How to preserve wood carvings – Alternative methods

Using Paint

Paint is often overlooked as a finish. Many people will look at paint as only decorative but paint is actually one of the best protection against UV ray blocking.

Some paints have special elements that make them water-resistant and therefore can offer protection from moisture.

Paints are however not so good at offering the latter but adding an extra coat of poly locks in the paint offers better moisture damage protection.

Applying Oil Finish

Oil Finish is an easy way to keep your wooden carvings from splitting. Oil polishes can be messy, but they also make your carvings look great by bringing out the natural grain of your wood. Be sure to rub down carvings with a soft cloth after applying polish.

If you want to go a step further, use furniture wax, which will seal in the polish and make future clean-ups easier. You should reapply every few months or so depending on how often you use your carving. An alternative option is using conditioner spray, which you can easily find at any local hardware store.

Oil finishes are not as durable as poly therefore they have a maintenance schedule. To protect your wood carvings from splitting, apply a clear coat to them every year. A simple yearly application of quality wood stain or clear coat will increase the life of your piece.

The clear coat helps to protect the carving from damage caused by humidity and other factors. Moreover, a clear coat of polyurethane gives extra protection against moisture.

It’s also essential to store your wood carving properly. Once you’ve finished carving your wood carving, make sure you keep it in a location where it will dry. The best place to put it is somewhere out of the way where it won’t be damaged by the elements.

Applying a coat of lacquer

Applying a coat of lacquer is an easy way to protect your wood carvings from splitting. This thin, protective coating is both inexpensive and readily available in a spray can, so it’s hard to pass up. Just remember that before you start applying coats, you want to make sure that your surface is clean and free from dust.

How to keep wood carvings from splitting – Finishing wood

Wood internal structures vary between sapwood and heartwood. Heartwood is the best wood to use and it loses moisture at a slower pace than sapwood. Heartwood is also more compact and tough than sapwood.

As the wood dries it will create opposing tension between the sapwood and heartwood. if The moisture is lost too quickly the sapwood cells collapse and shrink causing splits in your carving.

so how can you keep wood carving from splitting?

You can prevent a wood carving from splitting by using a sealer. Sealer is generally the first coat of any liquid finish. A sealer penetrates the wood, cures, and stops up the wood pores. The second coat won’t penetrate through the cured first coat. However, the second coat helps protect the first and also gives a smooth surface.

There are many options for sealers. Perhaps the best sealer that will stop wood cracks, checks, and splits is Polyurethane finish!

Polyurethane: Will poly keep wood from cracking?

Polyurethane is quite a popular finish and it’s for good reasons. Polyurethane is the most effective oil finish available in the market.

Poly protects wood from moisture, heat, solvent, and scratch resistance. On top of this polyurethane just as with all varnishes is the easiest finish to apply with a brush.

But can polyurethane keep wood from cracking?

Yes! polyurethane is a film-building finish. Therefore, it forms a coat that seals the wood. This seal prevents the wood from losing and regaining moisture from the air; a process that results in wood splitting.

Once the wood cannot ‘breathe’ There is no internal pressure or tension to cause splits or checks.

The great thing about using poly on your wood as a final coat to prevent wood splitting is it can be incorporated with other finishes without causing havoc. Poly can be applied to stained or painted surfaces. Polyurethane can also be painted on top as long as it is dry.

Poly for Chainsaw carvings and tree stumps

5 Ways to Protect Wood Carvings Outside

In the wood carving finishing article, I covered several reasons why finishing your wood carving is essential. Apart from enhancing their beauty, finishing a wood carving helps protect it from different elements, such as harsh UV rays, changes in temperature and humidity, and much more.

If your wood carving is going to sit outdoors, you must take the necessary steps to ensure you preserve its life. This should help it retain its color and avoid degradation and cracking over time. Below are some methods to protect wood carvings outdoors and how to go about it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid to Prevent Splitting

Wood carving enthusiasts often make mistakes that can lead to splitting. To ensure your wood carvings stay intact, avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Using the wrong type of wood for carving.
2. Cutting against the grain or in the wrong direction.
3. Failing to properly dry the wood before carving or preserving it.
4. Neglecting to seal the carved wood with an oil finish or paint.

To fix cracks in wood carvings, start by assessing the severity of the damage. For small cracks, you can use wood glue to fill and repair them. Apply the glue to both sides of the crack and gently press them together until they are fully closed.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying these products, making sure to smooth out any uneven surfaces. Once your repairs are complete, finish off by sanding, staining, or painting as needed to blend everything together seamlessly.

Sealing Methods for Wood Carvings

Sealing wood carvings is a crucial step in preventing splitting. Applying an oil finish or paint can help seal the pores of the wood and reduce porosity, preventing moisture from entering or exiting the wood.

This reduces the stress concentration and lowers the risk of cracking. It is recommended to apply multiple coats of sealer and regularly reapply it for better efficiency and protection.

By sealing wood carvings with at least two coats, you can ensure that they are well-protected and have a longer lifespan. Additionally, oil finishing the wood carving provides an extra layer of protection by sealing the pores and further guarding against moisture damage.