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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: RGK on February 07, 2009, 09:04:00 PM
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After receiving lots of questions on how to do a super glue finish on a knife handle I decided to show the steps. This is not to say that this is the only and proper way to use super glue as a finish. It's just the way I do it. Super glue is used on tropical woods that have oils that prevent most finishes from drying, curing or hardening. It can be used on any wood.
First of all, This is for small projects since it is not really cost effective for large projects. At the same time, there are those that use a super glue finish on pool cues, pens, bowls, chess pieces and a host of other projects.
I went out and bought a 4 pack of .07 Oz. tubes for $1.99. I bought the regular and not the gel but have heard of people using the gel with good results.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue991.jpg)
Always read the warnings and understand the risks. I have chosen to ignore rule number four. I found rule number five a bit odd. I do want good results but I fail to see why it matters how me and the missus spend our free time or if we are good at it.
This glue is stinky but larger containers that are more expensive can be bought in a low odor version.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue2.jpg)
I used a scrap piece of Bubinga right off the saw. I did not sand it at all. I did this to show that super glue is gap filling and fills in the pores of the wood. I poured a small drop on the wood.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue9.jpg)
And spread it around with this brush.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue8.jpg)
I just spread it out until the piece is covered and never stop moving. It stays liquid for a short while.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue91.jpg)
And then hardens with a little less gloss. You can see the rough saw lines on the wood. but after I build up of a few coats, it will smooth over the bumps. *** DO NOT blow on it to dry it faster.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue92.jpg)
After two coats, I use 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out the brush marks and then wipe it with a clean cloth to remove the white dust.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue94.jpg)
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On the back side of the piece I applied the same number of coats except on the last one, I blew on it to dry it faster and you can see the results. The water vapor in your breath makes the glue cloudy or foggy and you cant un-do the damage. You will have to sand it all off and start over. The same goes for touching the wet glue with your finger. The moisture in your skin will also turn the glue white.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue95.jpg)
After a few coats, you also get a build up on the tip of your brush.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue97.jpg)
Nail polish remover (Acetone) will remove the hardened glue. I wet a paper towel and set my finger in it.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue98.jpg)
I will also use some of that same 400 grit to clean of any glue left behind. Now the brush is clean.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue99.jpg)
Once hardened, I use 400 grit and 0000 steel wool to smooth the finish.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue992.jpg)
Super glue leaves a hard, crystal clear and water proof protective coating of acrylic plastic on the wood.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue993.jpg)
It can be buffed to a high sheen.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn31/WBH_stuff/glue994.jpg)
Give it a try the next time you are working on a small wood project or if making fishing jig heads or turkey calls. Work outside or in an area with good ventilation.
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Informative and in true RGK form! Thanks!
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IN GOD WE TRUST
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Also, Make sure to use the right sized brush for the job. I have a 10 pack in various sizes and find the two biggest ones to be pretty useless for small jobs. The two smallest ones really only work to clean ones nose.
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nice. i've been wanting to try out a superglue finish. have any brushes i can buy???
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Very cool how to...thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
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Very cool tutorial!
I also have a 10 pack of various sized brushes, my buddy only has a 8.5 pack so he's pretty useless!
I may have talk to the WITCH on rule #5 and see if she's willing to practice!
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Originally posted by theunluckyhunter:
nice. i've been wanting to try out a superglue finish. have any brushes i can buy???
Sorry but I do not want to break up the set. I have had them for 44 years. They were a gift from my Mother and Father on my birthday.
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too bad, my parents got my some on my birthday too but tey must have been from the bargain bin they are pretty useless
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Perfect timing for my next set of scales AND a slight blemish on an incoming bow!
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RGK,, Thank you for taking the time to show how the supper glue works...
Now if I could get my 10 pack to work in the right order......
Again thanks ...
Later.....Buzz
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RGK,
Just don't make the mistake of trying to clean your nose AND apply a super glue finish at the same time or you may inadvertantly be breathing in and out of one nostril, brother!!
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Well, I got 2 coats of the super glue brushed on right after I read your thread. Everything was going well until I let my brush touch two clean ones that were in the same package. Got 'em all seperated now. Probably a good thing because I had this itch on my nose about the same time everything got stuck together. Didn't want to have to explain that one to my wife!
By the way, I buy superglue from keithfulmerwoodworking. They have thin, meduim and thick. I like the thick for tip overlays and such. I think it's about 10 bucks for a four oz. bottle. Goes a long way. they even have it in black. Mike
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Great tutorial Ron! Thanks!
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Man o Man I hope for everyones sake that you all went "POTTY" before trying the super glue thing and make sure to clean off ALL the excess glue and acetone before applying rule #5!! :knothead: :knothead:
Oh by the way nice job on the build along. :clapper:
Sorry just had to chime in. Skippy
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Thanks Ron! I just logged on to search for a CA finish post and yours was here...great timing! :bigsmyl:
If all goes well, meaning I don't pass out or glue any of my brushes to any of my other "tools", I'll be posting my success here shortly. :)
Thanks again!
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There is a certain amount of toxicity with contact with super glue and especially Acetone both through inhalation & skin. Plus the possibility of gluing body parts together :)
With that said, I use super glue finish on 90% of my knife handles. Most of the time I use the very watery thin super glue.
In a well ventilated area, I well roll up a sheet of paper towel. Idon't want to be smelling the stuff. Apply 2-3 drops and quickly wipe the wood surface. It soaks in and drys almost immediately. I never touch the super glue. You can repeat this til all the handle is covered. Then finish as described.
I will even go one step further and wear my non-latex throw away exam gloves whenever I work with super glue. We use surgical super glue at the clinic all the time. Important to prevent too much direct or inhaled contact with the stuff. JMHO...Doc
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Someting to do with the Cyanide in it perhaps ;)
Cyanide works great for making plastics rock hard, but it don't do much (good) for the human condition...