[ISpringer]

I know this is not a new question, but all the threads I've read have not been exactly right for this project. My lack of experience with basswood is likely to show as well.

I have a (practice) project I have just finished in basswood. I am about to begin on the final piece in box elder, but as the practice piece came out so well I'd like to finish it in it's own right. I typically use a linseed oil/tung oil mix with a paste wax after. This is lovely on hardwoods, but unsatisfactory on basswood or softwoods. I'd like to finish it in a way that the grain is lightly emphasized without it becoming too dark. I have also found the oil finishes to make creases and sharp angles very dark and grubby looking on basswood.

I think a polyurathane (sic?) would be a good choice. I'd like some advise from those more experienced before I start testing on scrap wood.

Thanks for the help!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I use Deft satin spray 90% of the time.

[Lindy]

Hi there,

I like to use varathane gel stain which gives a nice colour plus brings out whatever grain is in the wood. The other thing I like about it, is that if the colour isn't exactly what I wanted to achieve then I can add additional colours to create the look I want. Here is my first cougar carving attached and I used 2 tones of stain to achieve a colour I was happy with. I then finished it with a clear varathane finish.

Hope this helps - good luck!

PS The cougar in my avatar is the same pattern but my second attempt.