How to get a glossy finish on wooden pens?

[SP1646]

Having read numerous advice on pen finishing , I’m convinced of two things. First, what type of durability is required. Secondly, unless one wants to have a regular maintenance issue or scratched finish, several costs of Melamine is by far the best. I recall Phil at Beaufort recommends this too. I recently made a coffee table of a large ( 4inch thick) slab of bark sided spalted beech with some lovely red hairpin legs from The Hairpin Leg Company and applied 5 coats of Melamine lacquer suitably rubbed down in between. The finish is incredibly durable and can be matt , satin or gloss. I wont be using anything else on my wood pens from hereon.

Thanks Nicholas, I have bought some today, will also give it a try.

 

[ApacheZ1]

Hi everyone, any help appreciated..

I've attached some pics of the pens that I have made I've the last couple of months. To finish, I use a couple of coats of cellulose sanding sealer, rubbed back with 800 or 1000 grit abranet, before applying either friction polish or a wax of some kind, but my pens have a matt finish. What do others do to get the deep gloss that I see on other posts?

 

[ApacheZ1]

Hi Steve,
I may advise wire wool after you end cutting.
Now start with 1500 wet n dry and go through to 12000.
Seal it then use wax and every time you get the old furniture polish out give some to your pens.
Works for me.
Cheers and welcome to the mad house.

 

[Adal6]

Melamine Steve a lovely finish a nice set of pens