Thread: Finish on Pens

Have a look Here for what is called a CA finish.

Or another option.
Most people seem to start with a finish such as Ubeaut Shellawax or Glow, and both are easy to apply. Unfortunately the initial gloss finish is not long lasting even though it does still retain some protection for the pen.

I mainly now use the CA finish these days although you end up with a plastic feel to the pen.
You can also use Polyurethane. I havent yet bit those that do have amazing finishes to thier pens that are the equal if not better than the CA finish.
It also depends on what I'm looking for finish wise in a pen. Some of the cheap slimlines I use a wax finish when using hardwoods. I do however advise the person buying the pen that it will absorb oils from your fingers and slowly darken the timber.
I have done a Bolt Action in Bunnings Special Pine which I then painted using model paint drab olive green (in two shades) and left it feeling a bit rough. The idea behind this pen was to give it an old WWI Ammo box feel. The paint will wear off and show up the pine and it will mark etc, all of it planned and told to the customer when they purchased the pen. They loved it.

Best thing you can do is give it a go dont be afraid and experiment. Using slimlines are a cheap way to do so or buy some of the tubes instead of a complete pen. That way you have even less invested if it doesnt work and if it does you only have to add it to a kit.


Cheers


Shawn

MINWAX WBOM Clear Gloss Polyurethane using the "Dipping Methods results in an easy to apply consistent, durable, flawless finish every time.

Les

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f207/pen-finish-dipping-method-151717

Thanks so much for all the advise. I think I will try both the poly and and CA and see what I like.
Thanks again, Pete