A well-chosen finish enhances the appearance of a wood carving and ensures that it will last for a long time. If you’re wondering how to finish wood carvings, there are several methods that you can try out.
Here are some of the most popular finishing techniques for wood carvings.
Sanding
One of the simplest ways on how to finish wood carvings is to sand it down. Sanding is a delicate process. Done well, it can provide a smooth finish that enhances the quality of the wood used. Done wrong, you’ll have to deal with variable surfaces and textures.
Check out this step-by-step guide to help you out with the sanding process:
Preparation
Before using any tools, make sure that the surface of your carving is as smooth as possible to provide a better base for the process. Clean up any uneven surfaces, messy corners, and gouge cuts.
Choose your tool
Effective sanding is primarily dependent on the tool you’re planning to use. For intricate carvings, it’s better to use sandpaper, an oscillating brush, or a contoured sanding grip to better get around curved edges and inside coves. For larger, less complex projects, you can stick to a rotary tool or a detailed sander.
Choose a sanding tool depending on three crucial factors:
- The hardness of the wood
- The intricacy of the carving
- Whether you plan on removing the finish in the future
Sanding Process
Follow the steps below to ensure a fast and efficient sanding process:
- Always go with the grain. Going against the grain can create scratches that are impossible to remove.
- Use a lighter touch. Bearing down with a power tool can alter the shape of the carving. It’s better to use sandpaper for tight nooks or crevices that your tool can’t reach.
- Use fine-grit sandpaper. The lower the grit count, the rougher the sandpaper is. For beginners, it’s best to start with 150-grit sandpaper.
Paint
You can use acrylic or oil paint to bring your wood carving to life. Just remember to sand down the surface before applying paint to ensure a smoother application. Below are some great tips to help you out when you want to know how to paint and finish a wood carving:
- If you want to create a glossy or satin-clear finish, use an overpaint. Spray the carving with light coats of lacquer. Once it’s dry, use a crumpled paper bag to smooth down any rough edges left by the paint.
- If you’re going for a more traditional feel or if you want to soften the appearance of acrylic paint, brush on some colored wax over the lacquer. After drying it for two hours, buff the carving using a shoe brush.
Stain
You can also purchase stains if you’re wondering how to finish wood carvings with a subtle change in color. Before applying your chosen stain, make sure to test it out on some scraps from your project. Apply several coats to achieve the color you want. Just ensure that each layer dries down first before you apply the next one.
Conclusion
Knowing how to finish wood carvings properly will enhance the look of your wood carving and ensure that it lasts longer.