How do you finish your carvings?

#1 03-18-2003, 03:54 PM

I have finally finished (I think, ha,ha) my first carving. It is a bottle stopper caricature out of basswood. I know there are probably many ways to finish it (paint and seal it) as there are wood carvers out there. I plan on using acrylic paint. I was just wondering what seems to work best for your carvings. I tried to do a search for past threads on finishing, but I cannot seem to look at past questions very far back. Thanks for your advise,

Beeguy

#2 03-18-2003, 04:17 PM

BeeGuy,

Since caricatures should look 'realistic' I would use a matte sealer over the acrylic paint. That way you get the protection without it being shiny.

Good whittlin, Cliff
Charles City, Iowa
http://cliffordparker.tripod.com

#3 03-18-2003, 08:13 PM

I would also suggest not painting OVER the wood, but INTO it. You spent your time carving it, and you should let it show! The best way I've found, using acrylics with basswood, is to wet the wood first...and then paint it with water-thinned paints - letting the paint soak into the wood, rather than covering it up.

You're right, though - there are just about as many ways to finish a carving as there are carvers. Take a look through the photo albums we have at http://www.picturetrail.com/carvers-r-us You'll probably find several variations right there.

Teri

#4 03-18-2003, 08:29 PM

BeeGuy
Go to carverscompanion.com. Â*Scroll down to the picture of the file cabinet, click on it then go to New carver file.
This is a wonderful site.

lorax · #5 03-19-2003, 07:34 AM

for years, the only finish i used was good old finishing wax, clear or dark tint depending on the effect I was going for.

Callynne · #6 03-20-2003, 07:05 AM

Â* Â* I think the best thing would be to try different finishes on a couple pieces and see which you like the best. Â*On the dolls I have made I like to use a satin tung oil over the bare wood, it makes a perfect skin color and I love seeing the woodgrain. Â*
Â* Â* I tried painting my first Santa Claus but leaving his face and hands like that...I hated how that looked, painted his hands and face and was very happy with him.
Â* Â* For all my pieces that I paint I do them solid color, no woodgrain showing, antique them and then finish with a coat of satin finish sealer.
Â* Â* I say to try a couple techniques and see which works the best for you because I personally love the way Teri does her Santas, 'staining' the wood instead of painting it but it just doesn't seem to work well for me. Â*Maybe after I read her article in the Carving Magazine I'll be able to do it better! Â*I hope, I hope!! Â*
Â* Â* Good luck, we'll be looking forward to seeing some pictures soon! Â*Callynne

#7 03-20-2003, 03:28 PM

Thanks to all who replied on finishing a carving. I guess I'll just have to dive in like I did with my first carving and try something. Like Callynne said, I'll just try different things until I find something that works for me.

Beeguy

#8 03-21-2003, 08:37 AM

Hello Beeguy,
I think if you want to try several ways to finish your carvings, first take a piece of tha same type of wood as the carving and try the different ways you have seen here. That way you don't risk your carving until you have found a way that works for you.
Remember, if you're dont haveing fun you are doing something wrong.

#9 03-21-2003, 08:25 PM

Great suggestion. I do that every time I'm trying a new brand or color of paint or stain. I quick-carve a simple block of wood, then sand it as I usually do my carvings, so that not only the wood is the same, but the texture after it's been carved and sanded is the same, as well. Then I'll try to new stuff on two or three different sides of the block - trying it with various techniques, etc...seeing how it looks in the light, after it's been varnished, etc. Very good way not to ruin a valuable carving with a finish you're not sure you want.

Teri