Painting Carvings

[cblue]

Hello everyone. New guy here. I just completed a Shelf Elf and I must say for a novice carver it turned out pretty well. Was wondering what type of paint to use and your favorite sources for these supplies.

[Claude]

One of the easiest paints to use is the acrylic paint sold at most craft stores. There are several brands, but Ceramcoat is the one that pops into mind - personally, I think they're all about the same. Many colors to choose from, so you don't have to do much color-mixing if you don't want to. I usually dilute my paint with water, say five drops water to one of paint for the darker colors, and two drops of water to one of paint for the lighter colors. If the color isn't intense enough, another coat a half hour later will usually take care of that. Ceramcoat also makes a water-based varnish, in both satin and gloss finish, to use, as well. Cleanup is easy. The primary reason I dilute the colors is because I prefer the paint to be a wash coat, not a solid opaque color - I like the wood grain to show through. Choice is up to you though, depending on how you like it. I also usually put a coat of Minwax oil-based sealer on the carving first - let it dry for a week, then paint. The acrylics will soak instantly into the wood if it hasn't been sealed.

Many carvers prefer to use artist's oil-based paints. You can get some wonderful effects with these, since they don't dry almost instantly - they're easier to blend the transition from one color to another so it looks natural and not like a paint-by-numbers.

I've now told you twice as much as I know, so I'll quit with one final bit of advice: use one of the scrap pieces of wood you have laying around and try the paints on the scrap first, then put on your carving if you like the look.

Claude

[hi ho sliver]

I use the acrylics at wallyworld, they are pretty cheap and do as well as any I think.. I coat them with spray Deft when done.

[cblue]

Thank you! That's great information. I also like the transparent look on carvings.

[watercarving]

I use the acrylics from wallyworld as well. I do water them down some, spray the carving with Deft and then antique the carving to take the shine off.

[Nadsworld]

One last comment.If you do a commission and paint it. Use stock paints, Record them. Should the carving be damaged, it is much easier to match colors when you are doing the repairs..I am doing a BiCentennial Santa ,and the paints are all recorded, and even a color patch is included. If you antique, be sure and specify the stain..A repair may have to be made 10/20 years in the future, and you will make life much easier for that carver...I used to use oil paints for half and full size carousel horses years ago.There are bits and pieces for one scattered about in the garage..After 15 or so years, it is either time to finish it or get rid of it,..Both the oil paints and the drop in the carousel market finished that adventure..I would be very interested in learning about Quick drying oils paints.. Will ask some of the painters in the area.Claude, thanks for the tip , cordially Nad