Final Finish For Humming Birds

[gwc]

Working on two humming birds painting almost complete. When finished painting thay recomend that the entire bird be matte finished. I am afraid this might put too much shine on the bird.Would appreciate your comments .

Thanks Gordo.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

mat finish is a semi gloss and not shiny...you shouldn't have a problem with semi gloss or satin finish

[Hugh]

I don't like it myself. even a matte finish adds too much lustre to the carvings. Personal opinion though. Cheers

[David_Aaron_Sercel]

I don't like using anything like a matte finish either. In my opinion it has a tendency to give the carving an artificial look.

David

[gwc]

Thnks everyone for the advice decided not to matte finish turned out ok.Entered the hummers in the Canadian Wildlife Carving Championships held at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Midland Ont.Canada. Thay were entered in the Intermediate division song birds a third place ribbon was awared. I will have to learn how to post pictures because I sure enjoy looking at all the fine work other carvers have posted.

Thanks again Gordo.

[Callynne]

Congratulations, Gordo, on winning that ribbon!! I can't wait to see some pictures!

I'm curious, if you didn't use matte finish, does that mean you didn't use any finish at all? I use a satin finish on my carvings, does tend to 'build up' in places, guess matte would do the same!

Again, congratulations! Callynne

[gwc]

I just used acrylic paints thined down with acrylic flow medium 20 parts water to 1 PART MEDIUM. I build up colour with several coats. I did not use any finish after painting.

Gordo.

[GILLY]

Originally Posted by gwc

I just used acrylic paints thined down with acrylic flow medium 20 parts water to 1 PART MEDIUM. I build up colour with several coats. I did not use any finish after painting.

Gordo.

That's a really good idea, I was looking at a display last week of carved songbirds and the carving was very good but the paint was applied thick and looked like a "one-coat-job". It really took alot away from the finished birds. So much so that it looked like the burned feather detail was plugged with paint.