Thread: Question about CA and BLO

can be got at bunnings or any hardware shop
you're right sanding doesn't seem to be needed
I'm using the cheap unscented toilet paper
dunno about the beads and bobs - you could try it

Thanks - I've been on hold with Bunnies for ages... can you give me an idea of if it's cheap or not? If it's not too expensive I'll send Zoe up to get me some

From the paint department the reception seemed to think - that right?

outer edges of paint dept - along with the wop and similiar
can't recall what it cost me - sorry - less the $10 maybe
wop = wipe on poly

You can use it on any smooth surface (beads and bobs included) and even on some
surfaces that are porous (such as punky, spalted woods that want to fall apart)

The oil smooths out and lubricates the CA as you apply it. Paper towels work well,
but you could use other things too. (I use a disposable eye makeup applicator )

If the oil helps smooth out the CA application, then yes, chances are that you won't
need to sand between coats.

Most important... everyone can tell you how to do it once they know how themselves,
but everyone seems to find their own way. There's as many ways to do a CA finish
as there are people doing it

I got the BLO at bunnings, then I walked up every isle looking for a little empty plastic bottle to put it in that had a top I could use as a dropper. No luck.

Outside of Bunnings they were having a sausage sizzle. I bought one for me and one for Zoe (who was waiting in the car). I asked if they had any empty sauce bottles and they pulled one out of the rubbish for me!!!

I think I probably should wash it first...

Thanks for the help, I'll show you the results once I get it working right!

I have used waxed paper instead of the towels, works for me, as do the paper towels.
This is one of those areas where you should experiment on scraps to find the system that works for you before you try it on an important work.
Of important note,..I know you already know this but it bears repeating...
Wear Eye Protection when applying the CA...not only can it be slung off when spinning, but the fumes can be a serious eye irritant.

Boiled lindseed oil should be in the same section with the paint thinners, lacqure thinners, Denatured Alcohol and other solvents...it is used to mix with stains as a base and to restore some finishes...by itself it is not a irritant, used with the CA it's primary purpose is as a lubricant to keep the towel from sticking and to even out the CA.

OK, I'm SOLD!

This finish is amazing. I did it first time (practice on scraps? who me? what scraps?)
If I can do it first time, it must be FOOLPROOF!!!!

I can see I'm going to need more CA before long - EVERYTHING is going to get this treatment until the excitment wears off.

Thanks folks!!!

well where's the photo?

Not all of these - only the pen blank ones. I'll be turning more this afternoon when the sun has left my lathe alone!

But I thought you might like to see these as well - the interesting patterned wood is snakewood, from Africa. The blue coloured wood - it's Blue something. The one next to it is Bloodwood. The two together are majestic olive.

The other is gum.

Looking good Eliza, nice work. I have experimented with the BLO and CA and found it to be quite a nice finish. Hopefully it will stand the test of time.

I do seem to get a higher shine with Shellawax...

Nothing like blissful ignorance Eliza! Snakewood is supposed to have all sorts of tricks up its sleeve.

From my experience with CABLO it seems the more coats you put on the better and deeper the gloss. Some put on up to 20 coats.

You can also put Shellawax over CA.

Originally Posted by artme

Nothing like blissful ignorance Eliza! Snakewood is supposed to have all sorts of tricks up its sleeve.

Does it? It behaved very nicely, other then that it was a rather thin blank (slimline) and I was trying to make a pendant. The wax layer seemed to go on FOREVER.

Originally Posted by ElizaLeahy

I do seem to get a higher shine with Shellawax...

Yep, me too. CA/BLO is quick and easy and preferred for a durable finish, but a pen I was working o for my BIL today, I decided to go Shellawax as it's a special one that I want to look its best, and I know I can monitor it over time if problems show.

Russell.