CARVING AFTERCARE
Here are some top tips to keep your wood sculptures looking their best
Moveable Sculptures
Soak up the sun, but beware! It speeds up the drying process, leading to more cracks in your carving. No worries. My top tip? Give your masterpiece a vacation in a cozy, shaded spot. This slows down the drying game, letting your carving get comfy in its new digs. And guess what? This is the secret sauce to preventing those pesky cracks and checks in your wood
Remember, your masterpiece started life as a humble tree, soaking up the sun and rain. Since I carve green wood, it is still a bit damp and needs time to adjust to its new, indoor /outdoor. life. If you plop it in the sun or near a cozy fireplace, you're speeding up the drying process, which can lead to those pesky cracks. These cracks might open and close like a book, depending on the weather and the season. But hey, that's all part of the magic of carving a log into a work of art, right.
*PLEASE NOTE*
Here's a crucial tip for you! Make sure your carving has space to breathe. Place it on pavers, bricks, furniture pads or anything that lets air flow beneath it. Why, you ask? Well, your carving is a bit of a moisture magnet, especially on its bottom side. If it's set directly on dirt, concrete, or any other surface, it'll keep on soaking up moisture, which can lead to rot. But give it a bit of space, take care of it, and your carving could last a lifetime!
If moisture is unable to leave your carving, you may see some fungus/mold appear. It can easily be brushed off with a nylon brush and vinegar or bleach. This is a sign that proper airflow is not ensured beneath your carving and moisture is trapped within the wood.
Wood Sealer & Maintenance
All Sculptures
Lets keep your masterpieces in top-notch condition! Give your carving a fresh coat of wood sealer every 6-12 months, or whenever it needs a little TLC and don’t forget the underside too.
If you notice changes in your carvings, it may be time to seal your carving. I seal my carvings with 3 coats of flood penetrating wood sealer unless otherwise stated. You can apply spar-urethane on top of the paint as needed.
Remember, wood is a wild card. It can develop cracks or changes that we can't always predict. But don't worry, I always follow the highest standards when it comes to sealing and preserving carvings. So, keep an eye on your carvings and give them the care they deserve!