I have a love-hate relationship with Mohawk (brand) "No Blush Plus Retarder
(MS103-0475)". It can save a project, or it can really screw things up if you spray it on to
heavy! A little dab'll do ya!
When you spray on a clear finish, sometimes it will blush. Blushing is white cloudiness due
to trapped moisture (from humidity, steam, etc). It can happen on hot and humid days in the summer
or any rainy day.
When it happens it is really frustrating!
Here is my “Wire Hanger Holds Work While Finishing” tip that appeared in the “Tips” section on page 20 of the AAW August 2025 “American Woodturner” Journal. Click here for the PDF. Continue reading Wire Hanger Holds Work While Finishing
I like to paint the edge of my plates or shallow bowls black with a Montana Cans (brand) 15mm
wide "Shock Black" (color) marker.
Montana markers work a lot better than Sharpie markers, etc because they are paint markers
that apply acrylic paint. The acrylic paint is thin like ink. It dries to a flat finish. No gloss.
Thus, I always top coat my finished pieces with a semi gloss finish. Continue reading Montana Acrylic Markers
I have been watching Gourd Art videos. They use Makeup Sponges to apply a thin
layer of paint or stain.
I tried applying Chroma-Guilt with a Makeup Sponge. It works great! A lot
better than using your finger. You can apply a thin layer with out getting it into your carved or
burned pattern! Continue reading Makeup Sponges for Chroma-Guilt
Click here for a printable PDF of the above or click here to order from the PUBLIC wish list at https://www.dickblick.com/lists/wishlist/RTC7CC6JLRZF1
Paint Brushes & Acrylic Paint
My students asked me to recommend some paint brushes. Like the ones I use in my studio for acrylic painting with the lathe running. Brushes that are not kids junk. Reasonably good quality, not to expensive. Continue reading Paint Brushes & Acrylic Paint
I use a lot of masking tape in my studio. I use it to masking off things when painting. I also use it to protect delicate edges on hollow from rims, etc when sanding.
It is hard to find good masking tape locally at a reasonable price. I started using Blick brand masking tape from Dick Blick on the web (www.dickblick.com) last year.
I like it. The price is reasonable. Yea, it is a bit thin and feels cheap. But, it works good. The glue is good. I often leave it on pieces for days or even weeks and have not run into any problems removing it. I find myself using this tape more and more often rather than purple or blue masking tape.
Continue reading Good Cheap Masking Tape