Buffing?

[myxpykalix]

I want to put as glossy and glassy a finish on a carving and here is what i've done so far.
On oak i put a coat of boiled linseed oil, then let dry. I didn't like the lack of details in the piece so i put on a coat of gel stain to go into the details.

Right now it has a dull muddy looking finish. I have some clear glossy polyurethane i was going to apply.

I also have a 3 wheel buffing outfit with compounds i use to use to polish bowls with and i wondered what you thought of using that to give this a glossy finish?

Here are some questions
Should i buff it before applying the polyurethane or after?
Should i do just one or the other?
Will i lose my gel stain in the details by buffing?
Should i sand it again before doing any of these things?:confused::eek:

[t_vandemark]

Jack. I have no advise as finishing is a weak point for me, so i will be paying attention to the advise that the other guys give. I usually just try different techniques on scrap and then use the best result on my project. I can't wait to see your final results. looks good so far. You'll be a sign guy before you know it.:D

[ssflyer]

If you want a really glossy finish, try automotive finishes...
They also work very well for exterior applications (of course) :D

[bleeth]

Hey Ron: Not sure Automotive clear is quite the ticket for Jack!
Whatever you have on it now must be allowed to fully dry. For you Jack I would top coat it with glossy Minwax poly from Big Orange. Before you do you need to know that the glossier it is the more imperfections will stick out like a sore thumb.
The muddy might be due to putting on the gel while the linseed oil hadn't fully dried or could also be a bit of incompatability between them (but probably not).

[myxpykalix]

This tip was emailed to me by a fellow botter and friend,
Here is the difference with 2 coats of this finish:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Krylon-Triple-Thick-Crystal-Clear-Glaze/17210981 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Krylon-Triple-Thick-Crystal-Clear-Glaze/17210981)

This fit my criteria of being easy to apply/cheap/quick drying

It was about $3.50/can and i only applied 2 coats and it looks like glass.

Like Dave says:"the glossier it is the more imperfections will stick out like a sore thumb" is true, but i used some half wore out sandpaper to knock down some overspray. It is important to spray thin coats or it will "puddle" on you and harden that way.

All in all it is a better finish then polyurethane if you want a glossy, glassy finish. Thanks to all who sent me tips and information.:D

[ssflyer]

:eek: Dave, I forgot it was Jack :D

I also should have read the whole thread more carefully - I doubt an automotive finish would stick to it now, anyway.

Jack, that looks good, and I definitely like the price!

[myxpykalix]

I really like it. It goes on in a spray and then hardens rather quickly to look like a polymer. You do have to spray light coats and in straight passes like painting a car to keep from puddling and bubbling.

There were a couple spots that looked like, where i left it to dry got some dust on it and trapped it in the coat but a light sanding with a worn out piece of sandpaper, a wipe down, and aquick shot of spray seemed to cover it up.:)

[cowboy1296]

i have yet to perfect spraying, i am not sure it is in the future for me. did you have any orange peel effect when you sprayed it?

[myxpykalix]

Yes i had some, and after it dried i took it to the sanding mop i had chucked up inthe drill press. The papaer was probably 220 grit but good and wore out so it was pretty gentle on the finish and i was able to get a lot out and then went back and put a very light spraying on it and it looks ok. I think the next thing i go i might take the buffing wheel to it but since i had to give this away tomorrow i didn't want to take the chance of screwing it up.:eek: