Pen Finishes

[ryan.s]

What do you guys use to get a nice glossy finish on pens? I tried the HUT polish (satin then gloss two step process) but the finish leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn't come out close to a glossy glass like finish. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jim Boyd]

I use either lacquer or ca glue. A good place to go to reasearch different finishes and how to apply them is http://www.penturners.org/forum/default.asp

[Ken Massingale]

What Jim said. I used the CA method for a while, now for gloss I use rattle can lacquer.

[gerti]

now for gloss I use rattle can lacquer.

Do you just spray it on, or is there some 'on lathe' process involved?

[Ken Massingale]

Do you just spray it on, or is there some 'on lathe' process involved?

I usually just turn the spindle slowly by hand and spray the blank on the lathe. A few light coats. If I'm doing a batch of pens I put the blanks on a small dowel seperated by spacers and spray the lot at one time.

[leehljp]

CA Glue for me. Does great but has a learning curve. IMHO, tougher than lacquer.

[Ken Massingale]

Yep, CA is about as tuff as it gets, AFAIK. Haven't tried to dip in Epoxy yet! ;-D
Ummmmm, that's a thought.....

[onedash]

I saw a pen recently and it was finished with super glue. I was surprised but it looked really nice. Never would have guessed it was glue....