clear finish over acrylic question

[gouge]

Hey Carvers
I need some help with what type of clear finish to put over acrylic wash. I am using basswood for a caricature and want to put an acrylic wash finish. I need to know what kind of clear to put over the acrylic? I heard some use boiled linseed oil. Please let me know what you think. Also what is a good way to clean the wood before putting the acrylic? Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
raby

[TreeWizard]

I've used BLO before acrylic's buy not after. After I use a clear acrylic spray in either mat or satin finish.

[Robson Valley]

Try not to mix oil-based finishing paints with the acrylic, water-soluble finishes.
Acrylic washes, wet-in-wet, maybe?
Satin Varathane (water-base) is OK, two coats.
If you want really high-gloss shiny, shiny, two coats of Liquitex Gloss Varnish (#6208/237ml bottle) will do what you need.
I do black acrylic for Ravens' beaks then the Gloss Varnish. . . . every last little carving bump becomes visible.
Clean up in XX hot water with soap for your brushes.

[Donna_T]

Raby,
If my carving is dirty and needs cleaning before painting with acryllics, I take it to the kitchen sink and scrub it down with a fingernail scrub brush and dish soap--I happen to use Joy. I let it dry well, then rub it down with a wad of brown paper bag. I wear a carving glove on my left hand, and if it gets soiled and transfers that soil to my carvings, I do wash it out by hand and let it dry before using again.

I mostly paint with acryllics. For most carvings, once they are painted and dry, I rub them down again with the brown bag treatment, then just lightly spray them with a clear matt finish acryllic by Krylon. I have used the tinted BLO, and still use it from time to time, but I mostly use Krylon spray. Once the sprayed on finish is dry, I like to rub it down with the brown bag to eliminate any raised grain and roughness.

Donna_T

[susieq]

I paint with acrylics, antique with an oil based antique solution and then clear coat it afterwards, with a matte clear finish that is water based. I've done this for over 15 years and am grateful that nobody told me "you can't do that" before I actually did it.......

I have used Ceramcoat's matte finish for a long time but it will leave a cloudy finish when it dries if it is not mixed up well before use. I recently switched to a brand called JWetc, that I buy through Hoffcraft. I love it but again, do make sure to stir it well.

I apply a thin coat with a brush and work in one direction....NOT back and forth motions or you will create small bubbles in your finish. It dried to invisible, very quickly, which is what I want. It's just to protect the paint/antique job and should not actually be visible.

I never mess with BLO and from the horror stories others have told about it, I never will.

[Bob K.]

I pretty much do the same thing as Donna_T.

[gouge]

Thanks yall for the help. If it comes out good enough, I may post a picture of it. Thanks again for the help and it is greatly appreciated.
raby