Finishing detailed rose carving

[carving 101]

I need help choosing which finish to apply to a detailed rose carving I just finish. This is my first attempt at carving and I spent so many hours on it that I am very worried about making a mistake applying the finish and ruining the whole thing. I made the mistake of carving basswood (I was all that was available at the local store) not knowing that it would be difficult to stain/finish. I could use any help or advice that you guys can give me. If everything goes right, this will be a jewelry box for my girlfriend. If it goes wrong my dog will have a new toy.

My understanding is that I have to choose between polyurethane based finish, oil based, or shellac. It sounds like polyurethane can be very difficult and has a lot of potential to mess up the carving. Also, many posts that I have read say that you should sand the wood after each application of a finish. My fear is that sanding will ruin the carving or that I wouldn’t be able to adequately sand each of the details. Other posts mentioned that if you apply too much finish the wood could warp, which would also ruin the carving.

The only posts that I have read that are promising are regarding Tung Oil Finish (specifically Formby's). It appears that I can apply this with a rag and then just polish it in until I attain the correct shine (over many coats). Is this correct?

What finish would you recommend and how would you apply it? Please give any helpful hints and details as I am 100% new.

I have attached pictures of the carving.

Thank you!

[Dileon]

I use Deft spray lacquer from the local hardware store...., it drys fast....and it will take a few light coats and looks great.... some times before the Spray finish I use Boil Linseed Oil which we call BLO....brush it on and then wipe it down with a rag (that needs to be taken care of, because it is combustive into flames.) This is first time,.....so I would not paint it colors until you get used to using paint.

[mpounders]

Basswood doesn't present any different problems than other types of wood, other than it doesn't have much of a grain pattern. Like all woods, end grain will usually absorb more of a stain or finish, which can cause it to appear blotchy or different colors. BLO looks pretty good and will yellow a bit over time. But dispose of rags and don't expect it to get shiny very quickly! I used satin polyurethane on this carving "Behind Blue Eyes" finished . Basically, I buy a small fresh can of polyurethane and brush it on my carving. New polyurethane is very thin and absorbs well. I use paper towels to wipe it off immediately before it drys, to avoid having a thick buildup that might look too plastic or shiny. Once it drys, I might use a light wax and buff it with a clean shoe brush, or spray it lightly with Deft glossy if I want more of a shine. I do all my sanding before I apply a finish and it should remain smooth unless you use a water-based finish. Some furniture and things can be affected by moisture if only one side is finished, but that is not as likely with a small piece like yours. Always try your finishing choices on something else first, to see how you like them. Try them on another piece of basswood.

[carving 101]

Thank for you advice. I made a few quick carvings with small details to practice staining before I actually stained the carved box. I will try both techniques on the tester carvings and see what I am most comfortable with. I already made one beginner mistake and tried using spray polyurethane without wearing gloves... an hour later I finally got my hands clean.

Do you have any preference for brands of satin polyurethane?

[mpounders]

I buy the small cans of Minwax satin poly. I don't have much waste if I decide to toss the smaller can and buy a new one. It usually lasts a couple of months, on the smaller stuff that I usually carve.

[ig Jeff]

What kind of wax do you use?

[Buffalo Bif]

I'm a fan of a mix- equal parts tung oil, gloss urethane, and mineral spirits. It penetrates deeply, builds to luster after three coats or so, provides good surface protection for items that will be handled. Drawback is dry time- at least a day between coats.

[gwc]

You might want to try Winwax prestain be for you stain it helps to make the wood absorb the stain better and I have good luck with Winwax Tung oil.the more coats the more shine and it can be repaired and re coated better than urethane.
Gordo.