Thread: simple finish advice

Ian, just use 1 coat Ca over the Shellawax, Amos

I use EEE followed by Hutt wax. Nice shine easy to do and even better it is darn quick.

I use EEE and shellawax, especially good on darker timbers. I like the patina that develops with use.
Cheers

I have made a few with nothing more then 5 coats of BLO, allowing to dry in between coats. Not only does the BLO 'lift the grain', it seems to make for a nice finish....


Is it as shiny and glassy looking as a CA finish? No way, but it allows the wooden pen to look like wood!

Does it take awhile longer to do this finish? Yup, but I have always thought this was a hobby...if I want a production line, I'd have to build a bigger shop and have a finishing room and employees


There is always WoP too?


Scott (fastest isn't always bestest) B

Yep, I'll vote 1 for EEE then Shellawax, then a coat of Traditional Wax applied with a little friction heat on the lathe. Very quick and silky smooth finish.

I use Glow on my slimlines, takes 30 seconds to get a really nice, smooth finish. With a bit of friction, you get a subtle glossy finish on most timbers. Sometimes I do a base coat of Glow, followed by EEE cream and another coat of Glow. I always apply 2 coats of Glow, just with some EEE in between as needed.

Ian

Try the Nitrocellulose dipping method. Its fast to coat each pen ( just dip and hang them) but takes a while to dry. When you have enough coats on its done - no polishing needed. There is also the Poly product Les uses but in all honestly CA is faster to apply than that product. I don't like the shellac simply because sweat from the hand stains the pen.

Greg

Hi Ian

Have you tried WOP finish the way Sam does it?

Its quick to apply, except you have to apply the coats over a long time frame.

Regards

David

Yes I have thanks David but the problem with that process is that is by no means fast at all and I am looking for a good fast simple way if thats possible.

Thanks anyway

Cheers Ian

Hey Dorno,

I can't see why you wouldn't do a few coats of CA, It may be the weather over here, but when I get arked up, and have a production line setup going, I can get a pen from square trimmed blank to a finished blank ready for assembly or engraving in about 5-6 minutes, 5 Coats of CA at least. (some get 6-8 depending on timber) just to 'Fluff' them up I will sometimes give them a hit with Hutts Friction Wax.

Good Luck

HazzaB

Originally Posted by Woodenink

Ian, just use 1 coat Ca over the Shellawax, Amos

Amos, could you provide more details on how you do this ie what type of CA, level of sanding etc. It sounds too easy.

Check out this You Tube Vid. He is a memeber of the IAP. He is using the dipping method and shows off a nice jig that he built to get it done fast.


Video:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5hljaZd1Zw]Pen Finishing Rig - YouTube[/ame]

Was going to post the IAP thread but not sure its allowed.

Hi Just

What is the product being used for dipping in the video. Is it nitrocellulose based? I have tried dipping with nitro and haven't had a problem as long as you place the pen bush at the bottom of the blank - the nitro doesn't build up but runs off the bush when hung to dry. It allows a thick, smooth coat. The video looks good but I wonder if you would in fact need 30 - 40 coats just to make up the thickness on the blank as so much is wiped off and I would also be worried about streaking. That would defeat the purpose of speed. Also Nitro needs to cure over a few days to harden properly. Personally, I think that CA is the go and maybe finished with a WOP for depth, but that is not saving time.

Originally Posted by plantagenon

Hi Just

What is the product being used for dipping in the video. Is it nitrocellulose based? I have tried dipping with nitro and haven't had a problem as long as you place the pen bush at the bottom of the blank - the nitro doesn't build up but runs off the bush when hung to dry. It allows a thick, smooth coat. The video looks good but I wonder if you would in fact need 30 - 40 coats just to make up the thickness on the blank as so much is wiped off and I would also be worried about streaking. That would defeat the purpose of speed. Also Nitro needs to cure over a few days to harden properly. Personally, I think that CA is the go and maybe finished with a WOP for depth, but that is not saving time.

It is the finish from Penn State in the US. Here is the description from there site and a link. In the video he re-coats pretty fast because it is going on so thin and you can doo multiple coats.

1 PT. High Gloss Clear Finish
This lacquer is formulated to put a remarkable durable gloss finish on your projects.
Pen turners can dip a turned pen tube in the solution, then let it dry to a flawless, blemish free,
silky smooth and brilliant shine. Brush it onto larger projects. Dries in only 30 minutes-new coats
can be applied without sanding. Supplied in 1 pint (16oz) can.

High Gloss Dipping Solution: 1 PT at Penn State Industries