what finishing technique gives you the best results?

[Roger Chandler]

Hi all,

I am interested in taking my finishing up a notch or two. Could you describe the technique you use and its results? I am interested in getting the top 5 techniques and results, and experimenting with them, so that I may learn how to achieve excellence.

I truly believe there are master woodturners out there and we all can learn from one another. I am thankful for the fellow turners who have a willingness to help someone who is still in the learning stages! :)

[Bob Haverstock]

Hi all,

I am interested in taking my finishing up a notch or two. Could you describe the technique you use and its results? I am interested in getting the top 5 techniques and results, and experimenting with them, so that I may learn how to achieve excellence.

I truly believe there are master woodturners out there and we all can learn from one another. I am thankful for the fellow turners who have a willingness to help someone who is still in the learning stages! :)


Roger,

I'm no master. Like like deep shiny finishes. So, I spray clear enamel, let dry and wet and with 400 grit paper. I repeat the above processes until I get the deep finish that I crave. This all is time consuming.

This week I tried some friction finish that I bought from Craft Suppy. It is fast and kind of shiny. I will use it in the future for a quick and dirty finish.

Use what satifies your needs, this is hobby for many of us. Do what you like, be happy! If your happy with your end results, that's what counts.

Bob

[Mark Hubl]

Roger,

I came across this site recently. Russ has a bunch of stuff on finishing and I think it is a good reference. I put the link in your other post, but for those that missed it, here it is again.

http://www.woodturnerruss.com/FinishingSecrets.html

[Roger Chandler]

Roger,

I came across this site recently. Russ has a bunch of stuff on finishing and I think it is a good reference. I put the link in your other post, but for those that missed it, here it is again.

http://www.woodturnerruss.com/FinishingSecrets.html

Thanks Mark,

I did get the link on the other post, and I will take time to go thru what Russ has on his web page.

[Curt Fuller]

I've learned that no matter what finish you decide to use the old saying "Use sandpaper like someone else is buying it" makes the biggest difference. You don't necessarily need to go to the ultra fine grits, but you need to make sure that you've sanded out all the scratches from the previous grit. It also took me a long time to realize that sanding with worn out sandpaper was a waste of time. Once you get to 400 it seems that the wood starts to take on a shine even without a finish. After that any finish looks great and looks even better once it's cured and buffed.

[Richard Madison]

Like like deep shiny finishes

Thought I was the only one. Guess there are two of us. Have you tried lacquer? Years ago used to spray a dozen or more coats of polyurethane with wet sanding between coats. Lotta work and took forever. Lacquer is much faster and easier. Still some time and work for gallery/museum quality.

[Roger Chandler]

I've learned that no matter what finish you decide to use the old saying "Use sandpaper like someone else is buying it" makes the biggest difference. You don't necessarily need to go to the ultra fine grits, but you need to make sure that you've sanded out all the scratches from the previous grit. It also took me a long time to realize that sanding with worn out sandpaper was a waste of time. Once you get to 400 it seems that the wood starts to take on a shine even without a finish. After that any finish looks great and looks even better once it's cured and buffed.


Hi Curt,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I don't claim to have learned this lesson to the level of mastery, but I do agree there is no shortcut to sanding. I generally go from 80 grit up through to 400, then use 3M nylon abrasive pads beginning with the burgundy, then gray, then gold and finally white.

I have had my finish improve dramatically. One of my biggest mistakes now is that I don't sharpen enough while turning, and I still get that tale-tale tool mark on occasion [how distressing] I find that almost no amount of sanding will make up for a dull tool!

I'm a frugal sort, and it pains me to grind away at a cryogenic bowl gouge that I paid over a hundred $$$ for. I guess I'll have to bite my lip, shed a tear, and just do what I've gotta do.....:D

[Steve Schlumpf]

Roger, I use poly for just about everything these days and find it gives me the level of gloss that I want.

Here are a couple of threads that have the details of not only how I apply the finish but also what other folks do as well.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=118581 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=118581&highlight=Minwax)

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=86076 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=86076&highlight=Minwax)