Pen finishes

[MalvernMichael]

I know a lot of turners use C.A glue as a pen finish but what other finishes would others on here use?
I favour Carnauba wax but not had any feed back about durability yet.

[Twisted Trees]

First off, CA is a glue, not a finish!

It normally has no UV protection for itself not the timber under it, so will craze and yellow in sunlight expected life in daylight situations about 6 months. Also it is plastic... if you want a pen that feels like plastic why not turn acrylic?

I do use it, on Xmas tree baubles it gives a nice shine, They live in a box in the attic 50 weeks a year UV is not an issue, and are for looking at not touching so plastic is not an issue.

Carnauba, feels better not quite as shiny and high enough melting point to withstand signing typed documents without marking. Will probably get finger prints if you use it to write a book though.

Have you thought about an oil?

[Bill21]

If you look on the Pen Turning forums CA is still popular with some. A “dipped” finish using Polyurethane is also popular as is Malamine Lacquer. Pens should be able to take regular handling so oil and wax aren’t popular with most pen makers as the finish degrades too quickly. Ask the folks on here, I’m sure they’ll say the same thing:

http://www.penturners.co.uk/index.php

[Wooddust]

I use a  microcrystalline stick on all my pens.

I got mine from Hampshire Sheen

[Bill21]

I use a  microcrystalline stick on all my pens.

I got mine from Hampshire Sheen

It’s normally used on top of another finish, like Melamine. 

[Wooddust]

I use a  microcrystalline stick on all my pens.

I got mine from Hampshire Sheen

It’s normally used on top of another finish, like Melamine. 

Sorry, I don't understand your answer. 

I use microcrystalline as my finishing "coat" on the pens I turn. having used something like wood wax 22.

[MalvernMichael]

I have tried a couple of pens where I put microcrystalline over carnauba wax both from Hampshire Sheen 🤞🏻

[Bill21]

Sorry, I don't understand your answer. 

Does this help.

https://www.thewoodturningshop.com/product/overcoat-sticks/

“It applies over any finish the turner favours to give a fingerprint resistant, glossy shine.”

For those interested here’s a couple of tutorials.

http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/pdf/50_Finishing/Achieving%20success%20with%20melamine%20as%20a%20pen%20finish.pdf

http://www.penturners.co.uk/misc/pdf/50_Finishing/Pen_Finish_Dipping_Method.pdf

[Twisted Trees]

In my view there is a big difference between shop window finish and owner finish.

I no longer make pens, but if asked for something special I will finish it in oil and explain that as the oil wears from the pen the oil from the owners skin will replenish it, and they will be holding a wooden object not a plastic coating.

But that is probably why I am not a rich and successful pen turner 

[Bill21]

I visit both US and UK pen turning forums from time to time and it’s clear that many folks on them make pens for profit. The last thing they want is a pen returned due to a failed finish. This is probably one of the reasons CA became popular, it provides a hard durable finish. Some folks aren’t able to use CA though due to the fumes given off. As a result some pen turners have been using Lacquers like Melamine and Polyurethane instead.
If you’re making a pen for your own use though and don’t mind refinishing from time to time you can of course put on what you like or even leave the bare wood if that’s what you like.

[Bill21]

I’ve just found this that may be of interest to some:

https://www.whitlockwoodendesigns.com/polishing-wooden-pens-the-best-finish/

[Paul Hannaby]

Personally I dislike CA as a finish and would never use it.

I make pens from time to time and generally finish with danish oil. I apply the oil and immediately buff/burnish with kitchen paper towel and reapply/repeat a few times. This gives a high sheen finish which is what I like and use over time improves the finish rather than wearing it off.

[Bill21]

A CA finish goes right into the wood, it won’t wear off.

[bodrighywood]

I don't do pens and don't use CA glue as a finish but using it for kinsugi effects I need to seal the wood first as it soaks deep into the wood and stains it.
Pete

[Bill21]

I don't do pens and don't use CA glue as a finish but using it for kinsugi effects I need to seal the wood first as it soaks deep into the wood and stains it.
Pete

Tell us more about these kinsugi effects!