applying finish to caricature

[gouge]

Hello Carvers
I am finishing up a cowboy head and bust (caricature) out of basswood and have some questions. I want to finish it with washed acrylics. Is there anything that I should prep the wood with prior to applying the washed acrylics? Also, after the acrylics have dried, what type of finish (clear finish) if any should I use? This is my first washed acrylic finish so I can sure use all the help I can get.
Thanks
raby

[SlowMover]

For prep,many of us use a wood burner to lightly outline the boundary between colors as the burned line will prevent most of the problem we have of paint migrating along the grain and extending into the territory of the adjacent color. A lot also wash the carvings in soap and water to remove any skin oils, dirt, pencil marks, etc before painting. A lot also paint while the wood is wet (damp not soaking) as again the theory is the wet wood will slow down the migration of paint along the grain..if it is already wet, no more will soak in...this does not prevent ALL migration, but it sure cuts it down.
As for coatings after paint, some use boiled linseed oil, some polyurethane, some varnish...your choice, the only purpose for an after coating is either to add shine or to afford protection to the surface. Good luck in finishing the carvings, that is as much an art as carving itself, and can make or break a piece.

[Mitchell]

There are many different options for treating before and/or after painting.

You can search or look for similar titled threads. If I get some time I can give more info (I'm getting ready for work right now). Many of the caricature books have instructions as do the Blogs on the internet.

If you have time - make a few test pieces and try some of the different techniques and then you can see what appears best for you.

[kdispoto]

Mike Pounders just did a wonderful tutorial Another Santa Ornament how-to!
in which he descibes one finishing method - good luck!

Another Santa Ornament how-to!
"Carving a Santa Ornament" #3: Finishing up & Painting - by mpounders @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

[Bob K.]

I coat my carvings in boiled linseed oil before painting...keeps the paint from soaking into the wood too fast and allows it to spread better. Then I finish with either a matte acrylic spray or a polyurethane spray.

[Mitchell]

Some good info here:Basic finishing

Somewhat related: Problems sealing painted carvings

If you are interested in antiquing, you may want to search a bit on that technique also.

Good luck!

[Myron Compton]

Just as an idea: Search YouTube for Pete Leclair. Pete walks you through his way of preping and painting and sealing afterwards. 3 videos total. Maybe 30 minutes. It is well worth a look. I am going to try his method someday.....Myron

[Mitchell]

I believe the Pete LeClair video is linked in one of the posts that I listed.