MY CUSTOM TURNED PENS - DO THEY NEED STAIN?

Question

I've been turning my own wood pens on the lathe out of burled, spalted and exotic woods. This pic is an example of 4 that I made with different hardware and type of woods. So far I have not stained them but just sealed with a clear sealer. Do you think if you were to want one, would you prefer it stained darker or stained a colour like green, red, etc? I'm new to making them so not quite sure what the market or demand is. All feedback appreciated!
Jacqui
www.portaverdestudio.com
www.facebook.com/portaverdestudio
#woodturning #pens #burled #handmade #writing

q my custom turned pens do they need stain, crafts, woodworking projects

Jacqui
www.portaverdestudio.com
www.facebook.com/portaverdestudio

#woodturning #pens #burled #handmade #writing

KathrynElizabeth Etier · Answer

No! They are perfect just the way they are. I would definitely prefer them in their natural color with a clear seal, I think they are very handsome.

Pam Park · Answer

I personally like the natural color. Make just a few colored and see what the market does

Richard Monje · Answer

Maybe a little toung oil to seal them

Cheryl @ Artzzle · Answer

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These are beautiful, but then I always prefer the natural wood. I do think people would enjoy a light color too, as long as it didn't hide the grain.

Z · Answer

They are beautiful just the way they are, though staining them would be very interesting too as stain often brings out the grain more.

Peggy Ann Hoyt @ Bungalows Best · Answer

No! Beautiful just like they are... the details of the natural wood and the original color is gorgeous.  Awesome work!

Sue Merron · Answer

I think that they should be left natural. The natural wear from being used will make them look great

CS · Answer

Gorgeous! You could try an oil finish such as Watco Danish Oil on a piece of scrap wood to see how you like that to. It give it a beautiful rich rubbed finish as opposed to a colored finish.

Janet Smith · Answer

Very pretty as they are now. I do like the idea of using Watco as it will give them a nice finish without changing the color too much.

Carol · Answer

I think the way they are is great but I would also like to see some stained

JMTaylor70 · Answer

The natural color is so beautiful. I would leave it.

Angela Bello · Answer

Wow! I love them as is but you can make a few with a light stain and sell them all!

Tegma · Answer

I wouldn't do anything to the colors..... just seal them. They are wonderful!

Pam Bolton · Answer

I like them just the way they are.  Great job!

Linda · Answer

If selling ask buyer if they want the pen stained or not.   I like them just as they are.

Patti Cagle · Answer

Just wax them when you have them on the lathe and they will be stunning! It really brings out the grain and provides a finish that protects them from the oil on your fingers. put a little wax on a soft cloth, them buff afterwards with a clean cloth. They will be even more beautiful!

Judith Thomas De Neville · Answer

I think they are beautiful .... the natural is wonderful with the graining, but for another 'look' ..... perhaps add a light stain to show the grain but just add a little interest. A color Iike red or green ... No .... I think you would lose the grain...... good luck, let's see some ideas you have tried. Have pinned you!

Buck Buchanan · Answer

I always wax them while still on the lathe. You can either bring them to a high luster with a friction polish (Mylands is my go to) or a satin finish with a Hut brand wax bar. I also use carnuba wax to help harden the finish. I dislike staining burls, but will if the predominant color is white. You should try experimenting with different methods of finishing. I've also use a ca finish, for that glass look.

Becky · Answer

They are gorgeous! Maybe just put a clear satin sheen on them to bring out even more of the beauty of the wood.

All33532491 · Answer

I wouldn’t anything or something that would make them shine

Emily · Answer

They are very beautiful. You could try a limited number is all finishes you like. Once I bought my husband such a pen at a craft fare. These are a good thing to make.

Deana Thaxton Samms · Answer

I wouldn't stain them. The natural wood has so much character. I'd just finish and let each one be unique.

Janet Smith · Answer

Stain will protect them from oil on a person's hands. The pens are lovely!

Jst48113503 · Answer

You could try a .CA finish which show the grain.

MY CUSTOM TURNED PENS - DO THEY NEED STAIN?

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MY CUSTOM TURNED PENS - DO THEY NEED STAIN?

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