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Melamine as a Finish

Garno

Fellow
Joined
May 12, 2021
Posts
1,372
Location
Dronfield
First Name
Gary
What is the best way of using Melamine as a finish?

I think I may be doing something wrong.
My method is.

Apply sanding sealer to the blank with the lathe running, I keep the cloth on running it from left to right to left until the sealer is dry on the cloth.

I give the Melamine a good old shake and put some on a rag and apply it the same way as the sanding sealer. I then leave it for 3 - 4 mins before applying next coat.
What I have noticed is that the gloss is still sort of dull, no depth and certainly a very poor shine.

Do I need the lathe running whilst applying it?
Should I get the "wet look" after applying (with lathe switched off) and then let it dry?
Do I need to buff it whilst the lathe is running?

Thank you in advance
Gary
 

alpha1

Fellow
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Posts
1,175
Location
middlesbrough
First Name
Dave
Hi
If you click on the tutorial tab at the top of the home page thee is a tutorial on how to use melamine as a finish.
 

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,159
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
I follow Phils method, but prefer to leave overnight before buffing. Also I have found the better the prep the better the finish..... I try to sand as fine as possible both radially and laterally and then burnish..... There are no fast ways to a good finish, I have tried most now:rolling::rolling:
 

alpha1

Fellow
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Posts
1,175
Location
middlesbrough
First Name
Dave
I agree how the pen looks is important I take my time finishing the pens. I have added a set of buffing wheels to my set up they work well especially on acrylics.
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,455
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
With a bit of practice, it IS quick. About some of the points you mentioned in your initial post though, apply the sanding sealer with your lathe stopped, then wipe off the excess before you start the lathe - and don't shake the melamine. All that does is introduce unwanted air bubbles (by the million). Also, melamine dries almost instantly, so you don't need to wait between coats.
 

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
10,997
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
I use Phil's method.
After sanding burnish your pen with a handful of the shavings with the lath running. This gives the timber a shine before you start applying your finish.
 
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