preserve a basswood log outside

hojoplus · #1 02-20-2007, 06:11 AM

i carved a32''by 66'' basewood log.how do i keep it from rotting outside?

Ashbys · #2 02-20-2007, 06:17 AM

I moved this to finishing , and this thread as well Protecting Basswood from the Elements?

As they are the same question. But there might be more suggestions here than where they were located.

Ash

wade clark · #3 02-20-2007, 09:22 PM

hojo,
Keep it inside!

What did you carve out of it? Was it dry or green? That's a nice sized piece of basswood!
Wade

hojoplus · #4 02-22-2007, 05:13 AM

i carved a head of a man looking out of the log.he also has his hands showing next to his face .i want to carve a skunk setting on top of the log.

Ashbys · #5 02-22-2007, 06:59 AM

One thing that you need to do , is to get it off the ground. put it on cement , or braces , or somethingto allow air to flow around it. Even a few inches is better than nothing.

One reason houses are built the way they are is to protect the wood from ground moisture which will cause rot If you can't get it up off the ground , you will not be able to stop the rot, no mater what finish is used.

Also , all outdoor finishes have time limits, with which they function. Many need to be re-applied every year or so. If you want an outdoor carving to last without showing a lot of age , seal it once a year and place it where there is a vapor barrier between it and the ground.

wade clark · #6 02-22-2007, 08:55 AM

Good advice from Ash.
I like the idea of the skunk on top, tells a whole story! Made me grin!
Wade

Coldwood · #7 02-24-2007, 04:55 PM

I have a similar concern for outdoor carvings, would you guys suggest Thompson's Water Seal? I also like the idea of a mix of turpentine and raw linseed oil.

wade clark · #8 02-24-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldwood

I have a similar concern for outdoor carvings, would you guys suggest Thompson's Water Seal? I also like the idea of a mix of turpentine and raw linseed oil.

I think Thompson's Water Seal is an ANNUAL product. If you don't want to babysit it annually find something else to use.
Wade

Alice in Wonderland · #9 02-24-2007, 06:17 PM

I have a few carvings outside for a few years ( I do take them in in the Winter) the use Lampert/Pratt Base 4 or 5 , this is the base used to mix dark colors. I could not believe it when I was told to do this ,but it works. The paint base looks milky when applied but it turns clear. You just have to make sure that any cracks in the wood are treated so the rain can not wash into the cracks.I hope this helps. (see below)
Alice

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Coldwood · #10 02-26-2007, 05:37 PM

Alice, is that the base for oil paint or latex paint?