I have a notebook cover design (so a somewhat heavy use item) that has a big chunk of engrave, such that when it gets scratched in that area the wood under the burn is really visible and messes with the design (see attached picture).
I hadn’t been doing any additional finish, since I’m using proofgrade, but I’m not really happy selling something that has this issue.
Suggestions?
A lot of possibilities. An easy one is to spray (clear… Black…etc) or even brush paint, before removing the masking. this will fix the engraved areas without touching the original surface.
I’ve been known to touch up light engrave spots with an alcohol marker (Copic) before sealing, and it looks great. Keep it away from a lighter edge, though, as it will bleed.
Here’s a question. Would you spray that on before you remove the masking paper or after. And if you spray this on, is it safe to use the gorilla tape too?
I have a lot of fine detail stuff and the gorilla tape is just so awesome.
If you use one that includes a stain (like the minwax poly shades mission oak that @jamesdhatch suggested) then definitely before removing the masking.
For plain clear polyurethane you could do it either way but I’d be inclined to do it before removing the masking.