CA finish question...

I know that this has been asked before, and I feel like a tool asking, but the search will not do 2 letter queries.

What is CA finish?

I know I should know this, but my brain is drawing a total blank.:thinking::thinking::thinking:

CA is superglue in all it's flavours

Bob
:w

Thanks. :tu:tu:tu

CA is short for CyanoAcrylate.

Why not using varnish? I mean, what is the point in using glue? What are the advantages of using CA over varnish?

CA really seeps into the wood and seals it off completely.
Varnish can come off and let moisture through.

I see! Thanks for the reply, Bruno!
Is CA something like "liquid plastic" that air dries?

CA being cyananoacrylate, it is a type of acrylic. You probably know acrylic best under the widely used trade name plexiglass (which the slighty different type of acylic - methyl methacrylate).

A CA finish done correctly completely seals the scales in a nice hard, crystal clear layer of acrylic.

Thanks for the info!
What is the difference between CA and epoxy? Any advantages and disadvantages?

I haven't yet worked with epoxy (I need to find some for finishing), so I can't say for certain or give specifics on their differences as a finish.

The biggest difference is probably in th application of the finishes. With CA, you need to apply several coats, with curing time and light sanding in between, then finish by sanding and polishing. Where as with epoxy, you need only apply one coat, and it usually cures without the need for sanding and polishing.

As far as aesthetics go. CA is typically much less viscous than epoxy, and, as such, may be able to penetrate the wood abit more. I also hear that CA provides a slightly better finish than epoxy, but, epoxy being so much easier to do, the minimal difference of quality is worth the trade off in lesser effort.