Thread: Finishing scales question...

+1 for Poly's and Rennaissance Wax. I use both!

I've never used CA. Seems to me it would cost a lot more considering a tiny thing of Hot Stuff CA costs like $10. How many of those would it take to get a nice finish?

I use tung oil with at least five(5) coats and then finish with Poly and/or butcher's wax. The oil has deep penetration of the wood. I also on occasion use five (5) or six (6) coats of poly. My goal is not speed but lasting protection.

Would this be a fair substitute for Renaissance Wax?
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...190,42950&ap=1

Both seem to be microcrystalline waxes?

Mark

2 ounce bottle of super glue (CA) $10. I've done about 15-18 sets of scales with it. The stuff gives a very hard water proof finish that can be built up with 5 to 8 thin coats. Polished up, it gives lots of depth to the scales and a shin that will last a long time. Very durable stuff and will protect your nice wood . I've even had success using it on a pair of old celluloid scales that were showing their age.... almost made then look new again.

Thanks everyone. This is great info, just what I needed. Yes, SRP and those who keep it turning rock.Christian

Originally Posted by Milton Man

Would this be a fair substitute for Renaissance Wax?
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...190,42950&ap=1

Both seem to be microcrystalline waxes?

Mark

Looks pretty much like it. Check out its water resistance and dry time though to make sure. Renaissance dries instantly and is water resistant, which are two great points.

A CA finish is practically like encasing the scales in thin acrylic, and, once polished, looks like glass. I find CA works incredibly well to bring out the irridescent features that a wood may have (ie. yellowheart, purpleheat, amboyna burl). It does take abit of time to build up the requisite number of coats though (10-15). A proper CA finish will also make the scales completely waterproof as well. Any tactile feel of the wood is lost with with a CA finish, but I find a CA finish can add a little extra strength to the scales too.

CA is the only polymer finish I've tried. I haven't tried polyurethane, epoxy, etc. (mostly because I don't know how), so I can't quite say how they compare.

Originally Posted by ToxIk

I find CA works incredibly well to bring out the irridescent features that a wood may have (ie. yellowheart, purpleheat, amboyna burl).

1+

CA does have great optical properties, it accentuates the figure.

Charlie