best finish for cottonwood bark?

TOEKNEE · #1 12-17-2007, 02:20 PM

anyone have any opinions to offer on the best finish for cottonwood bark? i have currently tried briwax and minwax antique oil finish. thanks for your responses!!!

wood-whittler · #2 12-17-2007, 03:36 PM

toeknee,

i have not tried it but the folks at smokey mtn woodcarvers use howards feed and wax they just brush it on and then buff after a few minutes.

hope this helps

bart

GaryMc · #3 12-17-2007, 03:38 PM

I use the "Feed ans Wax" that Bart was talking about and love it for Bark and also for red Cedar. Heck I use it for everything now!
GaryMc

Callynne · #4 12-18-2007, 08:26 AM

Toeknee, I use Formby's Tung Oil Finish, low gloss, on my bark carvings. I really like the stuff. I just use a small paint brush and put a coat or two on. It holds up really well and brings out the beauty of the woodgrain.

Deborah</IMG>

TOEKNEE · #5 12-18-2007, 10:52 AM

thanks to you all for the replies!!!

callynne...i visited your website, awesome stuff!!! i am humbled and inspired by your work!!!

GeorgiaCarver · #6 12-18-2007, 05:44 PM

I use watco's and buff

Callynne · #7 12-19-2007, 08:34 AM

Toeknee, thanks for the great compliments! I'm glad you like my work!

Deborah</IMG>

Mottles · #8 01-02-2008, 01:12 PM

Toeknee, I like Watco Danish Oil and finish with Deft semi-gloss or satin. I would like to try Watco wax and also the Feed & Wax.
Kathy

Kenny_S · #9 01-02-2008, 02:40 PM

I don't know which is best from these carvers but I have used many different finishes and they all look great. Try several and see which one you like best. I use what I have most of the time being Deft satin and just plain old Johnston and Johnson paste floor wax. I did just get some of theat Feed and wax stuff but have not used it.

Tom H · #10 01-02-2008, 05:03 PM

Toeknee, Lots of the Gnomehome bark carvers swear by the MELTONIAN Boot & Shoe Cream Polish. It comes in different shades of brown to red, and neutral as well. The darker colors will darken the bark considerably, while the neutral only somewhat. I am applying it to a small Gnomehome right now. I have used it in the past too. When it drys, you buff it with a shoe brush or a rag. It is very low sheen. In the past the sheen does not seem to last too very long, and the piece must be brushed again. What I do like about it, it looks very natural. Another plus, is I like the smell of the stuff too.

Tom H