Thread: Galatea

Your a pro when it comes to the CA finish. Do you do anything special when putting it on? Thin layers? Rubbed on, sand between each layer? Or sand after 3 coats? Fast or med CA? Whats your process?
Im asking because when ive done CA i dont get as nice of a finish as you do and i plan on doing another this weekend because of how nice yours is. So whats your secrete Alfredo?

Originally Posted by Gasman

Your a pro when it comes to the CA finish. Do you do anything special when putting it on? Thin layers? Rubbed on, sand between each layer? Or sand after 3 coats? Fast or med CA? Whats your process?
Im asking because when ive done CA i dont get as nice of a finish as you do and i plan on doing another this weekend because of how nice yours is. So whats your secrete Alfredo?

No secret. I use thin CA, I apply 4-5 layers then sand with 600 grit until there are no shinny spots. Follow with 1000 grit, apply another 4-5 layers and repeat. Usually takes 8-10 coats to get a nice finish. After that I lightly buff and that’s it.

I don’t use any drying agents, takes a long time to do.

Ive never liked the quick setting spray. Tried it a few times but i just didnt seem right. Thanks for sharing. I find the hard part is getting just enough CA on and spreading it without having thick areas and not getting it thick enough on the edges. Last time i used cut off fingertip from nitrile gloves. That helped me fingers out. Ha. Plus ive used medium CA. Guess i will try the thin this time. Just got to be faster i guess.

Do you get a couple coats on a day? Or do you let it sit up for a day? The thin stuff drys quick is why i ask.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Ive never liked the quick setting spray. Tried it a few times but i just didnt seem right. Thanks for sharing. I find the hard part is getting just enough CA on and spreading it without having thick areas and not getting it thick enough on the edges. Last time i used cut off fingertip from nitrile gloves. That helped me fingers out. Ha. Plus ive used medium CA. Guess i will try the thin this time. Just got to be faster i guess.

Do you get a couple coats on a day? Or do you let it sit up for a day? The thin stuff drys quick is why i ask.

I also use a cut off finger from a glove, definitely saves the fingers.

After the frist layer it can take sometime to dry, depending on the heat and humidity you might be able to apply two layers a day, I usually only do one a day. I have screwed up some shen certain spots have not been completely dry.

It is a hard finish but it looks and protects great.


It gives the wood a 3-D effect

I've done a few in CA., but most have the look of shatters glass. Like a car windshield.

Can you tell me what causes that. My process sounds the same as yours, but I used acceleration spray. Was it off gassing.?

Originally Posted by outback

I've done a few in CA., but most have the look of shatters glass. Like a car windshield.

Can you tell me what causes that. My process sounds the same as yours, but I used acceleration spray. Was it off gassing.?

Not sure if the spray caused can casue that but probably.

I have gotten some wiht cracks, I think it happens if the coating is too thick, trick when putting on the layer is thin and spread out as evenly as you can.

Thanks Doc.
I will start on a set tomorrow and see how it goes.