Thread: How to fill multiple imperfections

You have a few options available to you with filling voids... if the void doesn't go all the way to the tube then you could just fill with CA and finish normally. If it goes all the way to the brass then you could fill with a contrasting material mixed with CA (epoxy would work but might be overkill on some pens). I have used crushed turqoise stone to fill knots and voids to good effect and others have used coloured glitter in here. Others will have ideas too but you are right... I love the bits of burl with a bit of sapwood in there too.

Corbs

The timber can be darkened by using Newts Ebonising Solution, there are various colours, apply the solution with a rag, let it sit 24 hrs then finish sanding, too much sanding may remove the colouting, Amos

G'day Bodgy,
When I fill voids in burl I use dry coffee grounds. just push the coffee into the void with a tooth pick and then dribble thin CA around the outside edge and let it wick into the coffee. sand when dry.

I find the dark coffee blends very nicely with burl.

Terry

What a great tip about the coffee grounds Terry. Will put that one in the memory bank!!

All the best.

Jenny

Thanks guys, I'll have a go and report back

People have their own favorites when it comes to filling voids. Some use wood filler,
sawdust, glitter (ground coffee???!!!!! LOL ) whatever works for you .. go for it.

As for coloring, I've used BLO to bring out contrast, but I've also used analine dyes with
good results. You can mix it up with alcohol so it dries very fast. Put it on light and
keep adding till you like the color. That way you don't overdo it. Plus, it doesn't seal
the wood and keep out the finish you want to put on it.

Im going to ask what is probably obvious NL88..... what is BLO. Ive seen it in a few posts, but havent worked it out yet.

Jenny

Don't you just love acronyms? It sorts out those in the know, don't you know?

Boiled Linseed Oil, don't use Raw Linseed Oil, it doesn't dry. Bunnies stock it, usually from Diggers. Just a few drops on a rag makes a lot of difference to some blanks. You can then finish with CA.

Yep just shows Im still on my 'L' Plates in here

So is there a rule of thumb on the types of timber you would use it on. Is it just to bring out the grain???? And then add your final finish. Does it work with other kinds of finish or only CA.

Jenny

Ah.. BLO .. sorry, there's a few acronyms you'll see here often enough.
Here's a few off the top of my head:

BLO = boiled linseed oil
CA = cyanoacrylate (super glue)
WOP = wipe on polyurethane
DAMHIKT - don't ask me how I know this
SWMBO She who must be obeyed
MM = Micro mesh


There's more, but these popped into my head

ROTFALMAO - Roll On The Floor And Laugh My A*** OFF

And how can we possibly forget NPGJ?

Oh, and Bodgy? Dyed epoxy or casting resin are also viable options with pen blanks. Especially for punky woods that need some bodying up, in which case a pressure or vac pot also comes in handy.