[Cut_Fingers]

Hello Folks,

I gotten into reading most of new postings DAILY, even though I don't make that many postings. Seems like a warm & friendly place for conversation.

The : I have accumulated 8-10 in-the-round pieces in Basswood (all from 1 to 4 inches in size) and I've now started to try to put a finish on them. I have used shoe cream on an Ol' Shoe & water color on an Ol' Home on the Egg. What is the next step?
A sealent of some sort. Any suggestions? ??? maybe krylon?

Thanks Jim

options, options, options, LOL

Spray on or brush on?

Poly or cheap clear enamel?

Wax or oil?

Latex, water, or oil based paints? Thin or thick?

Antiqued or not?

The options on finishing carvings are numerous and varied. Since you have a number of pieces I would suggest you experiment and see what finishes you like best. Buy a couple cans of Deft or Krylon in both matte/flat and gloss, some paste wax, and some boiled linseed oil or tung oil and try each one. you may find that you like one type of finish on one style of carving and another on a different style.

From 'Relief Carving Treasury' by William F. Judt referring to the shoe cream finish - 'Advantages of this finish are many. It is a one-step finish. It is fast and easy to apply.'

I did a stylized polar bear about 10 years ago and finished it with clear shoe cream and it is still perfect to this day. Just dust it off and give it a quick buffing now and then.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I usually use Deft satin spray (lacquer) sometimes gloss....have used tung oil....its ok, have some carver tripp shelac that is a nice finish....have not tried BLO yet (boiled linseed oil) as I don't like the smell, although it does go away eventually.....but not patient waiting for things to dry so seem to always go back to the Deft spray

[AlArchie]

On the boot finished with shoe polish, I'd let that be the final finish.....you can always hit it again to touch up any dings, etc.

On the watercolor piece I'd go with the Krylon as it's formulation lets you re-coat at any time. Minwax and a lot of the store brands have to be re-coated within two hours or else you have to wait up to 72 hours.

Deft is another one that can be re-coated any time. Either one of those will give you a good finish. Apply several light coats and let them dry about 10 to 15 minutes between till the stuff stops soaking in. Then let it dry thouroughly and hit it with another few light coats.

Al

[Cut_Fingers]

OK Guys & Gals - Do you want to see how far you have come from your early days of carving?

If so, can you tell me how to post a couple of my pictures on the Picture Trail. I've got them on my computer. What do I do next?

However, no laughing.

Thanks
Jim

[MelNM]

I seal mine with boiled lindseed oil

[AlArchie]

Jim, if you go here

www.picturetrail.com

and log on with user name carvers-R-us and password carve, you should be brought to the members page.

On the upper left hand part of the screen you will seea menu. Click on 'upload pictures'. From here just follow the onscreen instructions.

I'll be waiting to see your work. Let us know when you have them up!

Al

[Cut_Fingers]

Thanks everybody