[mikeg]

Hello all,

I didn't see this question anywhere else in the message board but I appologize if I'm duplicating a prior question.

I'm sure there are as many ways to paint/finish a project as there are to create it. I've carved a couple of little guys using Jack Price's book 'Carving Small Characters' and I'm going to paint them. He gives basic instruction in using acrylic paints and I'm going to do these that way but I was wondering what other options are open to me for future projects. I was wondering if anybody knows of a book, or better yet, a website that compares some of the ways of finishing a project.

Thanks,
mikeg

[Donna_T]

Hi Mikeg,
There is a painting and finishing guide that WCI puts out and you can get it free if you renew your Wood Carving Illustrated subscription for two years. It covers about every technique know to carvers for painting, antiquing, waxing, shoe polish, etc. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll get some specific info for you. FYI: it features ideas and experiences from about 20+ different professional carvers.

If you get hooked by the delightful world of carving, you'll try every technique--sooner or later!

Donna T

[mikeg]

Donna,

Just got a 2 year subscription after reading an issue picked up at Barnes and Noble. Unfortunately, these days they give out a copy of Power Carving 3 with the subscription. Oh well, maybe I'll try power carving somewhere down the line. Know of any retail books?

thanks,
mikeg

[Donna_T]

Hello again, Mike,
I've suscribed to WCI since it's beginning so I've already gotten the power carving issues. I don't see the painting guide listed on any of the WCI sites so I'd suggedst you use the menu at the left of this message board where you can CONTACT US (meaning WCI) and ask them about it.

The full name is Wood Carving Illustrated Painting & Finishing Guide. It is dated 'early fall, 2004' so I can't help but think it's a fairly recent publication. It is in magazine format and 68 pages long. Fox Chapel Publishing can be contacted at 800-457-9112 or www.FoxChapelPublishing.com so that's another, perhaps quicker way to contact them. I've had really good luck just calling their 800 number and their super-helpful staff usually quickly finds what I'm searching for--far quicker than I can keep searching on my own. Topics include Beginner Basics: Brushes and Techniques, 8 Reasons to use Acrylics, Airbrush, Aniline Dyes, Finishing with Varnish and Wax, Shoe Polish, Folk Art Finishes, Fish, Basecoating, Bird/Wildfowl painting, Santa Painting, Details with Woodburner, Antiqueing, Natural Finishes, etc.

Good Luck with your search.
Donna T

[mikeg]

Donna,

Thanks for the info! I'd looked in their book section after your first reply and hadn't seen anything either. I'll give them a call in a little while since I'm an hour earlier than they are. I appreciate you taking the time to help an unkown newbie.

mikeg

[mikeg]

Donna,

Just called Fox Chapel Pub. and ordered the Painting and Finishing Guide. It was only $5.99 plus shipping. All told, less than $10.

I can't wait to get a look at it. Thanks again for your help!

mikeg

[AlArchie]

Just got my FREE painting guide in the mail today! It's a winner.....now I have to carve something to paint!

Al

[Donna_T]

Hey Mikeg,
No such thing as an unknown newbie carver--if you're here, you're family! You'll find everyone willing to share anything they've learned along the way--if you just ask.

Hope you like the painting guide. As I said, it's got about every technique in the book, so try them all and see which works best for you in any given carving circumstance. Many of us use a hybrid technique--taking a bit from one carver and tweaking it to fit our needs.

Anyway, welcome to woodcarving and this board. And thank your mom for ordering the rain while I was in Vermont. It was actually quite nice and ever so much cooler than here in Missouri.

Donna T

[mdallensr]

Ditto on the painting guide. Mine came in the mail yesterday. Mike