[martyslc]

Hi Folks, Sorry this is kind of long.

I’m a bit reluctant to post these question because I know it’s personal preference but I’m a bit at a loss and need some help. Also I was a bit reluctant to post my carving next to these 2 great carvings so forgive me for doing so. I’m a rookie, they are masters.

Ok here’s my dilemma. Even though this carving isn’t done yet I’ve been trying to come up with a finish (sand, not to sand, stain, acrylic, water color, wax – oh my head hurts) but due to the my lack of experience I don’t know what would be best. All my past carvings in the past were all stained hardwood pieces, This is the first time I’ve used basswood and it doesn’t stain well from what I’ve read. So here’s my questions:

1-Can basswood be sanded and still look crisp.
2-I really like the finishes on the other 2 carvings (but haven’t done either) which one do you think would be easier? Which would look best?
3-What other finish options do I have other then these?

Suggestions welcome,
Marty

Opps, I noticed after posting I should of put in WIP

[tucker1931]

Put it this my friend, when you can carve as well as any of the 3 carvings you show, I'm sure you will have gone thru a ton of scrap (such as I'm doing) to figure out what kind of finish to put on where.
Cliff

[Thor]

Now, it's JUST an opinion, but I like seeing your chisel marks on your carving, and sanding would diminish that quality. The luster that is evident in the second carving you posted can be accomplished with a wax finish and lots of rubbing.
You'll get lots of responses, and ultimately, whatever you do will be terrific. I saw the post where you were considering painting her dress white. That was a direction that I would not have thought of, but seemed intriguing.

I like the look of rubbed wax finishes very much.

I would not add color to it, but a white-wash might be very pleasing as you suggested on her dress.

Just an opinion, and I look forward to seeing where you go with it.
Thor

[martyslc]

Originally Posted by tucker1931

Put it this my friend, when you can carve as well as any of the 3 carvings you show, I'm sure you will have gone thru a ton of scrap (such as I'm doing) to figure out what kind of finish to put on where.
Cliff

Cliff,
Boy you hit the nail on the head! It's driving me crazy!! I have been chipping up samples and finishing them but it's so time consuming. I never thought carving would lead to spending so much time on finishing it. I should of used a more pleasing wood and just stained it like my others. LOL

[Ashbys]

Marty,

I would sand, very fine sandpaper 800 grit or more. Your piece is very nice , but when you started it did you see it as a painted piece ?

The reason I would sand is simple. Your carving has dirt on it. That isn't a nasty comment, just something that will effect your finish. Basswood will become almost white, then if you finish without painting you will have a finished piece like the second photo, which is I believe is a varnish finish.

Your faces are not carved , but if you paint people would expect to see a painted face as well. Because of the abstract of the carving a plain simple finish will give it a completed look. Lightly sanding will clean the carving and still leave the tooling marks, if you wish them to be there. But your finishing at this point will make a big difference in your carving clean up all fuzzys between the two people , at the arm and in the neck area.

I would suggest you also take a look at the thread Cleaning prior to finishing.

Should help

Garry

[martyslc]

Originally Posted by Thor

Now, it's JUST an opinion, but I like seeing your chisel marks on your carving, and sanding would diminish that quality. The luster that is evident in the second carving you posted can be accomplished with a wax finish and lots of rubbing.
You'll get lots of responses, and ultimately, whatever you do will be terrific. I saw the post where you were considering painting her dress white. That was a direction that I would not have thought of, but seemed intriguing.

I like the look of rubbed wax finishes very much.

I would not add color to it, but a white-wash might be very pleasing as you suggested on her dress.

Just an opinion, and I look forward to seeing where you go with it.
Thor

Thor,
So your saying that the mom and child look is a wax a buffing process??

It's good to know I'm maybe going the right direction. I've noticed that most carvings here are painted so I thought that's what I should do but the more I thought about it I kept coming back to the thought of making it one color. That's how I came up with a white wash effect (with a smooth rubbed coat over top) or the eye pleasing feel the carving of the mom and child carving gives me. Thanks for the input!!!!

[AlArchie]

Nice abstract carving! I agree that there seems to be some dirt on the surface, though and that may be a problem if you plan on a clear finish.

So.....here's another thought. Get a good grade sanding sealer and apply that. Let it dry thoroughly and then apply either a copper verdigriz or antique bronze finish to that. You can get those in liquid or paste rub on types.

I think that may be a very nice looking option.

Al

[tnartist05]

Basswood is fuzzzzzzzy no matter how much you sand it,a hard wood sands alot smoother. I wouldnt think basswood could be left with a natural finish?? I might be wrong seeing I dont carve alot in bass wood. Just my thoughts,Forrest

[doris]

many of my linden carvings (linden = european basswood) are finished with wax only, or oil first and then wax. the oil makes the wood slightly more yellow/golden/reddish... so far, i never had difficulties with these finishes, and they give a result similar to your second foto (which is boxwood i think), but you can have less or more shine depending how long and strong you rub the wax... or i have some finished with just colored briwax (that is difficult, since it sometimes makes blotchy on linden, so i would not recommend this here)...
yes, many here on forum paint their carvings, and it is beautiful. but also many dont, and it is beautiful too... in your case, if it were my carving, i would not paint, since it would in my opinion take away from the abstract quality it now has, which is such a strong point in your carving as it is what lets our memories come, fantasy play...
so, long saying, all i want express is, that basswood can have pure wax finish, or with an oil plus wax and look great...

[martyslc]

Originally Posted by AlArchie

So.....here's another thought. Get a good grade sanding sealer and apply that. Let it dry thoroughly and then apply either a copper verdigriz or antique bronze finish to that. You can get those in liquid or paste rub on types.

I think that may be a very nice looking option.

Al

Sweet! I'm off to find an example. Thanks!!!