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How to learn finishing techniques for turning?

1K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  Andybb 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am new to turning. I am planning on making some wine stoppers as gifts and was wondering the best way to learn finishing for these? Can someone recommend some videos or something that would show what I need to buy and how to?

THanks!
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Here are couple examples: Just make sure wear rubber gloves and area with lots of ventilation.

He is using CA glue (super glue) & BLO or boiled linseed oil.





- Wildwood
Perfect exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much! ANd I already have the stuff for the 1st video. Well I do need to get the sandng pads. I suppose micro-mesh? That's what rockler seems to have in stock when I went yesterday.
 
#5 ·
I learned the CA finish by simply buying this Stick Fast starter kit on Amazon. It has everything you need to give it a try and the included instructions are easy to follow and everything you need to know. I highly recommend it for first time users.
 
#6 ·
Few things to keep in mind about CA finish like most film finishes (lacquer, poly, shellac, and varnish) it forms layers of film only faster and easier. Just remember fumes and skin could be a problem for some people that's why say wear gloves and work in well ventilated area. I have become sensitized to the stuff so don't use it as a finishing material anymore.

While have used BLO or mineral oil in the past didn't find it really necessary for me. Used medium CA and applied 3 or 4 coats and called it quits. Like other film finishes too many coat will actually give you a softer finish. I didn't sand between cost if had a smooth finish on previous costs. Have never used activator but some people believe you have too. Old CA not as good as freshly bought normal shelf life after open not more than a year.

Bottom line keep it simple! Don't go to international pen association much after they changed the web site but in there finishing thread will find many different techniques for applying CA and many problems folks have with it.
 
#7 ·
I personally like the activator because it speeds up the process. You can put the next layer of CA on within a few seconds after spraying the activator. The kit I mentioned above includes a small can of it so you can try it with or without to see if you like it or not. The kit also has satin and glossy polish which allows you to get an incredible final finish on it.

And use gloves and goggles at least. I wear my face mask just in case it slings some at me.
 
#9 ·
It should. I haven't tried it myself but a guy at one my local woodworking stores told me that is basically what he uses. I think any fine grit polish suitable for plastic or acrylic would probably work.

If you've already got the stuff, here are the instructions from the kit I mentioned.
Publication Book Font Paper product Paper
 

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#10 ·
Thanks. So another question, say I already have all the stuff except for polish. Can i just use regular acrylic polish? I have some that works well on plexiglass and acrylic on cars etc.

- SMP
I have used Meguiar's PlastX … you can get it at most auto supply stores.
 
#12 ·
One more thought about the polish. One of the nice things about the polish included in the kit I mentioned is that it has both a satin and a gloss polish. On larger items (I have not actually made any pens yet) a high gloss finish can look a little plastic so stopping at the satin polish can sometimes look a nicer.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
+1 on the Meguiar's PlastX. It's all I've ever used.

(Of course that is after all the other stuff that comes before it….sanding, smoothing etc) There are all sorts of schools of thought on that but youTube is your friend.

As an example…I now use GluBoost then light rubbing compound then PlastX and skip the micro mesh. Just quicker, less mess and the results seem to be the same. Your mileage may vary.

For more than everything you could possibly want to know about these types of finishing techniques head over to IAP. It's the International Assn of Pen Turners and that's all they do.

Good luck.
 
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