Cottonwood Bark finishing?

[Mark Fox]

How do you finish cottonwood bark? Whats the best way to sand it and whats the best finish?

Mark

[Mottles]

Mark and Welcome:
I like to use Deft semi-gloss lacquer spray usually two coats. For sanding I use 220 grit sand paper it only takes a light sanding. I have never had to be aggrasive with Cottonwood sanding.

I don't pretend to have the only way, it's just my way.

Kathy

[artolver]

Wow i am so happy to tell my story again . It is about meltonion shoe polish for cowboys. I have used it for 40 yrs neutral jar.
you two Thank you

[Mark Fox]

Thanks for the replys, I remeber reading somewhere that people were using a flap wheel sander for the foredom/dermel to finish sand their whimscal houses? anyone ever use something like this?

[Bob K.]

Cottonwood bark is an easy carving wood. You don't need to be too aggressive with the sanding. A fine sandpaper should be all you will need. I've used Howard's Feed N Wax on my cottonwood and it really brings out the grain.

[Mottles]

Hey, Art: I haven't tried the Meltonian shoe polish, but coming from you I just might give it a try. Give Dorthy a hug for me.

As for power tools on Cottonwood bark like Bob K. said you really don't need it. Now if I were carving Cottonwood non bark I would use my powercarver or mallet tools. I have carved the Cottonwood limb with nice results.

Please share your project with us,
Kathy

[jmischel]

I've used the Meltonian neutral shoe polish. It gives a nice finish. My only gripe is that it's a pain to apply. It takes a reasonably stiff brush and you really have to work it in. This is the method that Rick Jensen uses in his class. At least, it's the method he was using when I took his class last year.

I've also used the Howard Feed 'N Wax. It goes on easily, and I can use a brush to work it into the cracks. Buffing is easy with a shoe brush.

My take on it:

Deft: Easy to apply, darkens wood very slightly.
Meltonian: More difficult to apply, darkens wood slightly, brings out the grain.
Feed N Wax: Easy to apply, darkens wood a lot, really brings out the grain.

[Mottles]

Jim--I have the same complaint with the liquid wax...maybe I'm just lazy...tee hee

I have used Feed N Wax on my Basswood Carvings with good results...even on my oak furniture.

Is there any wood finish that doesn't change the color of the wood?

Until I try Art's method I'm sticking with Deft Semi Gloss Spray....

Mark I hope you are getting some enjoyment from your questions...I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Tee Hee