High gloss finish on Pens

[John Gregory]

What is the best method for a high gloss finish on pens? I have been using this (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=089-0104) and it works ok, just not a glossy as I would like. I have heard of using CA glue for the finish but do not know the procedure to use when finishing pens. Can some of you shared the procedure you use to finish pens?

Thanks
John

[Dario Octaviano]

John,

There maybe is as many CA procedure as there are people who use them. There so much nicer write-up than I can ever write here but note that whichever you choose, you will most likely "tweak" it to your own style.

I will PM you some link shortly where you can read more about it.

EDIT: Just sent you 3 links w/ 4 different CA finish instructions.

[terry miller]

John a lot of people use tha CA finish, I prefer Plexiglass dissolved in acetone instead less odor and steps required. Here is a pic of one.

42700

[Vaughn McMillan]

Dario and/or Terry...could either of you post the details here (where others can see them)? I'm interested in both of these finishing techniques, and from the pics I've seen, you both know how to get a sweet finish.

TIA -

- Vaughn

[terry miller]

I tried to post a copy of the Tutorial that I did for the Penshop but it kept giving me an error code. Here is a link to the tutorial it is listed under the Quest for Knowledge.

http://www.thepenshop.net/

[Wally Wenzel]

Hi John, I have started to use Watco high gloss laquer in the spray can. I stick the pen barrel on a short piece of 1/4 " dowel and hold it while i spray and then stick the dowel in a 5/16" hole and let dry i usualy use a couple of coats, it dries quite fast. I like the Watco laquer as it is as clear as water so does not add any amber color. Wally

[Dario Octaviano]

Here's what I emailed....

Hi,

There are atleast 4 CA finish instructions here.



Good luck!

[Vaughn McMillan]

Thanks much, Terry and Dario. (Wally, too.)

- Vaughn

[Corey Hallagan]

Hi Vaughn, here is another option. I have been using the Enduro water based poly. I apply it as per the link below where you can also buy small amounts already in the bottle to use for this method. This method and finish has in my opinion a shorter learning curve than CA. I will also say I don't think it is quite a hard of a finish as CA It is a fairly easy to do finish that is no smell and toxic fumes and will give a long lasting finish. Just another option:
http://beartoothwoods.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=285

Corey