A high-gloss shine is the perfect way to finish off your latest woodcut masterpiece, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to achieve. However, CA (cyanoacrylate) adhesives are relatively quick and easy to achieve glass-smooth surfaces. I have used CA to finish both large and small items such as pens and full size urns. Here are some quick tips to help CA get a great finish in the next turn.
Use suitable gloves to prevent glove fragments and applicator from sticking to your fingertips. Food service gloves are made of HDPE (the same material as CA bottles) and are free of CA. Also called “poly gloves”.
As with any finish, there are some special considerations for CA, and surface preparation is important. A paper applicator is used to apply the finish while rotating, so fill all gaps first. Rough edges around the air gap can cause small pieces of paper to get caught and torn from the applicator and stuck to the finish. This is an opportunity to embellish your work with fine particles such as turquoise, brass files, and mica powder. Fill the voids in layers, apply a small amount of microparticles, then a thin layer of CA, then the activator, and repeat until the voids are slightly overfilled. Then polish and flash.
Use activators sparingly. Apply a few thin coats of CA (usually he has 2), then a light squirt of activator and then another coat. At this point, inspect the surface for inconsistencies. If there is a problem, sand the surface until it is smooth (this will make it easier for successive coats of paint to adhere smoothly). If all goes well, add a few more coats one after the other without the activator. I usually apply a total of 12 coats. A relatively thick finishing layer is required to facilitate flattening the surface.
Flatten the surface by wet sanding with a fine grit (usually 320-800) until the surface is evenly dulled. Shiny spots are low areas. This step is very important. The secret to the glass-smooth surface lies in the super-flat topcoat, nothing else matters. Excessive sanding between coats and excessive use of activators are neither necessary nor desirable.
Once the surface is flat enough, hang the item on the buffing wheel. I use Beall brand buffing wheel Use the Tripoly compound followed by the White Diamond compound. If you do this technique correctly, you will get a nice ‘glass dipped’ finish with very little distortion.
Sign up for our email today to get the latest Fine Woodworking technology and how-tos, plus exclusive offers.
