I was really pleased to receive a lot of good responses to last week's email. Some asking questions, and others offering their techniques on how they like to finish. I wanted to answer some of the questions and share some of the other options, so I'm
pushing the topic of painting to next week.
Dave has a question...and some techniques!
Troy, I enjoyed this weeks email blast on finishes. I would like to know what type of stain you mentioning in the email. Please identify it in one of the next emails. I am sure there are
others with this same question.
My answer: The stains I have used the most are General Finishes Gel Stain. I apply with a brush and then wipe away with a clean cloth. I then use a clean brush to wipe away any remaining stain in the carved areas.
Dave's email continued...:
Or if it
is part of one of your training videos, please indicate that in this same email. I have never tried stain because of all the end grain. I may have to start trying some.
Me: The Finishing Course does go into more detail on staining, as well as other finishing techniques as listed below. Click the
image to go to the Courses Overview Page
Dave's email continued...:
I use Briwax with a pre sealer but I am also trying shellacs. I have recently done some painting with very nice results. But I have grain bleed on the old European style chip carving. I need to solve this problem. I have done the test strips on each type of finishes I have used.
So I like your recommendation!
The sleigh is finished with amber shellac and clear wax. The 2 triangle ornaments are finished with Briwax. If you like them, you are free to use them.
Thanks for your emails, Dave
Me:Beautiful ornaments! I really like the colors of the shellac and Briwax. I am especially intrigued by the use of Briwax as a finish. I don't know about you, but it can be a challenge for me to find the right conditions to use spray acrylic in the hot Texas summers without a dedicated finishing room. Having a finishing option that can be applied
indoors is going to be something I investigate further.
February Project
Double Tea Light Candle Holder
Free Form Butterfly
Play the video below to take a quick look at me carving part of this months project, a double tea light candle holder with a free form butterfly pattern.
I decided to finish it with some acrylic paint and a light stain, but it will look great natural or with just gel stain - whichever you like!.
Hi Troy! I really enjoy your emails…always something good to think about. I have been carving for five years out of the Knot Hole wood carving studio in Pleasant Hill, MO. 2 years ago I took a workshop on chip carving seminar and am now officially obsessed with it! I love how you can see
beautiful results so quickly. I have been creating designs on small pieces that I add beads and bling to and make jewelry and sell it at shows. This pic is the best seller yesterday. BTW I use light brown Briwax to create darker shadows and coat with clear satin varnish for some luster. Thanx for all your encouragement!
Patti
Thanks for sharing Patti! I love the mixed media used to achieve the final result - very creative! And yet another mention of Briwax as a finish...interesting... I'm glad you you found chip carving and appreciate that beautiful results can be achieved so quickly!
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Jon has some good test boards of his own!
Troy, thanks for this week's topic. It's finally sunk in that the key to this type of finish is using 2-3 coats of FINISH, not 2-3 coats of SEALER, that keeps the stain from darkening the surface
too much.
I've attached pics of the two sprays I use and of the sample finish board I made last year. The sample board shows zero, one, and two layers of sealer before applying the one coat of stain.
I made them by covering 1/3 with blue masking tape and spraying one coat of sealer, then covered another 1/3 and added another coat of sealer. Then I removed all the tape and stained the whole board, resulting in the three
tones you see.
Repetition is the mother of learning, especially for me, so thanks for doing so. Your emails are helpful and enjoyable!
Have a great week!
Jon
Excellent work Jon! What I like about your test board is that you carved letters and a simple carving that will show how the stain looks in both circumstances. I'm glad you found last week's email helpful. 🙂
What are your latest projects?I'd love to see them! Send them to me at: troy@mychipcarving.com
