Need opinions and feedback, please

[bwj]

Just finished Ross Oar rough out of the Mountain Man Santa. Planned to start painting today. However, after using boiled linseed oil and sealer, I\\\\\\\'m not sure about painting. Considering leaving it un painted. Please give me input both pros and cons. Additionally, if I decide not to paint, what alternative finishes could be used and/or what else needs to be done to finish this project. I know it is my decision. However, I am curious what others think. Thank you in advance for your input. Whatever I decide, the finished project will be posted.

[Bob K.]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

I paint my carvings with layers of watered down paints after applying the boiled linseed oil. I don\'t know how it will work on top of a carving that has already been sealed. It also depends on what you used as a sealer. If you don\'t want to paint, apply a coat of Watco dark wax and buff it out good.

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Bob. The process I have used on my carvings is boiled linseed oil and Bulls Eye Shellac, then paint. Please provide any helpful information. I am always looking for better solutions. I appreciate your input and please don\'t hesitate to tell me your thoughts. I am open to any helpful suggestions and want as much help as I can get. I appreciate your reactions.

[joepaulbutler]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

bwj, I am usually, the one who like the oil finish, but with that said, I think painting your fine carving will relly make it even better.

I can not give you any advice on a painting over BLO and sealer, never used that method, If I am going to oil before painting I use Watcon natural Danish Oil. If nothing else work a piece of scrape wood the way you did you carving and giv e it a try. My $.02.
. . . JoeB

[Merle Rice]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Hi bwj, I always Paint over BLO and never had a problem. After Sealing I Antique it with Watco Dark Wax. After the next day I put a lite coat of Feed-n-Wax. Works for me. Merle

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Joe. I appreciate your comments

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks, Merle. Appreciate your comments.

[Steev]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

It is a great carving, but I do not think the grain is doing anything to enhance it. So I would vote for painting. I think painting will make the carving stand out more than the wood. I do not paint much myself, so I have no good advice about paint over oil.

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Steev. Appreciate your comments.

[Magicman]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

I have no advice on the finish.Having said that the carving is great, the cuts are clean and over all it\'s a beautiful carving!
Larry

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Larry. Appreciate your comments

[Soggy]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

That\\\'s a great carving BWJ; I agree with the others, it would probably be best to paint it due to the lack of grain that basswood has. If however you decide to go with just the stain, I would suggest that you at least paint the eyes. I have see carvings done in this manner before and really liked them.
Just my .02 cents (canadian ) worth
Wayne

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Wayne. Appreciate your comments.

[Tinwood]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Yup, I agree with the majority, paint him. Wayne, that\'d have to be a nickel Canadian since we don\'t got pennies anymore. That\'d come out about two cents US anyway.

Tinwood

[bwj]

Re: Need opinions and feedback, please

Thanks Tinwood. Appreciate your comments.