Finish

[b][b]

I have completed a stylized blue heron, 8' high made of butternut, the
base will be of bass wood. I intend to keep it natural and want to keep
the beauty of the wood showing.
What finish is recommended for butterwood? What is a good brand
name?

Thanks,

Jim





for

When I use butternut, I like to brush on up to 3 coats of Deft Semi-Gloss. I use an old paper sack to rub down between coats. That's the finest sandpaper on the market!
If you are planning on leaving the base natural, I would use a darker wood. Maybe walnut or mahogany. The contrast would really add to the piece. Â*
Hope this helps!

[Captain_Bandaid]

butternut looks good when finished with soft gloss oils like Tung oil. It won't create glare that hides the grain.

[Bandaid]

I have not, as yet, tried using tung oil as a finish so I am not familiar with it's characteristics. Is it a thin oil that soaks right into the wood or does it compare lets say to linseed oil? How about drying time?

I am wondering how it would work on bark carving. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Captain_Bandaid]

Tung oil is a very light oil that is usually clear but I think I have seen it with a bit of stain to darken it. It is a rubbing oil that looks best on smooth surfaces. It leaves a very low gloss while bringing out the grain in wood. I usually use several coats. It will protect the wood like linseed oil and should be recoated occasionally, especially in dry climates.

[Bandaid]

Thx. Captain - Have you ever tried tinting tung oil with oil paints? I have done that with a clear Minwax stain to achieve the tint I want, but I would like to try tung oil to compare the end result.

Tung Oil and Watco Danish Oil (Natural) have pretty much the same properties(consistancy and color).I've used both quite alot as finihes on my carvings. Â*Lately, I've used Watco Danish Oil (natural) mixed with thinned oil paints as washes or stains and have very good success letting the grain show through...Drying times may vary, but I go Â*usually 48 hrs. Â*before spraying with satin poly (Minwax)

[Bandaid]

Hi Woodpecker - Thx for the input.

As regards finishing of Butternut... a professional artist and wood carver told me to try tinting with watered down acrylic Â*Raw Umber as it is the same brown as the natural wood. Â* It works beautifully to help you create greater depth and contrast where you need it. Â*Have no idea how the idea would work when using some of the oils to finish, but I use Deft clear which works great. Â* Love that Butternut. Â*Harold.

[Captain_Bandaid]

I think you may want to use oil-based burnt umber rather than acrylic. The acrylic is water based and may not mix with the oil.