Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
finishes, gloss, semi or satin?
Jim D. Clayton, NJ
>I have mainly worked with a gloss Lacquer, but I do hear from time to time I wish it was not so shiney.
I would like to hear what are others favorite finishes and what are the advantages of them. Is there a general guide line for different finishes on different types of pieces?
Doing some shopping tonight so early bird answers are very welcome.
Jim D.
Re: finishes, gloss, semi or satin?
John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)
>I like gloss because I can always knock down the shine to any degree I wish with an abrasive pad. The reverse situation is ineffective. Even if you rarely want the glossy look, I still would suggest the gloss sheen. Gloss, satin, and semi-gloss will require a rub-down to knock off dust nibs and even out the orange peel (if sprayed). If you want satin, simply don't polish it back to the shiny sheen of a gloss finish. If you are adding such a small amount of finish that you don't develop any film (i.e., just a precursory sealing on the lathe), then either sheen will do because there is not enough finish on your vessel to make a difference.
My 2 cents.
John
John and I are in sync today *LINK*
Mike Schwing from Md.
>Well, not like the band, rather our responses..
I too like purchasing gloss finish because you can turn it into any finish you so desire. You can also rub out satin to gloss but I like using gloss better. Here's an article, link below..
Satin from Gloss
Re: John and I are in sync today
John Lucas
>Make that 3 of us. I do use satin or matt on rare occasions but you can knock down the gloss to an almost matt finish with 4/0 steel wool. The Beal buffing system will bring it back up.
Re: finishes, gloss, semi or satin?
Keith Tompkins
>Hi Jim, the biggest problem I see with turnings with a high-gloss finish is that they are not properly rubbed out. A finish that is sprayed on will reflect light at all different angles rather than have a deep appearance, as though you can see down into the wood.
Expect to spend as much time finishing with lacquer as it took to make the piece. remember, the finish is only as good as the preparation of the wood. A gloss finish on a poorly sanded piece is doomed before the first coat is applied.
A good lacquer finish is an art....it takes time to learn..hope this helps.
Re: finishes, gloss, semi or satin? *LINK*
Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL
>I am absolutely in agreement with everyone posting above me.
I currently finish exclusively with gloss lacquer.
1) Semi-Gloss finishes are gloss finishes with an additive that dulls the reflection. That additive also clouds the image of the wood that you see.
2) I suggest that you finish with gloss finish, and then degloss it with 0000 steel wood, or nock it back with 4000 micromesh.
3) Never spray a final shiney of lacquer and leave it at that. No matter how flawless it is, it will look more "Plastic" than if you rub it out with sandpaper and rubbing compound (note, I did not say buffing compound - hand rubbing is the ticket).
Mark
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