Thread: Finishing Acrylic Stabilized Wood

I got some acrylic stabilized wood I am making some scales from and since I have never worked with it before was wondering if it needs to be finished? I was going to finish it like any other, but wasn't sure if I needed to because if just a sanding and some buffing gives it a nice luster that might look better than trying to give it a high gloss finish with something else. Also wondering how does a router work with it. Was thinking of chamfering the edges, but if not might go with the domed look.

If your wood was stabilized with Cactus Juice, after they heat cured it, basically the pores of the wood are all filled with plastic. I have always finished stabilized wood - usually with poly. If you get a finish you like with just sanding and polishing, that may be ok, and then again, it may sealing for protection. Let's see what the guys with a tad more experience have to say. Good luck with your project, and let's see pictures.

My son uses Cactus-Juice stabilized woods for handles on his custom knives. I've also used some for razor scales. Basically, the "finish" permeates throughout the wood, and will buff to whatever gloss you want.