Painting Technique

[TopKnot]

I would love to finish some of my carvings with this effect. Can any one tell me how it is done. Specifically, I'm referring to how the edges of the cuts look like they have a worn look. I've tried a undercoat and rubbing after I apply the top coat but I can't get the same effect. Sure would appreciate some help.

Chuck

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[Iowa Carver]

Cant see real well but I believe you are referring to dry brushing. It's very easy. You use a lighter tone that the base coat... white, off white, tan etc. as long as it shows up good. Use a flat fullish brush that is fairly fluffy. Put it in the paint and then wipe off the paint dabbing it on the paper towel, get all off you can see. You will have residue left on the brush the will give the effect. Now just fluff over the carving with the brush. No water! It will highlight the high spots giving that warn effect. Reload the brush as needed and then wipe off again. Hope this helps.

Corey

[TopKnot]

Thanks Corey, I'll try that next time So simple, wasn't it?

Chuck

[DADDIO]

i have gotten this effect by painting with my acrylics then deft over that,let it set a day or so then apply a dark floor wax and use an old shoe brush and buff it pretty hard and it'll take the paint off the high spots.i also have an old shoe brush with a touch of black still in the bristles and if you hit it with it a few times it adds just a hint of black high lights.but i never have added any black to the brush i guess it's been left in it for probably 20 years..anyway that's how i do it.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I paint with watercolor; but, believe you could get the same effect with acrylics. I put on a base coat of a light color and allow it to dry. Next, I go with the color of the rocks as a wash. Before it dries, I wrap a fluffy cloth around a piece of wood, to keep it from dipping into the cuts, and lightly go over the rocks. The fluffy texture blurs the edges as it lifts paint from the high points on the rocks.

[oldbearx2]

I have been able to get this affect with acrylics by rubbing the carving with a crumpled up brown paper bag. I do this after painting and before I put he final finish coat on. Not sure if it would work with water colors.

[Callynne]

I agree with Corey, looks like a dry brushed effect to me too. I do a lot of it, and love the look, it's really great for hair and beards! For the Santas I carve, I use a gray paint first, then I dry brush white over the top, it really gives depth to the look.

For color hair, especially on my fairies, I paint the desired color first, then highlight with gold paint, I love how that looks.

For brushes, I just use old splayed out brushes, I have those in all sizes!! I didn't always clean them as well as I do now!! Deborah

[Terry Vance]

I think a very light sanding prior to painting will knock off the sharp edges left by the knife. Then a combination of "all of the above" will produce the desired effect.

The key word is "light".

Good luck,

[TopKnot]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I really would like to get the look of this finish on some carvings. Will try and see what happens.

Chuck

[mark yundt]

On a stained piece I've done it with a super fine sandpaper or 3M type pad. It simply knock the high points off a stained piece and to me this looks like it was stained allowing the lighter wood to show through. After that just use a sealer.