[Colin_Partridge]

Hi Gang,
Dont laugh this is my first attempt at a small santa although it took me a long time to do I had a lot of fun doing it. I want to thank you all for you tips on painting the santa. I did follow them to the letter but as you can see it didnt turn out that well. Before I was a woodcarver and taxidermist I was a struggling wildlife artist and one thing I have learned is that painting wood is a whole lot different than painting canvas. The Santa is one of Tim Berry's roughouts I had ordered three from him as I wanted to do a santa for each of my three children. Thanks Tim for all your help and for letting me use your blank. I will finish all of these and then probably two more for my grandchildren but I dont think I will ever become a santa carver. After having done these I have a great deal of respect for those of you that do these carvings you are truly great artists. I have put a picture of the carving on the picturetrail web site in the holiday carving album
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hey Colin...whats wrong with that? It looks pretty darn good for a first one to me! By the time you do 4 more, you will be a santa pro LOL...by the way, if you don't like it, you have my address LOL

[jamesfa]

great santa colin,from the photo he looks larger than life.
I'm sure the reciepient will be very happy.

[Kenny_S]

Nothing wrong with that Santa. He looks great and the grandchildren will have a family airloom that grandpa carved.

As my little grandaughter use to say, That is, ' prettiful'.

Colin, you did a fantastic job.

Good thing you told us he was small or I'd be thinking he was life size Good job! Did you use more than one coat of paint?...thinking perhaps the colors would come to life a little more if you do...
Just trying to offer something ...but I would be pleased if this were MY first small painted Santa.

[Colin_Partridge]

TC I did use more than one coat I put them on in washes I used about three coats. I agree with you he really hasent come to life he looks unfinished. I was wondering if I put a coat of varnish over it that it would look a little better right now it looks a little matt coloured.
Colin

I don't like mine REAL shiney, but a little sheen is good, I think. I like to use Krylon Matte or clear spray paint. That is a very easy way to do it, although there are some good 'brush on' finishes you can use too. Depends on what YOU like really.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

try some Deft semi gloss or satin, dries fast and you can put as many coats as you want to get the finish you want (it is a lacquer) I like it and have used it for many years. You can get gloss too if you prefer, but the satin gives a warmth and just enough shine and seems to brighten the paint...all in my opinion of course...

Colin, I always spray with Deft semi-gloss after my paints the carving. I use at least three layers, to seal the paaint and prevent minor scratches. I then spray on a coat of Krylon matte to further soften the glare. I do this on all painted carvings.