Question re: Brown Paper Bag Trick

[dandy]

I generally use the bag after my final sanding to achieve a super smooth surface. this gives me a good start on the final finishing process. I like to crunch the bag around a bit to soften it first.

I must admit that I haven't tried it between finish coats and am anxious to try it.

[Donna_T]

Hello all,
I have used the brown bag trick for about 10 years. I like to use it on anything that I've painted with acryllics on basswood. Once painted the grain is raised and the carvings gets "rough." I don't usually buff it between coats of paint--just wait til I'm finished painting. I like this process on caricatures that are in-the-round, relief, painted wood burnings, well just about everything except animals. (On them I use Scotchbrite pads on a power carver to clean up the "fuzz.")

I just take a good size piece of brown paper bag (about 12" x 12" of so) wad it up and kinda mush it around to soften it a bit, then rub it all over the carving, getting down in all the nooks and crannies. Once I've gone over it several times and get the luster and smoothness I'm looking for, I sometimes spritz the carving lightly with a lacquer (never glossy--either matt or satin) then rub it down once more once it dries again. I've even waxed a carving after the brown bag treatment--have used BLO on the carving after brown bagging it.

From what I remember (I seldom use gloss) it will temper the shine only slightly when you do it to a glossy finish. It mostly makes the finished carving smooth and gives a luster to the finish.

If you can't get brown paper bags (there are few grocery stores around here that give brown bags) you can buy a roll of brown kraft wrapping paper and use it although it's a bit heavier than bags.

That's my experience. It's a smooth luster that your carving gets with this treatment.

DOnna T

Donna

[jillsy]

Thanks all for the input and Donna, for the detailed directions. I plan on trying it soon!

Jillsy