Permalyn sealer , opinions ?

[zukeeper1]

Has anybody used Permalyn sealer or the permalyn finish ?
need to re finish a walnut stock and saw it at Dixie

 

[ricklandes]

This was recently (about 6 months ago?) reformulatted. I find it easy to use and the results excellent. Take and apply with one of those old shoe polish type swabs heavy enough so as to nearly run. Leave it about 10 minutes and wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Leave for 24 to 48 hours depending on your drying conditions. Take and dip the pad of your finger in the oil and rub on to the stock thin and smooth. Cover the enite rifle this way. Look for dry areas and overlaps--all must be uniform. I use a light and turn the stock to see. Dry. Repeat until desire gloss is obtained. You can slightly scuff up between coats. That is it.

 

[grey8833]

zukeeper1

Have used it and like it. Five coats of sealer, three hand rubbed with the finish and one last coat hand rubbed with the sealer. Produces a nice satin finish that is as tough as they come.

Mike F

 

Darn good stuff. That's what I use.

 

[chuck-ia]

I have used it in the past and seems to wear off in the heavy handled areas, wrist and forestock. Doesn't seem to take long before I see a light area where the finish wears off, just my experiance. On my last one I tried the Jim Chambers finish, will see how that works out. flinch

 

[ricklandes]

I have used it in the past and seems to wear off in the heavy handled areas, wrist and forestock. Doesn't seem to take long before I see a light area where the finish wears off, just my experiance. On my last one I tried the Jim Chambers finish, will see how that works out. flinch

Please take note gentlemen I have made a error I was thinking (or not thinking!) that the Permalyn was the Chambers oil finish. I guess that is not the case...So all I said above is with regards to the Chamers oil product. I have used Permalyn in the past and do not care for it as much as the oil. It seems to be stickier and not as nice of a dryer as the oil. The oil is Far superior IMHO. I apologize for the confusion!

 

[Vaino]

Just applied the finish on my latest "Bucks County" LR and as always used 2 soak in coats of "Permalyn Sealer" followed by 3 coats of hand applied "Wahkon Bay Trucoat". The end result is a very durable, low sheen finish which requires some rubbing w/ a loose napped towel to achieve a "linseed oil" type appearance. Have finished a few stocks using only "Permalyn Sealer" starting w/ 2 soak in coats and then hand applying 2-3 coats for a somewhat shiny finish. The customers requested a very "smooth", shiny finish and were very satisfied w/ the results.I prefer the "Permalyn Sealer" and "Wahkon Bay Trucoat" finish because it eliminates dulling w/ steel wool or pumice/rottenstone. Any wear can be "rejuvenated" w/ further applications of "Trucoat". Have never used "Permalyn Finish" because of the high gloss and possibly the "Chambers' Oil Finish" yields similar gloss? Tried The Chambers' product once and the high gloss level was not what I prefer......Fred

 

[zukeeper1]

well crud .I sure don't what a glossy finish . Going to look into that tung oil that is being talked about in the " Refinishing Pedersoli Frontier thread"

 

[Doc Arroyo]

I prefer the "Permalyn Sealer" and "Wahkon Bay Trucoat" finish because it eliminates dulling w/ steel wool or pumice/rottenstone. Any wear can be "rejuvenated" w/ further applications of "Trucoat". Have never used "Permalyn Finish" because of the high gloss and possibly the "Chambers' Oil Finish" yields similar gloss? Tried The Chambers' product once and the high gloss level was not what I prefer......Fred

Permalyn does not need to be dulled to reduce the gloss...if it is applied correctly. Jerry Huddleston uses it on his stuff, and did a write-up on it a number of years back. Two coats of sealer, and two or three thin coats of Permalyn finish. The final coat of peramlyn is applied with a piece of nylon stocking and hand rubbed a very small area at a time. It gives it that deep soft glow to the finish.

Here is his website for some examples...
http://www.jwh-flintlocks.net/

This is not a commercial endorsement, I can't afford his work!

 

[Vaino]

Thanks for the advice on the "Nylon stocking"....will have to try it, although the Permalyn Sealer and Wahkon Bay Trucoat finish is very easy to apply and the Trucoat can be used for touchup after a few years. I imagine the "stocking" has to be used when the Permalyn is at a certain degree of setup?.....Fred

 

[Doc Arroyo]

I imagine the "stocking" has to be used when the Permalyn is at a certain degree of setup?.....Fred

Nope. I just wrap it around a couple of fingers, dip it into a bit of Permalyn, and rub down a small area. When it is rubbed to that tacky dry stage, then I move to the next area.

 

[Dane]

Fred,

Yes, on the last coat, as it begins to dry, rub one direction with a pad made of two or three layers of nylons stocking. You'll see that goss disappear into a nice soft sheen. Much like a "London Oil Finish". Works nice.
Need to work a small area at a time. Blend in with the surroundings.

Chamber's oil takes a little more time to dry, and works a little easier, but both work well.

 

[Vaino]

Thanks to both replies asre "how to" for using the nylon stocking. How does it work in and around carving? Will definitely try it......Fred

 

[Doc Arroyo]

How does it work in and around carving?

I took a few plastic sanding sticks an Q-tips to make detail tools for wrapping the nylon on. I am not sure how JH does that.