I'm still working on how to finish the inside of vessels. Still looking for tips and wisdom.

Somebody posted some wisdom here a few months ago that for a vessel with smaller than a five inch opening, people don't or can't look inside that well to see the finish.  I think there is truth in that.

From that post, I have tried black gesso on the inside but struggle with its sturdiness with any use. It is basically an acrylic paint, from my understanding. 

Here, I used a cobblestone spray paint. It adds a sturdy texture to the inside that contrasts with the super smooth outside.

My artsy friends really like it, and it is a whole lot easier than trying to finish the inside as smooth as the outside. 

I'd still like to  hear from others about how they finish the inside of vessels with small openings.  

 

I read the same post about the opening size and inside finish. For me it made sense.

 

If I can get my hand (or sanding pads) thru the opening, I'll sand until it is smooth. I'm just starting to turn more of small opening vessels- around 1" or less- for those I have either not done anything to attempt sanding on the inside or applied a dark finish. Most of them have had lids or finials. The one I am currently doing has an opening of just about 1" and I am planning to use black acrylic paint. The vessel won't have any utilitarian function so the finish will not need to be robust. 

 

BTW, awesome looking turning!!

Edited February 27, 20206 yr by lew

I use the black Gesso but only on hollow forms I cannot reach into with extension or woods that give me a problem. The use of it on more open vessels is something I avoid. Finishing inside is like the outside , the better the cut the better the finish.

    Also on the inside I use scrapers a lot to get that surface.

I try to avoid finishes that will end up holding dust.  The smoother the finish the easier to get a duster to pick it up.  Clear finishes don't show dust as bad.

3 hours ago, HandyDan said:

I try to avoid finishes that will end up holding dust.  The smoother the finish the easier to get a duster to pick it up.  Clear finishes don't show dust as bad.

Dan I have not had a dust problem with Gesso as it is inside a narrow neck. Even if so a little air should do the trick. I would never use this on the outside unless a special art piece.

Has anyone ever tried flocking?  It is an old application and it has been about 40 years since I tried it.  Yes, it can be cleaned by a little blast of air.  I keep a can of it around just to blow off the fire alarms.  Another subject.  I would like to hear your experiences in flocking.