Waterproof carving

[balornt]

I have been looking around the forums for wood waterproofing suggestions but opinions seem to differ based upon the situation. I want to build a tabletop fountain with a carving in the middle. It will always have water flowing over it so it needs a permanent waterproofing solution. I am making this for someone else so I don't want them to have to add extra finish coats in a few years. Ideally, I need a one time application finish that protects forever. I also hear that certain woods like cedar and redwood are more water resistant and would like to hear what wood you recommend.

[Bob K.]

I have never heard of any wood finish that is 100% water proof. All finished that I know of will need to be re-applied periodically if exposed to water constantly. In my opinion wood is not the material of choice if you are going to expose it to constant water. Even redwood will age after repeated exposure to water.

[Dougie]

Have a look Envirotex 2 part Epoxy.
Might not be suitable.
EnviroTex Lite | Environmental Technology Inc

[balornt]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

In my opinion wood is not the material of choice if you are going to expose it to constant water.

I've looked at other mediums but they require different tools/skill sets, not to mention the time/money to get them. The only thing that even came close to wood carving was wax carving, but the stuff is more expensive then I would like.

I didn't think anything existed, but I am just trying to get some ideas for alternatives before telling my friend that it can't happen.

[Bob K.]

I know they use polyurethane a lot to protect wood from moisture, but I think it has to be re-applied after awhile. One option might be to use one of those waterproofing products they use on decks, but there too I think it would have to be re-applied.

[AlArchie]

You're going to have more to deal with than simply "waterproofing" a project like that. There is also the temperature change factor. A full coat of 2 part clear epoxy may seal your piece as long as ALL surfaces are sealed. That includes the inside of any holes or cavities needed for the plumbing. Then along comes a severe temp change and that wood either expands or contracts more than the epoxy and cracks begin to form in the finish.......I don't think wood is a good candidate for a project like that.

Al

[balornt]

Yeah I figured as much, but I didn't want to let my friend down without at least trying. Thanks y'all.

[Robson Valley]

I use western red cedar almost exclusively. Under moving water it all goes away in the end. Up top on the mountain logging roads, there are little creeks and seeps with water flowing from spring to freeze-up. The woody debris in the creeks just rots, WRC and everything else. Might take 5 years but it will go away. Black and slimy. Is your subject presentation likely to freeze?.
The plastics shop 2hrs west of me buys 6x6 and 8x8 logs of plastics and resaws the stuff for customers.
Somewhere up top in this forum is a subject thread about carving faces in the plastic (polycarbonate???) cores of softballs. How about a woody-looking version of that material to begin with?

[Donsexton]

Try hot paraffin wax heat the wood if you can and heat the wax to liquid should look and act like clear water. It will soak in the hot wood and it will allow for some expansion and contraction. But I agree with what has been said no way can you make wood water proof for very long.

[rare yellow zebra]

Moving water is an incredibly powerful force. It turns boulders into sand. Metal, plastic or stone may be your only options.
Jay