Finishes

[Allcutup]

I have a 24' x 48" relief carving with extreme detail and have no intent of painting any portions of the piece. What advice can be made on the application of finishing this large peice of bass wood which is to be wall hung indoors. The depth ranges from 3" to 1/4" and consist of three sections glued together.

I don't plan on staining the wood but simply giving it a clear finish for protection and enhancing the surface sheam.

Looking forword to advice,

Allcutup

[pallin]

Basswood has a tendency to absorb liquid finish unevenly, especially when built-up of several pieces. Where the carving presents a lot of end grain, it will absorb more finish and still appear dull. I would start with a clear, thin sealer, then apply one or more coats of clear finish. I think satin finish polyurethane retains the wood carved appearance better than glossy.

[Allcutup]

Thanks. I know one carver who lays the carving flat and poors a finish all the way up to the highest point and lets it sit for days until the wood absorbs everything. After that he brushes on a honey based finish and buffs it. Finally a sealer is applied.

[carver33]

My preference for clear finishing Basswood is Minwax Antique Oil Finish. It is a wipe on/wipe off type finish and more coats can be applied to bring the finish up to a fairly "bright" satin finish if desired. Additional coats can be applied to duller areas to help level out the sheen.

Once it is thoroughly dry, I wax and buff for a hand rubbed look.

[Allcutup]

Thanks Carver33. That sounds perfect. If anyone can add to this topic it would be helpfull information. I also have to many different types of wood that need to be given a finish such as catalpa, oak, ash, cedar, ect...

[carver33]

I've used the same finish on Butternut, Poplar, Mahogany, Oak and others all with good results.

Here are a few examples. The seal is one piece butternut. The seal was fine sanded and applied about 4 coats of finish, polished and waxed. The base has two coats and wax. The wizard is Basswood has two coats and wax. The elephant on the left is apple and the one on the right is basswood. I don't remember how many coats I used, but I'm guessing two.

HTH

[Allcutup]

your seal looks perfect, nice job.