Refinish question.

[muttley76]

Hello, I recently picked up an old predator (just to have as a screw around bar cue), and probably half of the finish is off the cue. The guy that had it before me looked like he sharpied in where the finish and hence stain was missing(the cue was black). I was thinking of simply stripping off the remaining finish, possibly staining, and refinishing the cue myself. I have a buddy who does repair work and has a good lathe who will help with applying the new finish. Is there anything that I need to know about stripping the old finish or possibly sanding off the old stain? Any help is greatly appreciated-Matt

 

[manwon]

Hello, I recently picked up an old predator (just to have as a screw around bar cue), and probably half of the finish is off the cue. The guy that had it before me looked like he sharpied in where the finish and hence stain was missing(the cue was black). I was thinking of simply stripping off the remaining finish, possibly staining, and refinishing the cue myself. I have a buddy who does repair work and has a good lathe who will help with applying the new finish. Is there anything that I need to know about stripping the old finish or possibly sanding off the old stain? Any help is greatly appreciated-Matt

I suspect that the finish is Black, if so go to any store that sell calligraphy inks and buy some Indian Ink. Apply it with a brush and allow 24 hour's drying time and then apply you finish. I have refinished a number of the lower end Predator model cues that are all Black and this works very well, it even looks like Ebony when finished.

Take care

 

[muttley76]

I suspect that the finish is Black, if so go to any store that sell calligraphy inks and buy some Indian Ink. Apply it with a brush and allow 24 hour's drying time and then apply you finish. I have refinished a number of the lower end Predator model cues that are all Black and this works very well, it even looks like Ebony when finished.

Take care

Thank you sir, I really appreciate it. That sounds great.

 

[muttley76]

Quick question. How many ounces should I be purchasing, do you think? Thanks again!

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

I'm just doing a refinish with India ink myself. I bought a 2 oz bottle. You will be able to finish many cues with that much. Also, while you're at the art store, buy a medium quality 3/4" artists brush. (I paid $3 for mine) The size is perfect for the job and will apply the ink nicely. India ink washes with water right after you use the brush so you will be able to use it again.
If you'd like a nice finish thats easy to work with, try a water based acrylic urethane. I often use a Benjamin Moore brand for small jobs. Its used for trim and floor finish. Several coats tho, it drys pretty quick. I filled in a pot hole in a butt sleeve a week ago and applied approx 6 coats of this after. Sanded and used HighTower Cue Buff after and was very happy with the result. So was the person who owned the cue.

6 coats may not be enuff for your whole cue, you might want to try about 15 to get a better build or whatever makes your heart happy. It applies very thin. Its just that 6 coats was adequate for what I needed because I didn't take the butt sleeve down to bare wood.

 

[muttley76]

I'm just doing a refinish with India ink myself. I bought a 2 oz bottle. You will be able to finish many cues with that much. Also, while you're at the art store, buy a medium quality 3/4" artists brush. (I paid $3 for mine) The size is perfect for the job and will apply the ink nicely. India ink washes with water right after you use the brush so you will be able to use it again.
If you'd like a nice finish thats easy to work with, try a water based acrylic urethane. I often use a Benjamin Moore brand for small jobs. Its used for trim and floor finish. Several coats tho, it drys pretty quick. I filled in a pot hole in a butt sleeve a week ago and applied approx 6 coats of this after. Sanded and used HighTower Cue Buff after and was very happy with the result. So was the person who owned the cue.

6 coats may not be enuff for your whole cue, you might want to try about 15 to get a better build or whatever makes your heart happy. It applies very thin. Its just that 6 coats was adequate for what I needed because I didn't take the butt sleeve down to bare wood.

Thank you very much. This is really just an interesting little project to me, and I appreciate all the info I can get. The finish that is left on the cue is really bad, and only there in some splotchy areas, which I hope will make it easier to remove. I will definitely go with the india ink, and my buddy does cue work and has one of Chris's (Hightower) lathes and said he would help me with the finish, and as he has the stuff to do it, I will basically let him do as he pleases, lol. I am looking forward to starting this, just have a little trepidation about sanding the thing.

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

Yer welcome, if your buddy is there and he has a Hightower, you don't have anything to worry about.