JES WoodCrafting

One of the challenges of making an heirloom-quality writing instrument is applying a finish that accentuates the wood or antler and allows its full beauty to show and at the same time, protects that natural wonder for years and years.

Once the pen blanks are turned to the desired shape, they are sanded with very fine sandpaper.  Then an acrylic polymer is applied which helps stabilize the natural material and builds up a thin surface which can be further polished. On my pens, approximately 12 to 14 individual layers of 3 different finishes are applied, wetsanded, polished and buffed to a mirror-like shine.  This process produces a finish so tough that it cannot be easily removed from the bushings (which end up getting coated with finish) and must be cut off with the turning gouges!