Some carving friends and I were discussing and comparing cottonwood bark carvings we've done and specifically our finishing methods. We noticed that some of the older carvings were quite dark and newer ones were not. We're wondering, is this is a result of using different finishes, or time, or both? Some of the carvings were sprayed with Varathane, some with acrylic, and a recent one was brushed with a spit coat of shellac. Has anyone else experienced cottonwood bark darkening? :-/

I can't answer to cottonwood bark darkening, but some woods darken and some actually get lighter due to natural oxidation or UV deterioration. Even though the woods are sealed, there is some oxygen in the fibers and may change the color as it interacts with the chemicals that determine color. UV from sunlight or other sources also can alter the color of woods.

Al

[Colin_Partridge]

I do about 100 bark carvings a year the only difference with mine is the type of bark or the finish I use. Some finishes will leave the bark darker than others but I cant say that I have ever experienced them change color. I know wood carved a little green will tend to fade as it drys out.
Colin

cottonwood bark, after you carve it, will darken with time if you don't put a good finish on it. I use boot cream (neutral) for a clear base and more coats of same for a clear finish...
colors of boot cream work well for stain.

art

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

How on earth did you discover boot creme for your bark carvings Art? lol and anyone interested...contact Art for bark....I have been busy and didn't look thru the box he sent me until yesterday .....very nice pieces of bark! Thanks Art!

[owlhause]

I use Minwax Antique Oil Finish (comes in a quart size red can)
on my bark carvings and I really like it. Not everyone carries it but Menards always seems to have it.
It dries with a nice satin finish.
I just finished a couple new pieces...one with five faces...posted them in my wood spirit album on picture trail.

If you see this post Art...could you send me your email and your mailing address....I lost both!!! :-[ (or anyone else that may have it could you email it to me?)
Thanks!........................................... .Greg M.

[macktruck]

Art's email listed in his profile is:artolver@comcast.net

[owlhause]

Thanks Macktruck!
I had the privilage of looking for bark with Art ('gathering' as Art puts it) up in Montana a couple years ago....had a great time....Arts a great guy! Man can carve bark!!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

the email I have for Art is dr_bark@tyahoo.com or olverda37@msn.com

[owlhause]

I'll just send one to all three!

Thanks!......Greg