Making my pen shiny

[Phil Labowski]

Okay, I put a couple coats of polyeurothane(sp?) on it, but the finish looks dull. Do i need to sand it, or buff it, or what? This is a Christmas gift for my son so I only have a few more days to make it purty for him:) Thanks in advance.

[Doug W Swanson]

I would probably wet sand with 1000 grit and the use micro mesh on it. Once that's done buff it....

[Phil Labowski]

would 600 dry sand and steel wool get me there? Or do I need to go get some 1000 wet and micro?

[Steve Doerr]

Phil,
If you don't have the micro mess to wet sand with, I'd go to one of the auto parts store and pick up their 600 thru 1200 wet dry sand paper and then wet sand it. (Do this after you have dry sanded to 600.) It will make all of the difference in the world. You may want to put on a few more coats of poly before you do this just so you don't sand thru to the wood. (Don't ask how I know:-0) Then I would buff and it should look great. I have used some liquid auto wax and that really makes it super shiny. (Do it while the blanks are still on the lathe.)
Happy turning,
Steve

[Jim Burr]

1k grit wet sanding and some kind of polishing compound...Hutts, Mothers.

[Doug W Swanson]

I like to start at the higher grit if possible. That's why I suggested 1000 grit. If that doesn't work, then drop down a grit. You could try 600 but I would still want to sand at 1000 after that.

I also like to wet sand because it really helps prevent the sand paper from clogging up....

[Thom Sturgill]

Meguiar's polishing compound if you don't have a buffing system. Get it at your local auto shop along with the high grit wet/dry paper. They often have 1000, 1500, and 2000

[Brian Brown]

I am the King of sanding through the finish, so I echo the thought about being cautious about going too far. don't sand anymore than you absolutely have to.

[Mike Cruz]

Silly question, but you are using gloss Poly, right?