Finish for unpainted carved basswood? Recommendations?

[Lazy Ike]

I'm sure that this question has been asked and discussed many times. I intend to experiment on some scrap pieces but I'm curious as to what others prefer for a finish on unpainted basswood figure carvings?

I'm considering the following options/combinations:

Watco Danish Oil / Natural
Watco Danish Oil / Natural and Mylands Wax
BLO
BLO and Mylands Wax
Thinned Polyurethane
Mylands Wax

Thanks much. Lazy Ike

[Big Barn]

Yep, that will do. And throw in some acrylic paints and/or stains. It all works. It really depends on the look you are looking for.

[Buffalo Bif]

I like a mix I call the Dip (from Roger Rabbit cartoon). Equal parts tung oil, polyurethane, and mineral spirits- it penetrates deep, adds nice amber color, and can be built to a low sheen finish that offers excellent protection. I even used it on my hardwood floors.

[Bob K.]

All depends on the carvings and what you are looking to do with it. We need more information...is it a caricature, is it painted, is it wood spirit, is it a relief carving, etc.

[davidinsarasota]

I like Watco Danish Oil-Natural

[Steve Reed]

As Bob K said, it depends. I use all that you've listed as well as a few more depending on the "look" I'm going for. Typically I use BLO with a little raw sienna and yellow ocher artists oils mixed in with it. Makes for a nice look. Just my $.02

[Lazy Ike]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is good information. Some interesting ideas here of which I appreciate. Lazy Ike

[Bartster]

howards feed and wax does a nice jobe also and it isnt an oil finish plus it smells good


bart

[Robson Valley]

There are a bunch of ways to get the appearance that you want. None of them is "correct."
Like the carving itself, what do you want to see? What have you imagined the finish to look like? I want a satin finish over acrylics on some parts of my carvings and I want high-gloss on other parts. Paint or no paint. No big deal.

For example: I wanted a satin finish on the black feathers of a Raven. I wanted a gloss finish on the beak alone. Easy.