JonathanF1968
Member
This is a topic that has been discussed in several threads here before: how to get a natural wood feel on a wood pen, without the high gloss shine, but keeping the pen protected with a durable finish.
As I understand it, the problem with friction polish is that it doesn't last. Some people like the patina that results in time, others don't.
There has been reference to this 2007 article from the UK advocating for the use of Melanine lacquer, but the products mentioned don't seem to be available or in common use in the US.
http://www.beaufortink.co.uk/achievi...a finish.pdf
There is this alternate brand, Mylands, that produces something called "Melamine Lacquer," but I haven't seen a review by anyone who uses it on pens:
https://www.woodworkingshop.com/pro...Wrd5frePtMeThF-hl6sDRazRyepqW_4QaAqZ4EALw_wcB
Curiously, Woodturningz sells a friction polish set of products from Mylands, but NOT the Melamine lacquer:
Mylands 3 Step Finishing System - WoodTurningz
There's also a thread here somewhere about how to get a matte feel out of CA by sanding it, but the concern is that shiny spots will develop with use. Also, it seems like a pretty finicky process, prone to unevenness, cracking, allergies, and so on.
For reference, other products that seem to have been popular in the past (mentioned in this forum) include:
So, the question is, now that it is 2018, what products available in the US are in use for giving a natural wood feel finish, but that lasts well?
As I understand it, the problem with friction polish is that it doesn't last. Some people like the patina that results in time, others don't.
There has been reference to this 2007 article from the UK advocating for the use of Melanine lacquer, but the products mentioned don't seem to be available or in common use in the US.
http://www.beaufortink.co.uk/achievi...a finish.pdf
There is this alternate brand, Mylands, that produces something called "Melamine Lacquer," but I haven't seen a review by anyone who uses it on pens:
https://www.woodworkingshop.com/pro...Wrd5frePtMeThF-hl6sDRazRyepqW_4QaAqZ4EALw_wcB
Curiously, Woodturningz sells a friction polish set of products from Mylands, but NOT the Melamine lacquer:
Mylands 3 Step Finishing System - WoodTurningz
There's also a thread here somewhere about how to get a matte feel out of CA by sanding it, but the concern is that shiny spots will develop with use. Also, it seems like a pretty finicky process, prone to unevenness, cracking, allergies, and so on.
For reference, other products that seem to have been popular in the past (mentioned in this forum) include:
- Doctor's Woodshop: Pens Plus (might be glossy finish?)
PENS PLUS - DOC-108 : Woodturning finishes from Doctor's Woodshop
- Wood Turner's Finish (WTF)
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/general-finishes-wood-turners-finish-8oz
- Urushi Lacquer (time consuming, big learning curve....)
Urushi Lacquer | Mejiro Co.
So, the question is, now that it is 2018, what products available in the US are in use for giving a natural wood feel finish, but that lasts well?