I like a satin final finish for my carvings. I usually use Minwax Satin Wipe-On Poly which is just a thinned polyurethane. Brush it on and wipe it off - a few thin coats look fantastic. Another quick finish is Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic which comes in Matte, Satin and Gloss.
I've also experimented with some of the color Briwax's which works well over the shellac seal on basswood and also after the stain to deepen the antiquing. the buffed wax gives a nice sheen.
Hi Rick,
Thanks for that input. I have been warned not to use Poly because it cannot be removed easily from carvings. That is why I stick with shellac. It can always be removed with denatured alcohol. And with my "experimenting" way of finishing, I always want to have the option of removing it!
I like the wax idea, and have experimented with this on some of my carvings. It created a satin surface that is outstanding - and SO touchable!
Hello Mary, once again, you've made something fairly difficult seem very easy, well done. Both episodes were fantastic, I really enjoyed them both thoroughly.
I have made a start on my leaf from your first class because you did such a great lesson of it, I know it may seem like I'm being quite slow in my lessons, but I am doing other carvings as well, plus some woodwork of a quite different nature, but it's all good experience, yes? I'll try and get a good start on my leaf in a day or so, and put it into the gallery.
Hi Reuben,
There is no need to rush. It's not a race! Start out at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. With time, your cuts get more efficient, more focused, and then you speed up without even realizing it.
I wished I had remembered this video was here. I would've watched it prior to starting to carve a half a dozen Easter lilies. Fortunately, I was able to go back and apply some of this to what I had already done – thanks Mucho!
You may have been told this already, but when you were making the stippling tools, the files seemed to not work so well. One reason is that aluminum will rapidly load up the grooves of the file.
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