How to Finish a Turned Pen or Bowl with Micro-Mesh

Ask a group of pen turners how they get that deep, glassy shine and many will say Micro-Mesh. Its cushioned abrasives take a hard finish from good to flawless, and the same pads work on wood, acrylic and resin blanks.

What you need

• The Micro-Mesh Professional Woodworkers Kit, or Micro-Mesh soft pads
• Your usual abrasives for shaping
• Your chosen finish, such as CA glue, lacquer or friction polish
• A small cup of water

Step by step

1. Sand the blank as normal with your usual abrasives, removing tool marks and finishing around 400.
2. Apply your finish and let it cure fully.
3. Slow the lathe down. A low to medium speed stops the pads and finish heating up.
4. Work through the Micro-Mesh grades, moving the pad side to side along the blank. With a CA finish, use the pads wet.
5. Wipe between grades so no coarse particles are carried forward.
6. Finish with a plastic polish or wax for extra depth.

Acrylic and resin blanks

Acrylic and resin pen blanks don’t need a separate finish. Sand them through all the Micro-Mesh grades, wet, and polish. They come up crystal clear.

More in our wood finishing kits guide.

Questions

Wet or dry on the lathe?

Dry works on wood and oil finishes. Wet is better on CA, acrylic and resin because it keeps things cool and clean.

Do the pads wear out quickly?

No. Rinse them clean and they last for many projects.

Can I use Micro-Mesh on bare wood?

Yes, for a burnished, smooth surface, though most turners use it on a finish for the best shine.