Hi Pete, There are a lot of theories on how to preserve a chainsaw carving along with a lot of variables. When I’m finished carving I try to seal them up to slow down the moisture loss to give them a slow drying time. There are other things to think about as you progress with your chainsaw carving endeavors, but the important part is to just go and do it and be safe!Have Fun,Bob.
Putting a little thought into where and how it’s displayed can help your carving to last years longer. Rain is not much of a problem for a properly sealed carving. If your carving isn’t shiney and you’d like it to be, paint on the gloss spar varnish right over the satin.
Keep your carving slightly elevated off any surface to allow moisture out through the base. You can do this by placing flat stones or furniture pads under the carving. Basswood blanks can be found easily, most carving suppliers offer them.
All projects are carved from different pieces of wood which means each will react differently over time. Annually, you can apply more sealant to the carving – a wood stain clear coat. Some stores carry a variety of colored wood fillers but glue should be used to fill the crack first to aid with holding the wood together as fillers often don’t bond well, they just fill.
how to seal chainsaw carvings Related Question:
How do I stop my chainsaw carving from cracking?
Placing the sculpture under some plastic sheeting (though not completely sealed in) can have the same effect. It will also reduce the rate of moisture loss and therefore the cracking. Using sealers, drying oils, varnish etc. to coat the carving can help a lot in forcing it to dry slowly.
How do you seal painted wood carvings?
Sealing Before a Paint Wash A light sealer, such as Jo Sonja’s clear glaze medium, helps prevent thin washes of paint or stain from blotching. The glaze seals the wood slightly and allows the wood to absorb the stain or wash evenly. Apply the clear glaze to a piece of scrap wood and allow it to dry.
How do you protect outdoor wood carving?
If your carvings are placed outside, it is highly recommend that you coat it once a year with a good Spar varnish (ie. Helmsman, or other outdoor spar) to make it last for years to come. You may find that the clear coat will not need re-coating so often but it is good to maintain it anyway at least once ever 2-3 years.
How long do tree carvings last?
Wood carvings can last anywhere between a few decades to several lifetimes or more depending on how they were treated and where they are stored. They can easily last several decades outside if out of direct sunlight and are regularly treated and sealed. They can last almost indefinitely indoors and the wood sealed.
Will linseed oil stop wood from cracking?
Boiled linseed oil will keep the wood from splitting and cracking. It works as a guard seal. The workability is also high and easy to apply. I highly recommend applying boiled linseed oil to your loving woodwork especially if you’re a beginner in woodworking, because of its easiness.
What oil do you use for wood carvings?
One of the most commonly used methods for caring for wood carvings is through the application of mineral oil as a sealant and stain. With the proper type of mineral oil and correct application methods, caring for your wood carvings is an easy process, and one that only needs to be performed once or twice a year.
What is the best wood for chainsaw carving?
Softwoods work best with chainsaws and carvings because of way they yield to creative impulses with little kickback, though their knots can be tricky to maneuver at times. Softwood give a fantastic finished product. Some of the woods that fall into this category are Pine, Cottonwood, Redwood and Ponderosa.
How do you finish wood after carving?
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.
Do you need sanding sealer?
Michael Dresdner: “Sanding sealer is never mandatory. It is an option that saves time and material in some situations, and is unnecessary in others. Some woods, like cedar, spruce, and poplar, are so porous that they tend to suck up the first few coats of sprayed lacquer as if nothing were applied.
How long does a chainsaw carving last?
If the chainsaw carving is well preserved it will last anywhere between 50-150 years depending on the conditions that it is kept in and the type of the carving.
How much do chainsaw carvers make?
The salaries of Wood Carvers in the US range from $18,800 to $50,720 , with a median salary of $28,990 . The middle 50% of Wood Carvers makes between $28,990 and $29,630, with the top 83% making $50,720.
Does carving a tree harm it?
Depending on how deep the cut is, it may disrupt the cells below the bark, phloem and xylem, that are responsible for transporting water, sugar, and other nutrients throughout the tree. In extreme cases, carving or other bark damage can cause the tree to starve to death due to this cellular disruption.
Is it better to oil or varnish wood?
Varnishes offer increased durability and require less maintenance than oils, however it is more than likely need to re-sand the entire floor when it does eventually gets damaged and worn. The life of a varnish is typically between 5-10 years.
Will epoxy stop wood from splitting?
Fill Large Cracks with Epoxy Resin. When a large crack mars the surface of your workpiece, epoxy resin can fill the gap while preventing the crack from getting larger. Not only does it work as a filler, epoxy resin is also an adhesive, so it will hold the sides of the crack together and prevent further damage.
What is Danish oil?
Danish oil is typically made from blends of Linseed oil and/or Tung oil, mineral spirits, synthetic resins and varnish to make it durable and easy to work with. Rustins Danish oil however is considered to be the ‘original’ formula.