You are finally down to the last phase of wood carving. The finished product is in your hand, and it is time to learn how to paint and finish a wood carving. You have braved through all the other steps, so we will focus on painting a wood carving and finishing it just the way you imagine it to be.
Easy Steps To Paint And Finish A Wood Carving
You are finally down to the last phase of wood carving. The finished product is in your hand, and it is time to learn how to paint and finish a wood carving. You have braved through all the other steps, so we will focus on painting a wood carving and finishing it just the way you imagine it to be.
How To Prepare The Wood For Painting
Wood is a porous and absorbent material. Basswood, a type of wood commonly used for carving characters, is highly absorbent, which is why pre-treatment is necessary for wood carving painting.
Some Pre-treatment options for wood:
- Flat plane carving – is a carving method which smooths the surface of your carving
- 220 grit sandpaper – a technique to make your wood surface smooth
- Sanding sealer – seals off the pores of your wood
- Spray sealer – this is to cover any cracks or pores in your carving
- Burnishing – a means of polishing
Simple Steps To Paint A Wood Carving
Now that we know the first part of how to paint and finish a wood carving, we can proceed to painting:
NOTE: Pre-treating wood will allow you to use any paint type. You can use acrylic, water, or oil-based paint.
Step 1 – Apply a coat of thinned linseed oil and mineral spirits. You can let this settle on your wood for a few minutes. After wiping off the excess, you can dry it overnight.
Step 2 – Thin the acrylic paint. You may use other thinners, like a glass cleaner, so that the color flows steadily without affecting the grain of the wood.
Step 3 – Start painting! Don’t be afraid to use bold and beautiful colors.
Step 4 – Dry your carving. It would be best if you allow the colors to settle until it fully dries.
How To Finish A Wood Carving
Options For Finishing A Wood Carving:
1. Tool finish
You can use a very sharp tool to work over the surface and create very clean cuts. These razor-sharp tools will produce shine in some types of hardwood.
2. Power tool sanding
Sanding with your hands can be very tedious. Power tools for sanding are ideal for cleaning more delicate areas and corners of your carving.
3. Brush-on acrylic sealer
These sealers protect your carving and brighten the color as well.
4. Wax finish
This classic method for finishing wood can protect against stains and enhance wood quality.
5. Danish oil
Applying this type of oil produces a satin finish on your wood. It also makes your wood resistant to liquid.
Conclusion
We seal our success in wood carving by knowing how to paint and finish a wood carving well. Now is the time to allow your imagination to flow as you turn your wood carving into your special masterpiece.