trying CA and Melamine finishes today

[PensFromNo11]

Trying to get to grips with both CA and Melamine finishes today. like them both the CA finish is more of a challenge for me.
these are the results

 

[SorinS]

Very nice, they both look great!

 

[PensFromNo11]

Very nice, they both look great!

thank you

 

[flexi]

Melamine is a much more forgiving finish, leave it 24hrs to harden then you can get a better sheen...

 

[PensFromNo11]

Melamine is a much more forgiving finish, leave it 24hrs to harden then you can get a better sheen...

I like the Melamine finish as the wood stays wood like to touch, I don't want to fill the grain too much more to lose that feeling, would just a light buff after 24h bring out the sheen more?

I've felt the need to use the CA on burr and other punky woods as i worry about their integrity especially if i turn fairly thin to the pen tubes.

I'm used to finishing my turnings in oil or wax so I'm finding these new ways of finishing an interesting challenge - a new skill to learn

 

[Penpal]

One thing showing both ,thanks for showing., I like both pens but the Burl steals the show as ac pen and two piece.

 

[PensFromNo11]

One thing showing both ,thanks for showing., I like both pens but the Burl steals the show as ac pen and two piece.

thank you, just starting out on my pen making journey so having a go at everything. i think that's my favorite too (so far).

 

[pittswood]

I'm afraid it would be CA finish for me every time. Have tried melamine, but my buyers prefer the CA finish every time. The reasons they always give, you can see deep into the shine. Something I have never achieved with melamine.
Kelvin

 

[PensFromNo11]

I'm afraid it would be CA finish for me every time. Have tried melamine, but my buyers prefer the CA finish every time. The reasons they always give, you can see deep into the shine. Something I have never achieved with melamine.
Kelvin

Not sold any yet, but those who I have shown the 2 finishes too are about 60/40 in favour of the CA finish. I think I'll continue trying the Melamine on the less dramatic looking woods so you get to feel the wood and use it as a selling point (maybe).

 

[Gert Fitcher]

This is finished with melamine - I just don't like using CA. I didn't want a high gloss.

 

[PensFromNo11]

This is finished with melamine - I just don't like using CA. I didn't want a high gloss.

Interesting, I'm new to pen making (not turning) and was worried about how robust Burrs would be when turned so thin, the CA just gave me a bit more confidence.

 

[Gert Fitcher]

I did a few of these, this is one of the more ordinary ones There was more burr in the others - London Plane, finished with TruOil.

 

[pittswood]

Not sold any yet, but those who I have shown the 2 finishes too are about 60/40 in favour of the CA finish. I think I'll continue trying the Melamine on the less dramatic looking woods so you get to feel the wood and use it as a selling point (maybe).

One of the other reasons, to be able to feel the wood texture. I only use CA on expensive woods, eg Thuya burl woods and most burl woods. The grain will give the shine an extra dimension to the look of the wood, as give the wood grain a depth.
It's all in the eyes of the beholder.
Kelvin