Finishing

[Tom]

Hi everyone I am new to pen turning and would like your advice on finishes. I have already applied 4 coats of melamine lacquer but not sure what to use next, I would like to get a gloss finish I was thinking of using a Microcrystalline wax or mabey a friction polish would these be ok or would you recommend something else?

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

First of all, welcome. I'm newish as well. I asked a similar question as I was spending a lot of time using CA. If you go to the tutorial section of the forum, you will find an easy to read, but full depth method for getting a gloss finish on your melamine finish. It has been written by Phil Dart and I've tried it a couple of times, it's very good. Even have a paper copy on the wall in my workshop for reference. I need to get a bit more practice, but it really works. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Regards

Craig

 

[Tom]

Thanks for replying, really useful tutorial, will definitely be getting some microcrystalline wax now. Good idea printing a copy out as well

 

[21William]

You could try buffing the melamine up a bit before applying the wax. Make sure it’s fully dried first though.

http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/pdf/50_Finishing/Polishing wood with pigtails and mops.pdf

 

[Pierre---]

Any wax will disappear with a little use. There is plenty of ways to have a deep sheen: using wax is sort of cheating, in my opinion : nice and shiny, pen quickly sold, client unsatisfied after two weeks.

 

[Penpal]

Rather a beaut finish be it shiy as or soft if they both are as Pierre says consistant and persistant. There are so many timbers and finishes that are just right for, no one finish does everything IMHO.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

G'Day Tom, welcome to the forum.