Pens
All of our pens are individually handcrafted so no two pieces are ever the same.
Understanding Platings
Various plating’s are applied to the components used in making pens. They vary in color, durability and expense. At Burl Wood Design’s we take pride in using only the highest quality and most durable components we can find to make our handcrafted pens. Please keep this in mind when comparing prices.
24k Gold – 24k gold is a naturally soft material and is used to “flash” plate, a process of applying and extremely thin coating that wears quickly. It is used to make inexpensive budget pens. We do not offer 24k plated pens.
Wear Resistance: Low
10k Gold – This plating is made by mixing hard nickel and the beauty of gold together. It is used to make affordable moderately priced pens. We do not offer 10k plated pens.
Wear Resistance: Medium
Titanium – Titanium plating offers superior wear resistance and provides the most scratch proof durable plating available today. With normal wear this finish will last a lifetime. It is available in both a gold and black finish. The gold finish resembles the look of 24k gold, but is harder than steel providing superior durability. The black finish is a reflective “smoky” color sometimes referred to as a gunmetal finish. We are proud to offer both Gold and Black Titanium plated pens.
Wear Resistance: Excellent
Rhodium – Rhodium is possible nature’s most brilliant and durable precious metal; the world’s premier pen manufacturers use Rhodium to plate their finest pens. A member of the Platinum precious metals family, Rhodium is unmatched in brilliance and durability. We are proud to offer Rhodium plated pens.
Wear Resistance: Excellent
Understanding Finishes
Finishes are the final step used to protect and enhance the beauty of the material used. There is no single "best" finish. Finishes vary in the degree of protection, durability, ease of application, reparability and aesthetics. We strive to use the most appropriate finish for each individual piece.
Cyanoacrylate - This is the finish we typically use for most woods and porous materials such as antler. It is durable and penetrates the surface to strengthen the wood or antler. It makes the wood more durable and helps prevent cracking and splitting.
Friction Polish - An extremely popular finish used in pen making, containing both shellac and wax, it is inexpensive and quick to apply. It yields an attractive shiny finish, but unfortunately doesn't last much longer than wax alone. It is suitable if one desires a natural patina to develop from regular use. As the shellac wears off it is replaced with the natural oils from your fingers.
Lacquer – Many professionals still regard lacquer as the best all-around finish for wood. It dries fast, adds a depth and richness, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood. It provides moderate to excellent durability.
No Finish – At times, no finish can be the best finish. An example of this would be our pens created using Polyester and Acrylic resins.
Oil - Finishes such as Linseed Oil, Tung Oil, and Walnut Oil go on as a liquid, and then harden. They are true oils, changing from a liquid to a solid through a process know as polymerization, thus strengthening the cured finish. They enhance the natural beauty of the wood while retaining it’s natural luxuries feel. Oil finishes are frequently used for naturally oily woods such as members of the Rosewood family. From time to time the oil may need to be replenished.
Wax - Wax is not a protective finish. We only apply wax over some other finish, such as oils or lacquer to add gloss. It will wear off with use and will need to be reapplied. A wax-based furniture polish like Pledge can be used to restore the wax shine.