Instant glue/knife handle finish flub-HELP!!

A

amoretti

Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
7
Read here about using instant glue for finish on knife handle and it seemed a good idea.

I am finishing two knifes with desert ironwood scales. The ironwood is beautiful but kind of dark and oil finishes are making it darker yet-to the point most of the figure disappears. Sanded the oil finish off and tried instant glue.

Wiped it on with my finger and was kind of uneven. No worries as I head read that you simply wipe it with de-bonder when set to smooth it out. Tried that too and now have an even bigger mess. Will sand off again and try again. Do you sand and buff the glue finish when set??

What am I missing or what is the secret??

TIA John
 
With Desert Ironwood do not use anything but sandpaper on it. sand ut to 2000 grit and hand buff and it will sparkle.
Stan
 
I use thin CA glue and apply it with a photo wipe. The thin CA glue gets deep into the cracks and doesn't create the puddles so bad. Woodturners use this stuff a lot. Get the thin version not regular super glue.
 
The thin stuff works best on wood and other porous materials. But, like already said Desert ironwood needs no finish. It is very hard and not very porous. Good luck with your project. Jim
 
Super glue, or any finish, on handles is not a coating as much as it is a seal. You put on a layer, and sand it down to the surface. Put on another, and repeat. Slowly you build up a surface that is completely smooth and will take a nice buff. The sanding of the handle needs to be done to about 800 grit prior to the CA coats, then use 400 followed by 800 grit to sand down each coat. As you progress, the surface will get smoother and smoother ( you are filling the pores and soaking into the wood surface ). Once it is glass smooth, you can allow a little build up, but that looks bad to me. I like the handle to look likesmooth, shiny wood, not plastic.
Stacy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top