[schemmy]

In the past my finishing of a carving involved painting with an acrylic wash then a light spray of polyurathane (satin) then antique with blo and burnt umber (acrylic). After reading the many post of finishing styles here I realize I have been taking a chance using acrylic with my blo. I probably got away with it because I sprayed the carving first. I was happy with the results I had in the past but
Now I want to start doing it the recommended way and using an oil burnt umber or sienna. My question after painting with acrylics and letting it dry should I still seal it with polyurathane before or after antique the carving or is the blo the sealer in this case.
And many thanks to all the post at woodcarving ill. I read the information daily during my noon hour at work and love the photos of carving. I just recently reg. and hope in time to post a few of my carving when I learn the process of attachments. Thanks again to everyone.

[Kenny_S]

Yes I would, That ensures the antigueing stay in the deeper cuts and you can wipe it off the rest of the carving.

However, BLO has been used for decades with great results. I doubt the I will stop using it and some of my carvings.

[Anthony Filetti]

I don't....but thats the way two different instructors have taught me...

I went to Wally World and bought a large pickel jar for storing the mixture. Poured some BLO in the jar, thinned burnt umber in a small mixing cup (like you would get in a restaurant that would hold dressing or a condiment such as horseradish) and this to the BLO and mixed thoroughly...it might take sometime to get the color you want.

In both cases I dried the carving with a hair dryer and then just dipped and let sit for 15 minutes after which I wiped off all of the excess...this method works for me...

...but as you will find everyone has their own method, so you just have to find which one works for you...hope this helps.

[schemmy]

Thanks for the replies. I dipped several of my carvings (without sealing) and was happy with the results. My light colors (white and tan) seemed to desolve in spots so I touched up those spots. I could be I just put those colors on too thin to start with. I really like the way the blo and umber brought out the colors of the face. I will keep experimenting and learning with the help of this site.
Thanks

[MelNM]

Schemmy, you might try sealing your carving with BLO and then paint with acrylics. I also apply a coat of a matt laquer before I stain my carving I seem to get better results that way.
Mel

[schemmy]

Thanks for the reply. I have a few santa faces almost ready and I am going to try several different methods of finishes. One of them will be to preseal with blo then paint. Thanks for the reply.
schemmy

[rick-in-seattle]

For new visitors to this site, BLO is short for Boiled Linseed oil.

In LA or Miami when someone makes their "first batch of Blo", It takes on a whole new meaning.

[run_in_bare]

what is blo ? thanks
ED