Better pen finish

[WIFAG]

Hi, I have been using CA as a finish for many months now , and whilst it wears well I am not always happy with the glassy finish it leaves, any ideas on other hard wearing finishes guys?

 

[Morse]

Hi Paul.
Have a look in “Tutorials, Finishing”, there’s a couple of ideas there.

Dave

 

[flexi]

Yup....Melamine 'finish' for me as Phil Dart recommend a while ago......dead easy to do, lasts well, no toxic fumes, leaves the wood feeling like wood, what's not to like about it

 

[fortress]

I agree with Mark as I'm sure others would.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Melamine for me too using Phil Dart’s application method.

 

[Penpal]

Still believe my one coat CA works wonders.

Peter.

 

[Bammer]

Camel Spit ....

 

[wm460]

Still hunting for the Aust equivalent of Melamine.

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Another vote for Phil's melamine method. I am going to try Les Elms method next (also available in tutorial section).

 

[Les ELm]

MINWAX WBOM Clear Gloss Polyurethane using my Dipping Method works for me to get a
quick, consistent, reliable finish every time.

Les

 

[fortress]

Your dipping method is so impressive Les, but that gear is very expensive.

 

[Penpal]

My thoughts on costing John if I was to adopt any fixed method of finishing I would analyse the costs based on necessity ,quality and always just how many pens I make. Just now for me I have found my output is quite small and erratic. This makes glues and finishes expensive for me because I buy 2 oz CA and larger glues and alas i cast out a lot of product. An old adage is store what you use ,use what you store. Bit like insurance you can not see yourself without having it for securities sake. The best insurance ever for me on the house we built in 1954 55 was called a reversionary one that completely covered the house for us I was twenty years old at that time and I tried to ensure Wilma would be able to cope best if anything happened to me.

In the middle of this year it has been 64 yrs since I adopted full insurances.Rarely have I needed to claim on anything.

With pensI am trying to use what I have in my stash and put up with spoilidge of CA and glue. I find satisfaction in being ready to go when there is a window of time and ability in my favourite hobby.

Paul life is compromise but it is important to maintain a finish that is lasting remembering others receiving or buying have their preferences as well. I am reminded every time I pass an important building that used rusted steel as a finish it nearly makes me choke. Here I try to avoid rust there they flaunt it.

Peter.