[Marci MN]

Is there such a thing? I'm looking for something I can add just a hint of color to my walking sticks. Something that will not be heavy in color and yet show the wood grain through.

I tried water colors, acrylics, and colored pencils. I didnt like that look...but if there is another recipe using these paints to get the effect I'm looking for I'm all ears.

Thanks.

[MelNM]

Marci I like to water down my acrylics to make a stain, you may have to experiment to get the color. Just test on a scrap of wood like the one you carved, if you want a lighter stain use more water. Hope this works for you
Mel

Originally Posted by Marci MN

Is there such a thing? I'm looking for something I can add just a hint of color to my walking sticks. Something that will not be heavy in color and yet show the wood grain through.

I tried water colors, acrylics, and colored pencils. I didnt like that look...but if there is another recipe using these paints to get the effect I'm looking for I'm all ears.

Thanks.

[Irish]

You might also try adding just a small amount of oil paint to your linseed oil and turp mixture. Mix it well then brush on a generous coat. Then wipe off with a clean cloth. The oil stays in the detailing giving just a bit of color to the deep carving.

Susan

[Marci MN]

I've not played with oil paints as of yet. My mother just gave me her whole set of paints, so I do have them available.. just dont know much about them yet.

I definately will try watering down the acrylics.. I was just afraid of putting water on the wood and having it swell up or fuss out and I'd end up sanding my color off. Or maybe this is a good thing? I'm still learning....

[Kenny_S]

Yes they do make colored stains but the suggestions here are cheaper and work. Keep trying till you get the desired effect you are looking for.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

put a little sanding sealer on your carving first, then touch that up with sandpaper and then put your watered down acrylics on....seems to work good .

[Marci MN]

Hi ho.. what is a sanding sealer? This is a new one for me.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

go to your local hardware store, home depot, ace, true value etc and ask for sanding sealer....it seals the wood and brings up the little fuzzies so you can knock them off with light sanding before you paint...that way the water in the acrylics doesn't bring them up.

[Marci MN]

Thanks, I will definately go ask about this product! The dremel seems to like making alot of fuzzies for me. I didnt know such a product existed.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

forgot one.....KT super sealer does a good job as well...it comes in white or clear and another advantage is you can woodburn thru it......just another thought to confuse you LOL