What's the best non-shiny finish for basswood

[Whimsy_Carver]

I just finish this carving and have sanded it very smooth. Now I would like to seal it really well with coats of something. Since I have invested many hours in this thing I would like to see it preserved for a while. What's best? Spray Deft satin, other? All help appreciated. Thanks.

[AlArchie]

Some folks like spray finishes and others prefer brush ons. Either way a satin finish puts a nice non glare surface on. Deft or other lacquer based finishes dry the fastest, Krylon poly is probably next for time of drying. I prefer the spray Krylon poly satin for most projects.

The trick to applying any spray finishes is to apply many light coats fron all angles, getting into all the cracks and crevices.

Don't put a lacquer based finish over a non lacquer sealer. You can use it directy ove acrylic or water based paints. Not sure about oil based colors. Maybe someone else has experience with that

There just ain't no "best" for everyone.

Al

[chipmunk]

hi, matte finish doesn't have NO shine, semi has a little. my preference is clear acrylic from the $ stores with 2 lite coats it looks like it has NO finish but just enough plastic coat to preserve to wood to protect it and be wiped off[like dust] and can be painted over or under with arcylic paints then clear over them but if u put more then 2 coats u will get a shine clearing over the paint will make it shine a little if u don't put any finish on it . it will put up colors from your hands,dirt..ie if u want to u can mix white glue 25% with arcylic paints then it will be a finish paint and not be so flat[try on pc. of scrap wood to see if thats want u want]

[gtech]

I am also experimenting with mat finishes, and I am coming back to Feed&Wax.

It doesn't protect like a hard varnish but it looks more natural.

Gilles

[Nomad]

I usually finish my carvings with Testors Dullcote.

[Buffalo Bif]

I mix 2 parts satin poly urethane with 2 parts tung oil and one part mineral spirits (paint thinner). Most of what I do is small and I can dip it, you can also use a brush and just flow it on. It'll flow into the corners great with no effort on your part. Give it a few minutes to soak in then blot off any drips. Dry for eight hours and repeat for more shine. Second coat will give you a little shine in bright light, third coat looks like it has a finish on it. You can stop at one coat if you like. You can also apply it over acrylics, they will not run or bleed. Acrylics on top might look like they bond, but I suspect they will be prone to chipping or wear.

[davidinsarasota]

Tung oil then beeswax melted in turpentine.

[kdispoto]

What ever you decide- test it on scrap first!!!!!!

[northwood bob]

I typically use either Deft or Minwax spray poly in the gloss I want in the finished product. this is used over an acrylic wash. the spray works on most carvings that a multitude of surfaces. Use many (as much as 6-7) light coats to give you the end finish you want.

Works for me - We're all different (at least my wife tells me that I'm different all the time and she's right all the time)

Bob
Bob

[scooter]

I prefer tung oil, myself.

S~