[Tony]

Hi Lynn,
I need a little direction about registering at your blog site so I can post comments. Is this done through registering through Google in order to make posts at your site? I would like to do this at your site so I can post these questions and comments at that site.

I just signed on to post comments, although I have visited your site many times, and have immensely enjoyed what you are doing on here. I think that I have read just about everything, and it is very informative. It is very nice of you to share your knowledge and approach.

I am a member of another hobby club where dissemination of information is not optimal and people wonder why we are having a problem with recruiting new members not being able to replace members that pass away. I often times tell them that is not the case with the generosity of woodcarvers trying to help one another. You are an excellent example of that. Thank you.

You have provided information about painting and finishing in the past. I know that you lightly use satin finish polyurethane varnish brushed onto the carving and after dry you follow that with a spray of Polyscale flat finish #404106.

I am assuming the varnish is used straight out of the can? Is there any particular brand name that you use and is there any special place where you buy it? I have been to several craft sotres and could not find the Polyscale Flat Finish #404106. Where do you find it?
Do you ever use the Testors Dulcoat any more after that one problem you had with it?
When you mix your flesh color with the red iron oxide and yellow ochre, is there any ratio of proportions of these to guide the mixing?

Thank you for everything. Sorry for all of the questions, I am interested and always trying to learn and improve keeping an open mind about new techniques.

Tony A. in Illinois

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Not being on the other end of the Blog I can't really tell you about registering. Normally, if you want to leave a comment you are requested to type in the letter code to verify your post. It should tell you what to do. I'll check on it.

As for finishing a piece. Once the figure is painted and completely dry I give it a coat of Minwax Satin Polyurethane. In areas where the paint is fairly heavy I'll use a paper towel to wipe off the excess varnish. Don't use a cloth or tissue as it will leave fuzzies behind. Once the figure is dry you can lightly hit any shiney areas with the Testors Dullcote but use it very lightly as it is a laquer based product where the Minwax is mineral spirits. I just went overboard that time with the Indian which caused it to flash white but it was one of those beneficial mistakes as the Indian took a first place ribbon at the KCity show just a few days later!!

Mixing flesh....No formula other than what looks good. Just be careful and test it on a scrap of wood before you apply it. Watch out for the Oxide color as red gets away from you real quick. One thing, don't mix white into the two colors thinking it will give you a better flesh color. It won't! The cream color of the Basswood is the real secret to flesh colored wood. The other two colors just give it character! Good Luck!

[Tony]

Thanks Lynn. Do you get the Testors Dullcote at any of the places like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or Jeffry Allen? From the post I gather that you are no longer using the Polyscale Flat Finish?

Tony A.