Finish questions

[Ray Bell]

I just found the Members Gallery and was perusing one of them (absolutely beautiful work Mr. Schlumph). A couple of questions: how do you achieve the mirror glass finishes. A lot of sanding through which final grit, and then rubbing compound? And what do you use to dye the red, and green pieces?

Again these pieces are very nice, and gallery collection worthy. I am going to go back and look at all of the Members Galleries now.

Thanks, Ray

[Allen Neighbors]

How do you find the Member's Galleries?

[Steve Schlumpf]

Ray - Thanks for the kind words! Always nice to hear when someone likes your turnings.

Gloss finishes are fairly easy to do. I just sand everything to 320 or 400 grit, depending on the wood, and then apply wipe-on gloss poly. I usually apply 2 saturation coats first - basically apply with a foam brush and just soak it into the wood. Let stand for a few minutes and wipe off the excess. Let dry for a day and then repeat. After that I apply very thin coats of poly using a folded paper towel. Depending on the wood - it may take 6 to 12 coats before everything evens out.

After letting the turning dry for at least a week, in order to allow the finish to cure somewhat, I then buff it using all 3 compounds. The buffing doesn't really change the gloss level but makes the outside smooth enough that it feels like you are touching glass.

Here is a thread explaining a little more about the process:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=121497

Here is the finished result:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=121669

Hope that help answer your questions. If not - let me know.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Allen - there is a sticky at the top of the turning forum: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=102728

or, when in a thread, you can click on any Contributor's name which activates a drop down menu. Click on Gallery and if they have one - it will open.

Please be aware that Photo Galleries are software controlled and can only be created by financial Contributors.

[Ray Bell]

Thank you Steve, I will try this. Wow, Rit clothing dye, who would have thunk. I have printed this out, and hope you don't mind, but will try it on something.

Thanks,
Ray

[Steve Schlumpf]

Ray - one thing to be aware of is that RIT clothing dye reportedly fades over time. I was unaware of that until after I dyed a number of pieces. I think it has more to do with the actual color than anything - as the HF that I listed looks the same as when first dyed.