Melamine as a Finish

[Garno]

What is the best way of using Melamine as a finish?

I think I may be doing something wrong.
My method is.

Apply sanding sealer to the blank with the lathe running, I keep the cloth on running it from left to right to left until the sealer is dry on the cloth.

I give the Melamine a good old shake and put some on a rag and apply it the same way as the sanding sealer. I then leave it for 3 - 4 mins before applying next coat.
What I have noticed is that the gloss is still sort of dull, no depth and certainly a very poor shine.

Do I need the lathe running whilst applying it?
Should I get the "wet look" after applying (with lathe switched off) and then let it dry?
Do I need to buff it whilst the lathe is running?

Thank you in advance
Gary

 

[alpha1]

Hi
If you click on the tutorial tab at the top of the home page thee is a tutorial on how to use melamine as a finish.

 

[flexi]

I follow Phils method, but prefer to leave overnight before buffing. Also I have found the better the prep the better the finish..... I try to sand as fine as possible both radially and laterally and then burnish..... There are no fast ways to a good finish, I have tried most now

 

[alpha1]

I agree how the pen looks is important I take my time finishing the pens. I have added a set of buffing wheels to my set up they work well especially on acrylics.

 

[Phil Dart]

Seek out that tutorial Gary. It answers all your questions and gives you a complete method from start to finish. I use it all the time

Here's a link to it: http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/pd...ing success with melamine as a pen finish.pdf

 

[Garno]

Seek out that tutorial Gary. It answers all your questions and gives you a complete method from start to finish. I use it all the time

Here's a link to it: http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/pd...ing success with melamine as a pen finish.pdf

Downloaded and will try it out sometime this week, It does look as though no quick way of using it correctly.

 

[Phil Dart]

With a bit of practice, it IS quick. About some of the points you mentioned in your initial post though, apply the sanding sealer with your lathe stopped, then wipe off the excess before you start the lathe - and don't shake the melamine. All that does is introduce unwanted air bubbles (by the million). Also, melamine dries almost instantly, so you don't need to wait between coats.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I use Phil's method.
After sanding burnish your pen with a handful of the shavings with the lath running. This gives the timber a shine before you start applying your finish.