Rubbing out/Polishing /Buffing - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

VB... · 08-10-2009, 04:08 PM

When using Poly or Shellac or ........
Besides a rag how do you buff up the finish? Especially on scrolled finishes.

I know on Jewelry I used to use a buffing wheel.

What kind of buffing wheel would be appropriate for wood? Especially when its finished with a semi hard coating?

"Achieving a glass like finish is usually accomplished by rubbing out the final coat. This is where a higher grit sandpaper (320 and up) can be used. You can also use ScotchBrite pads or steel wool. Polyurethane and varnish need a few weeks to fully cure before a final rubbing. Shellac can be rubbed out next day." from Bill Wilson

I was wondering if there is another way of doing this?

Thank you,
VB...

Wood Dog · 08-11-2009, 02:29 AM

VB....many pen turners use the Beall Wood Buff System, you can Google it to find out more.
You may like to see this video at YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnL2YVz7kQ

Jim McDonald · 08-11-2009, 03:49 AM

Gloss lacquer always gives me a good glassy shine after a few coats. Might want to give that a try.

JohnB · 08-11-2009, 03:53 AM

VB, Practice applying the finish and it shouldn't require "rubbing out".
This is easier said than done, I know.
Cut back the next to last coat with 320 paper and make sure that the surface is as smooth as a babies bum, the either spray or wipe on a wet final coat. With shellac you do the same thing, but you can use a pad to apply the last couple of coats.

The big trick is to getting a high gloss finish is to make sure that your grain is filled completely, by either using a filler or multiple coats of finish, cut back suitably between each.
Gloss = Smoothness

bluelucky · 08-11-2009, 03:59 AM

I just use Blush Eraser from Rockler to sray over any of my stuff that might get cloudy or needing smoothed out. It is just Lacquer in a spray can. Works great on our cabinets if we get overspray in the corners. But makes everything like glass.

Bill Wilson · 08-11-2009, 04:25 PM

There's a lot of different ways to go about it. I've read of guys that use rubbing compound and 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, like an automotive finish. I've read where others simply use a crumpled up brown paper bag. There is such a wide spectrum of methods and techniques. Some of it will depend on the type of finish used and most of it will depend on how much time & effort you want to put into the finish.

Bottom line is the best advice is to get a book like Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing” or Michael Dresdner's “The New Wood Finishing Book”. Read up on the different finishes & techniques, then practice, practice, practice.

Good luck!

wood-n-things · 08-12-2009, 01:16 AM

Leave it au' natural and don't worry about it...Little danish oil and yer good to go.

VB... · 08-31-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

VB, Practice applying the finish and it shouldn't require "rubbing out".
This is easier said than done, I know.
Cut back the next to last coat with 320 paper and make sure that the surface is as smooth as a babies bum, the either spray or wipe on a wet final coat. With shellac you do the same thing, but you can use a pad to apply the last couple of coats.

The big trick is to getting a high gloss finish is to make sure that your grain is filled completely, by either using a filler or multiple coats of finish, cut back suitably between each.
Gloss = Smoothness

I had to come back to this post. LOL

I tried various ways to give a fine clean finish with Poly. I have found that this worked best for me. I cleaned the work area. I had my make shift box air cleaner clean the garage for several hours. I sprayed the first coat. Then 3+ days later I sanded the work area and it produces a white dust like residue. That was a hint that it had dried well. Once I sanded lightly I sprayed once more a little wetter then the first time. I used the light to see if I missed any areas. I let it dry a bit then moved the item to a different room where I knew there was virtually no dust. Thats it. Worked well. 2 1/2 coats of Poly and it looks 99% perfect.

Thank you folks for all your support and patience

VB...

wood-n-things · 08-31-2009, 10:06 PM

Glad you found a technique that works for you..

texaswoodworker · 09-03-2009, 05:34 PM

The way I get my project to a high gloss finish is I sand the wood with a high grit sandpaper until it is as smooth as possible. Then I put the finish on it. The way I finish my pens is I start at a low grit and end up with 12,000 grit sandpaper. Then I uit the finish on

08-10-2009, 04:08 PM	#1
VB... Filler Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 322	Rubbing out/Polishing /Buffing When using Poly or Shellac or ........ Besides a rag how do you buff up the finish? Especially on scrolled finishes. I know on Jewelry I used to use a buffing wheel. What kind of buffing wheel would be appropriate for wood? Especially when its finished with a semi hard coating? "Achieving a glass like finish is usually accomplished by rubbing out the final coat. This is where a higher grit sandpaper (320 and up) can be used. You can also use ScotchBrite pads or steel wool. Polyurethane and varnish need a few weeks to fully cure before a final rubbing. Shellac can be rubbed out next day." from Bill Wilson I was wondering if there is another way of doing this? Thank you, VB... __________________ Tool of choice: DW 788, DW 735, Aspire To Inspire Before You Expire. If you don't stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them! Last edited by VB...; 08-10-2009 at 06:35 PM.

08-11-2009, 02:29 AM	#2
Wood Dog Senior member--Absolutely Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MA USA Posts: 3,451	VB....many pen turners use the Beall Wood Buff System, you can Google it to find out more. You may like to see this video at YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnL2YVz7kQ __________________ WD

08-11-2009, 03:49 AM	#3
Jim McDonald Workin' for the Weekend Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: On the Other Side of the Monitor Posts: 946 Blog Entries: 6	Gloss lacquer always gives me a good glassy shine after a few coats. Might want to give that a try. __________________ Jim Exuberance can be corrected; dullness is incurable. --E. Deters "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

08-11-2009, 03:53 AM	#4
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 4,859	VB, Practice applying the finish and it shouldn't require "rubbing out". This is easier said than done, I know. Cut back the next to last coat with 320 paper and make sure that the surface is as smooth as a babies bum, the either spray or wipe on a wet final coat. With shellac you do the same thing, but you can use a pad to apply the last couple of coats. The big trick is to getting a high gloss finish is to make sure that your grain is filled completely, by either using a filler or multiple coats of finish, cut back suitably between each. Gloss = Smoothness __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" I got holes in both of my shoes Well I'm a walking case of the blues Saw a dollar yesterday But the wind blew it away Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

08-11-2009, 04:25 PM	#6
Bill Wilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 591	There's a lot of different ways to go about it. I've read of guys that use rubbing compound and 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, like an automotive finish. I've read where others simply use a crumpled up brown paper bag. There is such a wide spectrum of methods and techniques. Some of it will depend on the type of finish used and most of it will depend on how much time & effort you want to put into the finish. Bottom line is the best advice is to get a book like Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing” or Michael Dresdner's “The New Wood Finishing Book”. Read up on the different finishes & techniques, then practice, practice, practice. Good luck! __________________ "I'm a white male, aged 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me! No matter how dumb my suggestions are."

08-11-2009, 03:59 AM	#5
bluelucky Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 255	I just use Blush Eraser from Rockler to sray over any of my stuff that might get cloudy or needing smoothed out. It is just Lacquer in a spray can. Works great on our cabinets if we get overspray in the corners. But makes everything like glass.

08-12-2009, 01:16 AM	#7
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,478 Blog Entries: 1	Leave it au' natural and don't worry about it...Little danish oil and yer good to go. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out!

08-31-2009, 10:06 PM	#9
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Right here ---silly Posts: 4,478 Blog Entries: 1	Glad you found a technique that works for you.. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. Don't be so open-minded. Your brains will fall out!

09-03-2009, 05:34 PM	#10
texaswoodworker Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Reno Texas Posts: 254	The way I get my project to a high gloss finish is I sand the wood with a high grit sandpaper until it is as smooth as possible. Then I put the finish on it. The way I finish my pens is I start at a low grit and end up with 12,000 grit sandpaper. Then I uit the finish on __________________ Aaron

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