[The Major]

If this question has been asked before, please forgive the repetition.

I was thinking of doing a carving in Basswood that would ultimately end up outdoors.

What is the best way to finish/protect the carving from the elements?

A light waxing? Urethane? Thompson’s waterseal?

Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance for your time, assistance and patience.

The Major.

[AlArchie]

Major, basswood is among the top four woods in the US that are severly succeptable to fungal deterioration. White birch, aspen and box elder are the other worst bets. There may be others that are right up there, too, but Basswood just ain't the best choice for outdoor use.

A thorough tratment with Thompsons or a similar product would be my suggestion, and plan on retreating it pretty regularly. There are also some marine products that have antifungal properties, but some of these are pretty nasty. Check with a marine chemical supplier for these.

One of the problems with sealing wood of any kind for exterior use is that if a point of access for moisture opens, water or even water vapor can enter, be trapped below the rest of the sealed surface and provide ideal conditions for dry rot or other fungal deterioration.

That's why I would suggest regular treatments with a "thompson-like" moisture barrier. Treat the grain ends really heavilly!

Al

[The Major]

Thank you Al Archie for the information.

I appreciate it.

Will do. So thoroughly process the carving and treat it regularily. How frequently would you suggest?

It's an outdoor residential sign I'm carving and want to make sure it stands up to the elements (rain and snow).

Again, thank you for your advice.

Sincerely.

The Major.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

The best thing is to use a wood that will stand up to the weather. I carved a sign back in 1976 for the entrance of a housing addition in Tulsa. It's still there! Needs some paint and the the bushes need trimming but whenever I drive by I still smile! It was made of cedar!

[The Major]

Oh Jeez, why didn't I think of that!

Great idea...haven't started to carve it yet (in planning stages), but that's certainly an excellent option!

Thank you so much for the suggestion!

The Major.

[Alice in Wonderland]

I have several large carvings outdoors different types of wood too,
I have had very good luck with: any paint store carries "bases " which they use for mixing colors, the bases come in #1,2,3,4, by 4 being used for the darkest colors,this is the # you want to get. just straight base # 4 ,that is what I have used,it looks milky when it comes out off the can but dries totally clear with semi/satin sheen.
My "Frog" has been sitting outside for 3 years.protected in our snowy Winter.
I hope this helps
Alice

[Ashbys]

Major,

I would advise aganst thompsons, although it will give temp protection , it just doesn't last.

There is another product which I use ok two but Lynn will hate me .. BlO will water proof and seal , but gives little protection for much else.

I do like the Austrialian Timber oil by Cabot. It does a nice job in both water protection , UV , Mildew agents. One coat on a piece of maple 6 months ago , that sit in the open sunlight , and it is still beading water off. That put thompsons to shame. Also has a nice set of stains that really are outstanding.

Ash

[The Major]

Thank you both for the advice!

I shall certainly consider both.

I've heard that the Thompson's is really for decking, not for carvings.

Thank you both for the help!

Much appreciated!

The Major.