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Cottonwood Bark
After sanding lightly, if needed I seal the bark with one coat of either polyurethane or lacquer.
I usually use high gloss for bark carvings. This one coat does a good job for sealing the bark. If I have lots
of bark and large pieces, I usually brush the poly urethane on the bark.
The
Final Finish
To finish the carving I usually use a technique learned from Rex Branson. I use Minwax “Special
Dark” paste wax. This wax comes in a quart can and is hard. Pour a layer of any paint thinner onto the surface
of the wax in the can and scrape wax to work it into the thinner. As wax is emulsified, add more thinner. The
final consistency of a pool on top of the hard paste wax will be like thick pea soup. Use a dedicated old brush to paint
this emulsified “soup” onto the sealed carving. Note: it is also possible to use this material directly
on the painted or unpainted basswood or other wood carving. Allow this coat to stand for approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Now this process is quite odorous so I do advise you to do this out of doors or in an extremely well ventilated area.
It will not completely dry but you can then buff it with a cloth or I even use paper towels and you will also need a relatively
stiff natural bristled brush to buff the material in the cracks and crevasses. Repeat this for 3 or more coats.
I guarantee that you will be most satisfied with the final product. The Special Dark wax gives the carving that antique
look and gives richness and depth to the final carving that no other finish can. The Minwax Special Dark paste wax may
be hard to find but most stores that handle Minwax products should be able to special order it for you. One can goes
very far. It is approximately $10.00 a can.
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