Has Anyone Used???

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I have read on many of the big pen sites that the main finish of choice is CA or CA/BLO or Enduro. These are the ones the pros use. But this past woodworking show a few weeks ago that I was at I talked to many turners and one of the more well known ones was Barry Gross. I talked to him about his pen turning and saw first hand many many many of his pens. I have seen many before from times I was attending scrollsaw picnics and he was there. But at that time I was not geared toward turning. This time I was more focused and we talked about his finishing technique for both acrylics and wooden pens. One thing stood out was his choice of finish and that was BEHLEN'S Woodturning finish. He made a statement that stuck with me and that was being he sells his pens to many professional collectors he has to take his finishing to that extra level. They have a tendency to put them under a microscope to check for flaws. I tell you this as I held some of his pens I saw a perfect writing instrument and the finish looked fantastic. Had a deep color and a high gloss shine that did not feel like plastic. He does not get carried away with all the sanding that I read about which to me is a little over the top.

My question is does anyone here use or have used Behlen's Turning finish??? If so what is your opinion and how well does it stand up to everyday use or is this just a show finish??? I have gone to their site and see it is basically a shellac product with some sort of resins. I am sceptible about this as being a durable finish. It does come up to a glossy finish though.

[Ex19k]

Sorry it has taken so long for me to answer John. I have used simalar finishes. They have stood up quiet well. I just put on a few coats (should read 5-6). the thing is that the oils from your hands will add some unique marks. thats just life. The shine comes from friction. I usually apply it pretty thick at first then let it soak in to the wood. then crank up the lathe and buff. add another thick coat with the lathe off and let it dry. repeat this a few times. then i use a fresh pc of fabric and let the heat do the work. sometimes i actually see smoke coming from the work as the friction builds up. when that hapens i tend to back off a bit. LOL. As for the CA finish. I have tried to figure that out for over 2 years! i give up. Another alternitiveis an airbrush and some good old poly. Or even better..Hand rub it in! It looks great and lasts for ever!