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Finish

W

Westaur

Apprentice Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2024
Posts
8
Location
Hampshire
First Name
Perry
What do you use to finish a pen to a high gloss finish. Have used a friction gloss polish but still not a high shine. Thanks
 
C

Caoimhoo

Full Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2024
Posts
28
Location
Kent
First Name
Kevin
I use melamine. I give it a few coats. It dries so fast it’s unreal. It does give a nice shiny finish however.
 
flexi

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,515
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
I'm with Alan above,
I have played with sooooo many finishes over the time, some work better than others, at the moment....melamine, but ensure you have prepared the blank fully if you don't put the work in, it won't shine!
 
P

Paul-H

Full Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2023
Posts
113
Location
Kent
First Name
Paul
Others have reported good results using a spray lacquer, which with good preparation and polish afterwards should give a superior shine to CA and it will not be so susceptible to cracking and damage, but as said preparation is of paramount importance. And if the wood has any form of open grain a lot of coats would be needed to ensure a high gloss finish.

Melamine could be a good alternative but practice is needed to master it.

Personally I get good results with fresh friction polish with a finish of caranubia wax on top to protect the finish and maintain the shine, but as always good preparation is needed before the finish is applied, I sand to 600g always and sometimes even finer if the wood will take it.

I am thinking of trying the spay option soon, both lacquer and melamine versions.
 
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