preserving wood carvings

[arrandale]

I have a wood carving of Sky Diver IV an eagle that I need to preserve. It seems to be getting brittle. It is a very detailed carving.

[Hugh-P]

Hi, is the carving painted, or is it bare wood????

[AlArchie]

I don't know if I have an answer for you but either way we would need to know a bit more info.........fer instance"

Is the carving painted now or varnished?

Inside or outside?

What size is the carving?

How thick are your brittle areas?

Do you know what type of wood it is?

Has it cracked yet?

Are there pieces that need to be reattached?

Can you post a picture of the whole piece and the "threatened" areas?


Al

[arrandale]

the wood is redwood , it's got like a shellac

[arrandale]

the piece is varnished
it is iside my house

[arrandale]

the piece is varnished
it is indie my house
very thin 1/16"
redwood
it has not cracked and no pieces need to be reattached

[AlArchie]

From what you've described, it doesn't seem like there really is much you can do except protect the piece from getting knocked around. 1/16" is very thin and I'd be afraid to try and remove any varnish to treat the wood with any oils or other preservatives. Redwood in and of itself should be fairly resiliant, so my suggestion would be to simply protect it from knocks. If it's not too large you might try finding a glass display case. Or if it's a wall hanging, you could try cleaning it well with a special cleaner such as Murphy's Oil Soap, then treating it to a good furniture polish; one that is supposed to repel dust.
There are several on the market....check a Formby's supplier, there should be adequate products available there.


Al