MIMF

Hi Craig:

There are certain Finisher type of CA's that are very effective for this purpose and wont crack and chip or yellow over time. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Rick

Rick,

Let's get to the point. What makes a "finishing" CA different from any other CA?

Hi David

While the base may be similar, Finishing type products have specific additives to enhance or create desired properties. In our case one would want a product that was not only best used for wood, but one which has both flexibility and clarity as just some of the key component attributes for this type of product usage. This would prevent brittleness and cracking over time as the finish expands and contracts as it is exposed to different environmental factors.

So nothing is added to make the material easier to apply? I.e. enabling it to be brushable, sprayable or self-leveling or letting it harden to a gloss instead of a pebbly, gloppy mess?

"They" are simply modifying the base material with plasticizer(s) and removing any impurities that might cause yellowing? Yellowing hasn't been an issue for me in years. Brittleness has never been a problem in my experience which goes back 30 years for finishing (I've been using CA for 40). I use a LOT of CA.

Very good points David and thanks for your reply. Yes there are products that address your concerns above. We've seen excellent results with some Finishing products all of which are brushable, self-leveling, and dry to a glossy finish, and some that have accelerators that assist as well. Only way to know is to give them a try and see which ones you like. Thanks David.

" Yellowing hasn't been an issue for me in years."

Some time back I used some cheap Chinese Walmart CA that stained the wood bright yellow after a few weeks. It soaked in and wouldn't sand out. I wound up sun bursting the tops to hide the discolorations along the binding. Knowing the CA is specifically made to not crack or yellow would definitely be a plus.

Clay, I've been using CA from Smiths and Starbond the last few years and haven't had any yellowing. The last time I can remember was on some curly red maple. It turned a bright yellow immediately and stayed that way forever. The same wood dipped in water didn't yellow. That brand was discontinued a bunch of years ago. All I can remember is that it was one of the cheaper available at the hobby store. I just talked to a pen turner the other day and his favorite for finishing was Satellite City's thick Hot Stuff. Very good clarity and the best gloss I've seen on a pen.