Acrylic Polishing / Finishing???

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 2:34 pm

A question for any of you out there that turn pens... What procedure and materials do you use to polish / finish acrylic pen bodies that you turn? I've been using 150 - 600 grit sandpaper and then EEE-Ultra Shine compound before applying my finish to wood pen blanks with good results.

I've just been given some Corian blanks to try and I'm not sure of how to finish them. Anyone work with Acrylic pen blanks?

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:30 pm

tom_k/mo wrote:A question for any of you out there that turn pens... What procedure and materials do you use to polish / finish acrylic pen bodies that you turn? I've been using 150 - 600 grit sandpaper and then EEE-Ultra Shine compound before applying my finish to wood pen blanks with good results.

I've just been given some Corian blanks to try and I'm not sure of how to finish them. Anyone work with Acrylic pen blanks?

This is info that you may want to consider.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:09 pm

Being from the Old School - The best polishing media I have found is brown Kraft Paper. Like that used in a paper grocery sack. I has been made from wood fiber, usually softwoods. The fibers do an excellent job of polishing/burnishing.

Sure saves on buying more tools!

rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 10:37 pm

tom_k/mo

I use a wet sanding process on my acrylic pens and it ends up with a really nice shiny luster when finished. I usually use a kitchen type paper towel to sort of buff it after using the final sanding pad. I also put a towel across my way tubes when using this wet sanding process to keep them dry. I purchased my set a Woodcraft and noticed that they have a set on sale right now. This is the way I was taught at a class at woodcraft learning how to do acrylic pens. Hope this info helps you.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?P ... ilyID=5233

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:09 am

i pretty much do the same as rkh2 except i dry sand. after turning i sand with 400 then go through the micro-mesh series, then i use Brasso and top it off with a coat of wax. usually Minwax as it is always nearby. keep the paper/pads moving with a light touch.

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:08 am

Thanks all for the responses...