Using CA glue as a finish

[Mack C. in Brooklin ON]

I recently discovered Lillian's and/or Mike's tutorial 2 coat method of using CA as a finish.

I'm on my 4th pen now using this method and am very pleased with results and the ease of it's use.

Now a thought comes to mind,-----------if 2 coats do such a great job of finishing, how about 3 coats or 4 coats. Would there be any advantage or would this be overkill.

This method is being used on stabilized pen blanks so there probably would be no advantage to additional coats, but what about wood blanks?

Would anyone care to comment?

[Eric Spatt]

Mack,

My application method is different, but that is a personal preference how you apply the CA. As to your question, depending upon the wood... I use from one coat of thin to many coats of thick then medium then thin. Usually what I am basing my approach on is how porous the wood is. Do some testing..... but there is no maximum coats to be used. By the way you are asking a question that falls in a very debated category and very personal process...so before I get beat up with my comments on CA .... my experience only!!!!!!!!!!! :p

[stevebuk]

Try using sanding sealer after you have finished sanding, it coats the wood and makes ready for whatever finish you require.

[Brad]

I think everyone has there own methods.
For me, I like to use BLO on the wood to pop the grain. I might use a sanded CA coat under that if the grain is open and rough. I sand that CA coat back down after it drys so the BLO soaks in.
After the BLO dries, I use 2 coats of med. CA smoothed with BLO and I end with a coat of just CA. I let dry a couple hours then MM 6000-12000, then buff with McMcguires mirror glaze polish. Apply some Ren Wax and buff the wax on a clean wheel on the buffer.
I think more coats can make the finish too thick and may crack.
Play with your finish and see what works best for you.

[Mike in Nanaimo]

Mack; I usually use about 4 to 5 coats in total. On Dymondwood 2. Everyone does in different.