Water and wood

[One Thumb Carver]

I notice some carvers dip there carving in water when finished. Just enough to get the carving wet. Is this to help when painting?

[Mike L Hasler]

Heh Bill, I do it before final sanding just to see what the final color will look like when sealed

[BobT]

I don't know about dipping. I wash mine (lots of other people do too) under running water and scrub with simple green. Takes oils from your hands off, and just cleans it good prior to painting.
A lot of people paint while it is still wet. I can't. You could soak a carving in water overnight. It won't stay wet long enough to paint it around here. Too dry.
The painting wet on wet really looks good if you live somewhere with humidity.
If yo ever get the chance, buy Mark Akers DVD on Painting and Finishing. It will answer a lot of questions, and you can see how a Pro does it right.

[One Thumb Carver]

Thank you Mike L Hasler and Bob T I realy appreciate your comments and sugggestions Have a good week