[John_M]

I sut finished doing a carving on a rough wood slab (believe it is a soft wood) when i wet it down with water it all turns dark, which is what i dont want, i want to the carving part to stand out and the rest of the wood to look natural. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Should i burn the carving in or ?????? HELP PLEASE !! John M

[Gergie]

I have a few questions that "wood" help answer the question. A picture would be nice, if you could post one.
Is the wood naturally light or dark?

If it's a lighter colored wood you could use a stain on the carved part, and after that has dried cover the entire piece with a clear polyurethane finish.
Be careful of the stain you chose and not choose to dark of one.

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but maybe other people could give some tips also.

[John_M]

sorry i dont have a camera to take a pic the wood is naturally light colored, the only problem i have witht the staining is there is alot of small detail and i mean small lol. had thought of going with a natural finish or even maybe just a clear coat but am afraid that it will come out the same way.

[Mottles]

How about just putting a clear varnish and for get staining. You might think about just using a neutral oil such as Watco Danish Neutral Oil then apply varnish. Just a thought!
Kathy

[John_M]

Have Decided To Do The Wood Burning And Then Use Minwax Waterbase Finish On It. Time To Get To Work Now. I Appreciate All That Have Replied And God Bless All. Sincerely, John

[Nancy_G]

Hi John --
I am the least informed person who will answer you but maybe when the wood is totally dry again is will lighten up some ??? I've seen basswood look like it was getting "dark' when it got wet and then lighten up as it dried.
I sure am wishing you success and I'm glad you're here.
God bless and keep you.