High Gloss Finish

[jaxenro]

I m working on a set of little parlor pistols - the kind for indoor shooting that use the cap only for power, no powder, and want to apply a high gloss finish, but not one of those plastic looking ones.

Something similar to a french polish done by rubbing in coats of shellac, but maybe a bit more durable. Can I get the same type of in the wood, not on the wood, finish from tung oil, tru oil, or one of the others with a high gloss?

 

[Norskie]

Consider burnishing the wood itself before you apply the finish. This is an old cabinet maker's technique that has been largely forgotten. I make hickory walking sticks as a sideline, and burnishing really makes them shine with just a linseed oil varnish. I've had good luck with tung oil varnish when my customer wants an even higher gloss.

 

[LRB]

Here's a finish that works well after the burnishing. 1 part boiled linseed, 1 part pure tung oil, 2 parts mineral spirits. Allow at least two days between coats. Usually takes 8 or more. This is very thin and soaks in well. Gives a gloss, but not that kind that looks an inch deep.

 

[navaho]

Explain burnishing

 

[LRB]

Burnishing is a process of rubbing one surface with a tool that has a harder surface in order to smooth it by pressure and friction. This can be done to metal, as well as wood. With wood, the tool can be polished metal, bone, plastic, or I suppose, harder wood. The process compresses the fibers and give a polished sheen to the raw wood, after which the finish is applied, which soaks in and sort of glues the fibers in place. Basicly, burnishing is "ironing" out the wrinkles in the wood or metal. With 18thC guns and even later, the wood was scraped smooth and burnished, rather than sanded. Although sand paper seems to have existed, it's use was not wide spread, especially with gunmakers. If you have the opportunity to look closely at an early gun, you can often see slightly flat marks from the burnishing, and sometimes scraper marks, when held at angles to a light source. On lower grade working guns, the marks can be very noticable.