks first. I use cut-offs drilled with a 1/4" bit, squared with a barrel trimmer, and just placed on the mandrel between slimline bushings to hold it. I then turn it round, sand it up, and then practice finishing. I have several of these in different woods and acrylics as samples.
 
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I like CA when it's new and done right, but I don't like the way it wears - unevenly with scratches. The shellac/waxes don't hold up as well, but when they wear they just look like wood with a patina.

I'm ready to try something different, but I don't know which way to go.
 
I was in the same boat and decided to try Unoxal and Enduro. I also have been playing with dipping in Poly. What you could do is just try your different choices until you find one you like.:cool:
 
Truthfully when I did it I didn't bother to read up on it and I'm not even sure I used the right stuff or the right amount of coats. It sold quickly though and I haven't had the opportunity to do more yet. If I can get a picture to work I will show you how it turned out, lol.:cool:

44_platslimlinepen_padauk_c25.jpg
 
IMHO Enduro is really nice, its easy to apply the only downfall if you consider it one is the time to apply to a finished pen. I do use it at times but honestly CA is just as easy, last as well and a whole bunch faster. Once again just my opinion, I will say if I stopped using CA for whatever reason Enduro or Unaxol would be the only finish I would use. This is only my opinion and not meant to start the whole "whats the best finish thing."
 
marcruby said:
I like CA when it's new and done right, but I don't like the way it wears - unevenly with scratches. The shellac/waxes don't hold up as well, but when they wear they just look like wood with a patina.

I'm ready to try something different, but I don't know which way to go.
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A satin finish will wear much more attractively than a gloss. Gloss will show any scratch as if it's a hideous gouge, whereas satin tends to mute them quite a bit.

You can get Deft lacquer spray cans in satin, but the trick is to shake them up VERY well before using them b/c the agent that makes them satin is a micro-fine powder, such as silica.
 
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