Using Abrasive Paste For Woodturning

I demonstrate how you can use a wax based abrasive paste like liquid sandpaper to eliminate fine scratches in your woodturning with less sanding. I also review some of the commercial abrasive pastes on the market: Yorkshire Grit, Dr Kirk's Scratch FREE and UBeaut EEE Ultrashine.
Here is a link to a Craft Supplies USA video on Dr.Kirk's Scratch FREE • Video
Here is where you can buy Yorkshire Grit in the USA www.the walnutlog.com
Here is how you can make your own • Woodturning Abrasive P...
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from my Amazon shop www.amazon.com....
You can download demonstration handouts, downloadable copies of articles I have published, and other useful woodturning information available on my website www.mikepeacewo...

[@jeffoldham3466]

mike i love your videos,,you have taught me so much,,im in nc,hopefully one day i can meet you,,can you enlighten me on how to order from amazon to help you out,,i order alot from them!!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Jeff. Let's not wait until we meet, LOL. Just click on the link in the description and then it is Amazon buying as ususal.

[@jacknemo8021]

Brasso is a 30K grit liquid abrasive, if you're not worried about stains, say your sanding a finish or on acrylic or a dark wood.

[@stephenhopkins2449]

I've used EEE for years, and I recently took a class at Craft Supply and was introduced to Dr. Kirks. It is considerably cheaper and I can't tell the difference. It wasn't till sometime later I found out one of my instructors was Dr. Kirk!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, Kirk is a good guy. He did verify that although Dr Kirks is more green, it is a finer abrasive than EEE so not as aggressive.

[@jpwoodwork]

I’ve always used Yorkshire grit, love the stuff!! It’s not just good for wood, I’ve used it on acrylics and even to polish metal 👍🏻

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing.

[@charlieodom191]

Thanks for the video. I like the tip of getting all the residue off.

[@DKWalser]

For those who are worried that the wax might interfere with their preferred finish, they can always wipe down the piece with a solvent like mineral spirits and let that dry before applying their finish.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good idea. Or test to see if this step is needed for their finish.

[@alanmullock381]

I've used just the Yorkshire Grit on wood and the micro-fine on resins and all finishes work very well,including CA on my pens! Hope this helps Mike👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for the insight, Alan.

[@charlieodom191]

So I can use eee on my pens before ca glue?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry, I missed your question earlier. Yes, maybe. I would test the finish on a pen sized dowel so you don't ruin a finished pen.

[@deanweeks7956]

This is my first time to use abrasive grit. Thanks for the information. You are a good instructor.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Many many years ago, during the decoupage rage, I was using pumice and water followed by rottenstone and oil to polish lacquer, and it worked great. I’ve had a container of rottenstone sitting in my shop for over two years now, which I have always intended to mix into an abrasive paste. I’m looking forward to next weeks video!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I will be interested in your test results with pumice, rottenstone and diatomaceous earth to see what kind of formula you come up with. I will be happy to swap some diatomaceous earth for some pumice and maybe even loan you a crock pot!

[@stephenkrall7609]

I have been using Yorkshire grit and I like it very much. I apply a 50/50 mix of cellulose Sanding sealer and lacquer thinner first. I then use a Hampshire Sheen wax as a finish. I really like Yorkshire Grit, but it can be difficult to get it here in the States. I ordered my last two container from England.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I listed the website for the US distributor in the description. Not difficult to get at all.

[@stephenkrall7609]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning I kept checking in at the walnut log website for weeks and it was always listed as out of stock. I did get the Yorkshire Grit Micro fine from them as I plan to do some resin casting, and a day after I bought it that is now listed out of stock. I inquired by e-mail when they would be back in stock and never got a reply so I ordered it from England. It came back into stock about a week after I got my order from England. But seeing the walnut log is the only distributor in the US it is not difficult to get if it is in stock. If it is not in stock then you have to shop outside of the states to get it.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for clearing that up. I should have known the easy answer is not always the right answer. I have seen Jeff at two different symposia selling Yorkshire Grit so assumed he always had product. I can see where a small manufacturer might have problems keeping vendors supplied.😬😬

[@ACKSWOODPASTE]

Another great video Mike. I recently have made my own abrasive paste using Tripoli, it works great. I also made a paste to go over the top of the abrasive paste which protects and gives the wood a little extra shine. Im considering putting it out on the market. What I plan on sending with an order is 1 -8 oz can of abrasive and 1-8 oz can of the polishing/rejuvinating paste. Please keep up the informative videos!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Tom. Good luck with your venture.

[@jeffwalters3735]

I’ve used all three and like them all equally.

[@TinkinLA]

On hardwoods I use rottenstone with Watco as final finish, typically over a sprayed lacquer finish. If the surface finish is good I use paraffin oil as lube for rottenstone.

[@oldcodger3509]

Thanks again Mike for yet another great and instructive video!!! A fellow woodturner showed me a piece that he had recently turned using an abrasive paste... I was VERY impressed and have been thinking of trying some myself. Now I have several options, thanks to you!!! I'm looking forward to your video on how to make your own abrasive paste, sooo I'll stay tuned!!! Again, Thanks for all the time and effort you do to share you knowledge with others!!! Safe turning to you and yours ALWAYS!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I did that video on making the paste some time back. My article on wet sanding and making abrasive paste will be in the Feb issue of the American Woodturner.

[@MikeWaldt]

A very thorough and informative video Mike, well presented as we have come to expect from you. Take care Mike.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I appreciate that, Mike. Coming from you, that means a lot.

[@gaylegreer9798]

We're making our own; a trifle more agressive with pumice; finer with D/E.

[@briansinclair3967]

I've been using Yorkshire grit for approximately a year. Great stuff.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

I’ll have to give abrasive past a try when I get a chance.

[@rsauve999]

Thanks, Mike. I used the microwave for melting. Hard to find D. Earth where I live in Canada, but I did find "Wilsons Ant Out" - 90% D. Earth as a substitute. Made a small batch - 1 oz beeswax, 1 oz DE, & 4.5 mineral oil. Works great!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Excellent!

[@josephwise485]

Mike, I have been using EEE, but I wasn't aware that you could use lacquer, poly, or shellac over it, Thanks for the info, I will give it a try.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I have been told you can finish over it but you might want to test with your favorite finish.

[@lyndaowen2154]

Good information

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks

[@BobbyGriffett]

Thanks for the info good video

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Every week!

[@PHIL_S]

Mike, Very useful tips - please keep them coming as I for one do benefit from your tips, tricks and experience - timing is good since I got your recipe from your last video - now to wait for your next one with the missing ingredient - thanks

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for you support!

[@PHIL_S]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Friend I'm on pins-n-needles as I think I know what it is - but I'll wait for the recommended ratios of the mix - thanks for all you do

[@johnwallace4408]

Another information loaded video! Believe it or not, I have even used baby oil to wet sand!!! SAFE TURNING, John

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yep, mineral oil with a scent!

[@denisdesfosses4122]

I use both EEE and Yorkshire grit I found that EEE works better on acrylics and Yorkshire grit works best on woods.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Which leads me to believe that the Yorkshire Grit's courser pumice added to the Tripoli might be initially scratching the acrylic but abrading the wood as it breaks down.

[@mikedoyle5362]

Thanks Mike. Very good review. I’ve been using the Yorkshire Grit for a year or so and it is great.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You have been using it longer then me.

[@diydarkmatter]

good to know thanks mike .

[@glencrandall8334]

Mike, Thanks for the review. I decided to try all of them. I wish you had included links for each of the three different products. I did find them via google but it would have been quicker if you had listed the links.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Since I like the Yorkshire Grit the best, I did not see any reason to lead folks to the others. That said, next Friday's video is on making your own. I think the Yorkshire grit is a bit more aggresive since it has some courser abrasive added to the tripoli.

[@phillallen01]

I use yorkshire grit and then beeswax & mineral oil finish if you follow the instructions for yorkshire grit you can get a glass finish

[@jeffoldham3466]

good video mike,,,cant wait to see the next one on making it,,,

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Thanks for sharing

[@csle1962]

Cool!

[@laurafuhrman4791]

Made you paste wax this week thank you WOW

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Great!. Glad ithe video was helpful.

[@AlbeTurner]

Hi Mike. Thanks for another excellent informative video. I’ve been using Ack’s for some time after sanding to 400 but I found it does definitely darken the wood. With some woods I don’t mind that however there are some I prefer not to darken. Learned this recently with a bowl turned from Canarywood. The Acks really darkened it. Which would you suggest to use that does not darken but still does a good job of eliminating fine scratches? Or should I use a lacquer as you did prior to the paste application? Hope this makes sense. And thanks again sir!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I think any wax product will darken wood some. I have not done a coloor comparison with or without a sanding sealer first. Worth a try.

[@bobbuonfiglio6705]

Nice video! I have only used EEE so cannot comment on the other 2 abrasives. I have found that the EEE works well on non-oily like oak or ash. But on woods like cedar or walnuts it leave streaks. I don't use sanding sealer and perhaps that may help with the streaks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Umm. Never had that problem with EEE but always used on small items I would finish on the lathe with a friction finish.

[@CraftyPrapty]

good

[@DKWalser]

Mike -- On a completely different topic, what are your thoughts on inertia sanders? Some turners really like them. The subject would seem to fit in with your sanding theme.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I had one come with my mini lathe and it is what I started with. Certainly for a new turner on a budget they are an improvement on faster sanding then by hand, I think they do better with finer grits. I think a powered sander does better for me on courser grits. I think it is a challenge to make one that allows quick changing of grits without pulling the discs off the hook and loop which leads to failure.

[@victorrussell6284]

I used to use a power sander (cordless drill) but have recently switched to an inertia sander (Simon Hope) and much prefer it. I made additional pads but find it just as easy to swap the abrasive discs.

[@robberry2377]

Hi Mike, Chestnut also make Cut'n'Polish.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for that. I don't think any vendors carry it in the USA, though.

[@terry2346]

Good timing Mike! Just got my beeswax beads from Amazon and going to try walnut oil and mineral oil with pumice and rottenstone for my first two batches. I like the ziploc bag idea with a slow cooker and will try that. No mention of diatomaceous earth in you vid? :)

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

My video making abrasive paste will be released next Fri. Let us know your final recommended recipe!

[@benjabens2058]

thanks for these usefull info!grtngs!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

My pleasure!

[@stringmanipulator]

Nice and informative video as always Micke, I really look forward to the next video. I've tried to do some sanding paste myself, it worked fine but I think my recipie could be better :) I tried using mineral oil and beeswax and medium fine sanding paste (used in car refinishing or other very scratch sensitive applications I do believe but I am not sure) It worked like a charm to treat the inside of boxes and removing scratches, but I think I will try to use even fines grit the next time. Have a good one Micke //Kenneth

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You will enjoy next Friday's vido on making some then.

[@donovanbailey4398]

Mike: I'd be curious to know how your Minwax Antique oil finish worked on the prepped surface after the paste. I have been using the abrasive pastes for some time now but I have always used wax as my final finish. I am now wondering what your results might be after you used your standby oil-based finish plus give it a turn on the Beale buffer. Did you do this to the little persimmon bowl you used in the video?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I have had no problem using Minwax Antique Oil. Any solvent based finish should do fine. You may have to test this on a woodturning.

[@martyball9143]

Thanks for another informative video Mike. I can't wait for the next one!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Mart. Next Friday it will be how to make your own.

[@martyball9143]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Like I said, I can't wait :) All your videos are really interesting and I love the easy way you present them.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I appreciate your support.

[@blocke2976]

Very good information, I made the sanding paste last week. Making some abrasive paste today. Could you post where you got the quick connect sanding pad for the power sander?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Woodturnerswonders.com Great folks to work with. Owner Ken Rizza is a member of my club.

[@eldenwelchman6054]

Does any of the abrasive past get air born? Do you need to wear a respirator to protect yourself from the cilaca

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It is a thick soupy texture. I do not think that is not likely to fly off the wood and stay airborne as any particles would be heavy.

[@georgevalente4223]

Using AutoZone polishing compounds and waxes.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I will check it out if I ever run out!

[@peterwells5059]

Thanks for video What was the brand of sealer you used

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I use MYlands Cellulose Lacquer Sanding Sealer amzn.to/3jmMBzt

[@jefflynch3946]

Why did you not look at Ack’s paste?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Maybe it was not on the market two years ago. I mentioned it in my latest abrasive paste review video which I guess you have not looked at.

[@dgandig]

ACKS also makes a great product. Made right here in the USA! ACKSWOODPASTE.COM

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, Tom sent me some to try. It works just fine.