I've been using both shellac and/or lacquer as a polish for my boxes, but I'm looking to find something easier to apply. Can anyone tell me the difference between General finishes woodturners finish and Mylands friction polish?
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Looking for a friction polish for box finish; Myland's vs General Finishes
- Thread starter Nate Hawkes
- Start date
I use Mylands on the inside of my boxes and it's easy to apply and quick to get done. It takes a little practice to get the mojo going on speed of turning, pressure with the polishing cloth, and how fast to move the cloth over the surface.
However, my understanding is that friction polish is a soft finish. If you make boxes with any kind of snuggish lid, such that the recipient will need 2 hands to take off the lid, a soft finish may not be the best choice. Which is why I use it only inside, where generally, there's not much wear on the finish.
However, my understanding is that friction polish is a soft finish. If you make boxes with any kind of snuggish lid, such that the recipient will need 2 hands to take off the lid, a soft finish may not be the best choice. Which is why I use it only inside, where generally, there's not much wear on the finish.
I realized that you did not ask about finishes other than General and Mylands. However, I thought I would share my experience with a product from Doctor’s Woodshop. It’s a combination of walnut oil, shellac, and carubba wax. I have had excellent results with this product and have used it for years on boxes and other small turnings. It’s very easy to apply and dries quickly. I usually apply a coat of shellac sanding sealer before applying this product. I have a recommend this product. Here’s a link if you are interested.
Doctors Woodshop
Doctors Woodshop
I have not liked friction polishes on my boxes. Mostly because it does not hold up to being handled a lot. I do like Rubio Monocote.
robo hippy
robo hippy
I like, and use many of the General Finishes products. Their woodturners finish is really not worth it, it's crap.
Does Rubio dry quickly? I'm looking for something that dries almost instantly to turn boxes somewhat quickly. I just don't want it to sit around waiting to dry while I could be turning another box.
Mylands works fine and quick. I went through a container on boxes and small bowls. I now use Doctors Woodshop friction polish but it seems to take several coats to build up a good finish. I start with a coat of sanding sealer as another poster mentioned.
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When I started turning I used Mylands a lot as it was fast and looked good. But soon folks would come back and basically complain about the look after use, it does not hold up over the long run. For pens and small boxes I now use Gluboost CA glue. Easy to do and I've had no complaints.
Rubio takes about a week to cure totally. It is expensive, but a little bit goes a very long way. It is dry to the touch the next day, similar to just about any applied oil finish. I did try spray lacquers, and they do not hold up well to a lot of handling.
robo hippy
There isn't a rule that says you have to keep the box on the lathe while you wait for the finish to dry. If you're using friction polish or shellac, you'll want to do it on the lathe, but otherwise, take it off, set aside, make more boxes, then go finish them all at once. If you feel the need for speed, learn to spray lacquer. Do it in your driveway when it's calm outside. You could do 2 coats on a half dozen boxes in 20 minutes.