[squbrigg]

Hi Folks,

I've tried several Celtic Knot carvings and they are turning out really nice, but.....I am struggling with getting the right 'Finish' on them. Any suggestions?

I've been using an oil finish, several coats, soak in, wipe dry, apply hard wax, then buff. I can never seem to get the oil wiped dry enough and then, I can never seem to get the wax buffed well enough. With so many nooks and crannies in the knot, there always seems to be dry wax in the some corners. >

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

[Captain_Bandaid]

I have done a number of Celtic Knot spoons and it is difficult to get into all the corners. I usually carve them out of Butternut and use Danish Oil to finish them. Some MinWax paste wax puts a nice low level lustre on them. Have someone hold the spoon while you work a strip of soft cotton cloth through all the holes and pull it back and forth to buff the wax. You might also consider a low-gloss wipe-on Urethane.

Bob: Don't get in a hurry for the oil to dry. It can take several days. Try cutting your BLO 50-50 with thinner. You are mainly 'popping' the grain with the oil anyway, and are going to protect the piece with the wax, not the oil.

To see what the piece will look like with a clear finish, just wipe it with thinner. It evaporates quickly, and you get an accurate preview. Furniture builders often do it while picking the wood for their projects.

If you are using any BLO or danish oil fininsh, remember, 'If you can smell it, it hasn't cured.'

Good luck Ken in So Cal

I know it is hard to apply color to carving woodwork, but the Celts and Vikings were very colorful people. Their wood carvings were often colored brightly with stains. Using natural looking pigments looks more authentic to the time period, but the range is wide. Black, reds, yellow, greens and sometimes blues were used in manuscripts that dated from that era and assumed to be used on wood carvings as well even though the finishes rarely survived. I like using oil paint thinned with linseed oil. The knotwork stands out from the background that way. I also oil and wax them sometimes, and the oil does take awhile to dry. Two days is not uncommon. Then after about a week of oiling, I paste wax for protection. My pieces get rubbed a lot.
I would like to see pictures of your Celtic knots. I do them often.
Thor

[squbrigg]

Hi Thor,

I humble myself on bent knee to your presence oh mighty Lord of the Thunder and of War! My clumsy efforts are arrayed for your pleasure Lord at : http://community.webshots.com/album/130148443VPVMxM

I have entered the Halls of Valhallia (your web site)and have gazed upon your work, pretty cool boxes there Thor and love the carved work. I am just beginning in Celtic carving, but find it very addictive, so besides ships, and nautical stuff, I shall be doing more Celtic designs.

The mere mortal.....Bob

Hey Bob,
Your work is stunning. Thanks for posting the link to your pictures. The knotwork is beautiful. The cutwork really works well. I like the facing beast design with the knots inbetween. On the Oseburg ship carvings from Norway, the background was cross hatched sometimes and really made the relief carving stand out. You may do a little look see on those carvings to compare for future reference.

I'm actually not mocking Thor by using his name. My carving mark is a thor rune with a cresent moon. My persona in a Medieval re-enactment group is Thorkatla Manadottir. I market my boxes to re-enactors and do pretty well with them in that market. When I get my current project done, I'll post it on my page as well. I'm carving 45 feet of 1' X 6' trim for my living room. It's coming out well with Celtic knots and birds for the theme.
Thanks for the remarks. Good luck with your finishes.
Thor

[squbrigg]

Hi Thor,

The Norse God of Thunder and War has always been one of my hero's in Mythology, and I can see by your work that you honour his name. Actually I think it is a splendid 'Nom de plume' and fits well with your carving.

Norse re-inactors, now that must be something to see! That is a great market for your boxes, they would be proud to have one of those. Your boxes are beautifully done, I wish I had your skill. I am happy that you like my work, and thank you for the kind comments. As you can see by the themes, my passion is the sea. The Celtic carving is a new attempt for me and it has become quite addictive. I can't wait to give more a try.

I would love to see some pics of that trim you are working on, when you are finished. I was thinking of something along those lines myself, but haven't had the courage to give it a try. I'll get this carving under my belt before I try anything else, it's a challenge to be sure.

Regards,

Bob