Preserving Bark

[Raparee]

Hi all.
I'm looking to carve some wood spirits out of some alder roundwood I came across recently. I want to keep some of the bark on the 'logs'... just removing enough to carve the face, and have the hair and beard/moustache flow through the bark. I was wondering how to go about treating the bark to ensure that it doesn't slough off in sheets once the wood has aged.

Any ideas?

Tim Connolly
Prince George, BC

[AlArchie]

Well, you have to start by cutting your wood in the winter after the sap is down.....I know, that sounds like a bad joke, but it's true. If you cut when there is sap/moisture working it's way through the cambrium layer, it will dry out and shrink when the piece dries and the bark will separate.

Even when cut in the winter, I've found that is you treat the bark area well with a good grade sanding sealer it will help bond the loose bark "shags" and any moss or lichen that is on the bark.

Just finished a nice basswood round I'll be using for the base on a fish carving, and used the sealer to good advantage.

Al

[Lindy]

Hey there fellow British Columbian!

I do most of my wood spirits in cottonwood bark and I don't treat it before I carve. I take the bark off for the facial features and then carve through the bark for hair, beard and mustache. Once the carving is completed I spray it with varathane. I find that the bark stays in good condition after. I tend to use 3 or 4 light coats to make sure it's sealed.

Have fun!

[Colin-Partridge]

Al has given you the best advice I have done some in Alder and the way you have decribed and it works just great.
Colin

[Raparee]

Yeah, I managed to get some nice pieces of wood with a lot of lichen on it. It should really accentuate the finished 'spirit, and I'm hoping that I'm not going to lose it all once the wood has dried.
So the sanding sealer will keep the bark on the wood AND work to keeping the lichen on as well? Hope so... if my wife has to vacuum it off the carpet, I'll end up wishing I had taken up needlepoint instead of carving!

Tim Connolly
Prince George, BC