Need suggestions on how to finish this!

[chipper67]

Hello. I finished carving The Risen Christ from Ivan Whillock's pattern. The Christ figure is basswood about 14" tall. The cross is butternut. I plan on finishing the cross with a 50/50 mixture of boiled linseed oil and Watco danish oil and then final seal it with either Krylon matte finish spray, Deft satin spray or brush on a polyurethane. I'm just looking for some suggestions or opinions on how to finish the Christ figure. I do not want to paint it. I did a sample piece of basswood dipped in the Blo/danish oil mixture and it is way too yellow looking. I am after a natural look as I feel it will look nice against the darkened butternut cross. Should I just brush on some poly or spray some Deft laquer? Should I use a satin or semi-gloss finish? Is there some other product I should dip/brush on first and then final seal? Or, do you think it would look better with a bit of a stain look to it?

You can see some pictures of it at http://www.picturetrail.com/chipper67

I plan on donating this to our children's Sacred Heart School annual Gala fundraising auction which is April 19th.

Any and all opinions appreciated.

Thanks,

Chipper67

[Aliciana]

Chipper
there were some good suggestions on the other board,
I still believe in Waterborne poly for your job ,it is the ONLY thing not turning it yellow.
it is beautiful and I can see that you do not want it yellow I post under "Alice in Wonderland " there.
Watco Oil, all those finishes have some Linseed oil in so be carful not to add to much, I also leave it on for 30 minutes and then wipe it off, if left on B.L.O.sometimes almost becomes a finish.,
I make my own Danish oil by mixing part lindseedoil ( B.L.O.) part varnish or poly, part mineral spirit.
it would look just pefect if you leave the Christ plain against the Butternut ,I may stain the cross a little .
try it on a piece first.
Aliciana

[chipper67]

Aliciana,

Thanks for replying here too. Yes, I plan on testing a piece of basswood with the Waterborne poly. I'll try and post a picture when I get it all done.

Chipper67