finishes for chip carving

wood4tom · #1 11-01-2007, 09:02 PM

Hi Folks,
I've been chip carving for about 3 years and the only finish I've used is spray on urethane or laquer. I would like to add a little, very little, color so my basswood comes out more honey colored. Any ideas ?

thanks
Tom from NC

kitaye · #2 11-02-2007, 06:18 AM

I've had a really good luck using Spar Urethane. It tends to deepen the colour of the wood nicely. However, it does have a gloss finish and may interfere with the play of light and shadow on really intricate pieces.

papasar · #3 11-02-2007, 08:59 AM

Tom,
I get good results with MINWAX TUNG OIL FINISH. It not only gives a honey tone but seems to strengthen the wood somewhat. I try to apply soon after finishing the piece. If I wait too long, and the piece has very thin ridges, I sometimes get splits due to drying. The tung oil prevents this.
Final coat is poly spray semi or mattre.
Bill K.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 11-02-2007, 10:04 AM

I have always used "Deft" lacquer spray...and it always comes out a kind of honey color.

mackc · #5 11-02-2007, 11:20 AM

[quote=Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Quote:

I have always used "Deft" lacquer spray

I'ts Deft Lacquer spray for me!

mackc · #6 11-02-2007, 11:24 AM

[quote=papasar]Tom,
I get good results with MINWAX TUNG OIL FINISH. It not only gives a honey tone but seems to strengthen the wood somewhat. I try to apply soon after finishing the piece.

Quote:

If I wait too long, and the piece has very thin ridges, I sometimes get splits due to drying.

Hi Bill; a trick I use if I find the Basswood is drying out too quickly is to put the piece in a picnic cooler along with a container of water for a couple of days. When I take it from the cooler the Basswood odour is very pronounced and it carves like a dream!

wood4tom · #7 11-03-2007, 08:32 PM

Hi,
Thanks for the replys about finishing.
Kitaye, I got some spar urethane in satin, haven't tried it yet, will let you know.
Papasar, when you use the tung oil finish does it darken the "cut" part of the chip carving like stain would?
I'm going to my first craft show on 11-17 so I'm a little hyper. We borrowed a camera so I'll get some pics online soon.

thanks again,
Tom in NC

papasar · #8 11-04-2007, 07:14 PM

Mac C thanks for the tip.

Tom,
The tung oil does not make the cuts any darker.
I do stain the cuts for more contrast. Depends on the piece.
Bill K.