Latest Project Part 2

[Peter-J]

Hi There,
Further to the advice of members I purchased some Cuprinol wood shades tester pots and went over the carved flowers with them. It really has made a difference. Also I have ordered some General Finishes polyacrilic Matte finish which was recommended on the site. Can you use acrylic paints on wood and will they take the polyacrilic finish when it is dry. I am learning every day from the members out there, it only makes me more sure I have chosen a great hobby to pursue. Thank you all again for your help.
Regards Peter.

[Claude]

Re: Latest Project Part 2

Yes you can use acrylic paints on wood. The wood can be wet as well as dry. Personally, I prefer to paint when the wood is dry, but some others like it wet. I usually wash my carving with ordinary white hand soap and a tooth brush (old) after the carving is finished. I dry it using a hair dryer for a couple of minutes, then liberally apply a 50-50 mix of water and satin water-based varnish. I then let that dry a half hour (or use the hair dryer if I'm in a hurry), then paint. I do the light colors first, then the dark colors last. I normally let the painted carving cure overnight, then finish it with a 50-50 mix of water and gloss water-based varnish. The watered-down gloss doesn't end up looking glossy like plastic, but more like a satin type finish. I let this dry overnight, then buff with a piece of wadded up brown paper bag (lunch bag or grocery bag). The buffing with the bag will remove any little dust motes that got on the drying varnish and give it a smooth-to-the-touch finish.

Try putting some paint and varnish on a piece of scrap and see how it works. If you don't like it, then try something else.

Claude

[GinnytooU]

Re: Latest Project Part 2

Much better. Good for you. Ginny