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How do you finish your pens?

4K views 14 replies 13 participants last post by  Necro 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm new to turning. So far I've make about 30 bowls. Here are a few of the bowls I've made so far.

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I just turned 2 pens(my first) but before turning any more I want to find out a few options on finished. Of course I want a high gloss finish that will be durable. What are my finish options?

Thanks, Eric.
 
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#4 ·
Hi Eric, I shy away from CA. I don't like the finish; my take is that it is too shiny and "plastic" looking (it is basically an acrylic, after all). It is also very unfriendly stuff to handle. CA is very durable, though, and I do use it for stone inlay work and crack-filling in pens. On my pens, I sand to 2000 grit, then I use two drenching coats of high cellulose shellac (0000 steel wool in between), followed up with friction-applied Renaissance Wax, and then Beal system's three steps. The final finish is Beal's buffed-on 100% Carnauba wax. I have found it gives the pen a super-smooth glossy finish that is very luxurious to handle and plenty durable. My customers love it, and the pens I use myself every day are holding up well.
John
www.swirlsandburls.com
 
#10 ·
I also do not care for CA as a finish. I don't use polyurethane on furniture either. I tried Crystal HUT but didn't get the shine I wanted. I am using Myland's now and get a very nice shine. However, I think I like the lack of shine that Hut gave me. Looks more "natural".

Doug
 
#13 ·
I have trouble getting the same results all the time with CA. I did try a new way and got the best finish yet. i put a coat of BOL to seal it first. I hand turned the lathe and spread 2 coats of thin ca. i used a plastic bag the parts came in. i then hit it with accelerator. i sanded it smooth with 400 then 600 grit and took a few more scratches out with hut plastic polish. i then put 3 coats using the BLO and medium ca method on youtube only at a little higher speed. the second pulley in on the fast side. that filled in any scratches left and put 2 nice smooth coats. i finished with the hut plastic polish and a coat of renaissance. i buffed it with a dollar store flanel dusting rag. the wood was redwood burl which i can never get as shiny as i'd like too.
 
#14 ·
I've used Shellawax paste and liquid as well as Mylands High Build Friction Polish. A bottle of Mylands is $20 and it lasts a long time. I usually do 3 to 4 coats on my turnings. If I need something a bit more durable, For the tool handles I'm made, Then I'll apply polyurethane first on the lathe, like a friction polish, then after it dries, I brush it on to give it a final shine.
 
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