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Olive Wood

F

Frederick

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Frederick
Mornin' all,

Does anyone have any preferences when finishing Olive wood for pens? I like this wood especially the colour, but adding finishes seems to distract from the look. I am aware that all finishes change the appearance to some degree but I need something that is less "intrusive" if that makes any sense. I am trying to steer clear of CA if I can, but I think it may be the only option.

Cheers,
Frederick
 
M

martin.pearson

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I finish mine using the melamine technique that I found on this forum, I mainly use wood that I can buy from a local sawmill so it's all from Scotland but I just had to buy some Olive as that's one of my Granddaughters name lol
 
F

Frederick

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martin.pearson said:
I finish mine using the melamine technique that I found on this forum, I mainly use wood that I can buy from a local sawmill so it's all from Scotland but I just had to buy some Olive as that's one of my Granddaughters name lol
Click to expand...

Hi
I found that method on here as well. Not yet tried it but will give it a go as I do have the items.

Cheers
Frederick
 
Penpal

Penpal

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Hi Fred love it when Olive Wood works for others re finishing etc. I have experimented with so many finishes over time that I learnt you can never satisfy everyone with one particular finish. I believe that keeping Olive Wood for some time before using it for pens allows for a more stable finish and yes great success with CA as well.The number of coats is a determinate re gloss or au naturale finishing I employ as few as possible.

I have never used Melamine,never felt the need.

Peter.
 
flexi

flexi

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Another +1 for Melamine in general.....it's a finish....CA is a glue.....the whys and wherefores have been debated to bits as to what to use, but TBH I use both and others to create a durable, desirable finish.
With Olive.... I would use melamine, quick, easy and durable also if matted back it becomes more tactile....
Well that's my two bobs worth anyway:face:
 
Bill Mooney

Bill Mooney

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Acrylic lacquer, matt or satin finish would do. I use the same technique as I do with melamine ala Phil Dart. I spray a small amount on a folded tissue holding the spray nozzle approx 6mm from the tissue then quickly rub it on the spinning blank, wait 30 seconds then burnish with a clean tissue. I give between 3 - 5 coats depending on the finish I want to achieve. If you only have gloss acrylic lacquer then you can cut it back with 0000 wire wool.
 
A

AllenN

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I tend to use melamine these days on olive. I was never really happy with CA as a finish, I found it looked too ‘plastic’. It’s just a matter of personal taste really.
 
fortress

fortress

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Hello Frederick,
I'm another one that uses Melamine lacquer with a top coat of Carnauba wax. I find it quick and easy.
 
F

Frederick

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flexi said:
Another +1 for Melamine in general.....it's a finish....CA is a glue.....the whys and wherefores have been debated to bits as to what to use, but TBH I use both and others to create a durable, desirable finish.
With Olive.... I would use melamine, quick, easy and durable also if matted back it becomes more tactile....
Well that's my two bobs worth anyway:face:
Click to expand...

Hello Mark

I'll pay you two bob for that. :banana: I started using it today and I like it and I love the smell. I found that it doesn't discolour too much. Another few coats and a rub down with 0000 wire wool for a matt finish and it will look great.

Cheers
Frederick
 
flexi

flexi

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Glad your happy Frederick, my workshop often smells of pear drops....:funny::funny:
Walnut is the only wood I haven't tried it on yet, but as I use a gunstock finish, which works really well I probably won't change:whistling::whistling:
 
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