Finishing Gaboon Ebony on Pen??

The film finishs dont want to stick and it’s so dense that it does not want to take a finish that will soak in? What if you try a couple of coats of shellac to seal it, let that cure and then put your finish on top of the shellac?

-- Ed Collinge- Edmonds, WA.

I’ll give it a go. I’ve got some spray shellac somewhere, (or would you suggest dipping?). I’m willing to try just about anything at this point. Question I have is will the shellac seal it better than CA? And just for the knowledge, if so why? I understand what you are saying about the density which is why I referenced the ironwood in my original post. Isn’t it about as dense as ebony? I have no problem finishing the ironwood. Not doubting your suggestion, just trying learn.

-- Dad to 5, Son of The One

Shellac has the reputation for being universal, just make sur to let it cure then a very easy scuffing between coats, thats what i would try.
Good luck let me know how it works.
Dougs, right about the Zinseer, I only use it and keep forgetting that there is anything else out there on the market. Sorry

-- Ed Collinge- Edmonds, WA.

Keen, I ususally use the Mylands Cellulose Sanding Sealer, which is lacquer based as the sealcoat prior to using the Mylands friction polish. CraftSupplies USA has this. As to the spray shellac – I’d ditch it for a can of Zinsser SealCoat dewaxed shellac. Lasts longer than most shellacs, absolutely no wax – so it will undercoat anything. And it’s a respectable and easy finish in it’s own right. I constantly recommend it.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.