Thread: Brush Handle finishes

Just wanted to know what you all use for a finish on your handles, and maybe your finishing process.

I use 2P-10 Thin and sand with 600 grit after the 4th coat, and apply 4 more coats, sanding again with 600, 1500, 2000, 3000 then buff

I recently had a customer return something with a mechanical failure and the finish on the wood handle to me was less than impressive after only a month of use. Now I'll note that the failure was a razor head, not my work. But anyhow the whole point is what can I do to improve my finishes? The only time something comes back to me (twice in 3 yrs.) is for something other then what I made, it's always the component I had to buy to complete the project that's failed. So it;s very rare to see what my finish looks like after some time.

Would an activator be advisable with 2P-10 (CA glue)? Or should I use Med. CA and activator - I've never used activator before, but now that I think about it, would cold weather contribute to a bad finish using CA so maybe an activator is needed over the winter months?

Thanks for any input!

I use CA with an activator at work all the time, but I'm not using it as a finish. I use a product called mitre bond. We use it for, well, bonding mitres and also any other application where we need a quick bond. In my experience with the activator on the CA is it causes it to bubble, turn a hazy color, creates heat, and also gives off a bit of smoke when used in a large quantity. It does however cause it to cure instantly.

I have never tried it, but using the activator on the CA to cure it fast, for a finish, would NOT work IMO. However, YMMV.

Thanks Andrew! I've been using CA for the past three years without activator, with no issue, but this one handle came back in less then stellar condition aka no shine. And I had a brush I had made for myself recently and the same thing has happened. I think I'm going to chalk it up to the cold weather, my shops not heated, and we've been in the negative temps. over the past couple of weeks.
I've read about CA getting cloudy with activator too so good to know.

Excessive humidity can make it go cloudy as well.

I just took a look at the instructions for "Hot Stuff" which is the thin CA I use. Cold is one of the reasons they recommend considering using an accelerator, so obviously it has some effect on the curing process. Unfortunately they don't specify any ideal temp range. They also note that cold will slow the curing time. No real surprise there, but you may be on to something there regarding it affecting the clarity of its finish.

Don't laugh, but I use a 100 watt light bulb, placed about 4" from my work to help it cure. It's really a drafting table lamp that I use to flood the area with light over my lathe, but it does double duty as a heat source. Sad, sad, sad........I need to install a wood stove, or something. My shop is 22x22 so a lot of space to heat, and it's not insulated completely.

I saw this on youtube the other day and thought of trying it. Although I have been trying to get away from hard surface coatings, they are very durable and very waterproof.

Super Finishing for Turning - YouTube