questions about finish

[deb]

Hi,
I have a question for you guys. I have done a few carvings since I started three weeks ago. Well, the cottonwood bark here is thinner, flakier, and seems to get much darker when you apply the deft. I was wondering if I was to put on the shoe polish stuff if it would get as dark? Has anyone done this and found out?
Thanks in advance.
deb

[carver33]

Deb,

Thin and flaky is the nature of Cottonwood bark. The stuff from the northwest seems to be about the best.

As far as finishes go, I think just about anything is going to darken the wood. I would think the Deft spray would darken it the least. I wouldn't use shoe polish in it.

[santagibbs]

I am working on a cottonwood bark sign.. It's about five by two and a half inches. It has been cut in a thin slice with the bark around it.. I have burnt words on it and some bamboo shoots and leaves and on the" back side," I have burned two panda bears.. It's to go with a basswood Santa with two Pandas.. my question is.... Is there any thing that can toughen the bark around the sign.. I have put one coat of water base varnish and some glue in a hole where the wood was weak... Does anyone have an idea about what would toughen the whole sign.. It's about a little over one fourth thick.. The word's on it are...... 2008 China Earthquake... Save the Pandas....Thank's for letting me know.. I am so slow it has taken me over a year to do this carving.. Look's like I should quit , doesn't it? I probably should have put this as a new Thread... sorry....Charlotte

[carver33]

Charlotte,

Several people here have talked about using super glue to harden wood, and I guess that will work. However, Minwax makes a wood hardener that can be found at your local hardware stores. I've used this and can definitely say that it hardens wood to the consistency of hard plastic. This should do exactly what you want.

[santagibbs]

Oh, thank's Bill, that should be just what I need to harden the bark.. I will put that on my list.. I really appreciate it. Charlotte