A wood sealer is a finishing product applied as a protective top layer to safeguard your wood carving or other wooden projects from the potentially harmful impacts of various environmental factors. Elements like intense UV rays, changes in humidity, rain, and more can all have adverse effects on your wood carvings. A sealer serves the purpose of safeguarding the wood by creating a barrier that prevents these elements from infiltrating.
Sealing wood carvings offers advantages for all types of carvings, whether they are placed indoors or outdoors. If you're looking to learn how to seal a wood carving, you've come to the right place. In this article, I'll outline different types of wood sealers and provide guidance on how to apply them effectively to protect your wood carvings.
Varieties of Wood Sealants for Utilization
1. Beeswax
Wax serves as the least protective wood coating and sealer. When it comes to sealing wood carvings with wax, options like beeswax paste or furniture wax can be employed. Not only are they straightforward to apply, but wax won't alter the wood carving's natural color.
To apply wax, take a piece of cloth and gently spread the paste wax onto your wood carving. Allow it to dry for approximately 20 minutes, then remove any excess while also achieving a higher sheen through polishing if desired.
Wax is a suitable sealer for many indoor wood carvings with minimal contact. Nevertheless, wood carvings sealed with wax tend to attract dust and can lose their luster over time. Fortunately, a quick wipe with mineral oil followed by buffing should rejuvenate your carving's appearance.
2. Oiling for Wood
Various types of wood and their respective sealing capabilities exist, with oils offering slightly better protection compared to wax.
Among wood carvers, boiled linseed oil (BLO) is a well-loved choice due to its heightened protection and faster drying and curing times, as opposed to raw linseed oil.
Tung oil is another oil commonly used for finishing and sealing wood carvings. It's noteworthy for being food-safe and typically free from additional solvents. The curing time can range from 15 to 30 days, depending on various factors.
Danish oil, a combination of different oils and solvents, offers advantages like quicker drying and enhanced penetration. One popular choice is Watco Natural Danish oil.
Beyond these three oils, several other options are available for sealing your wood carvings. A comprehensive guide and review of the best oils for wood carvings is provided for your reference.
3. Poly Finish
Polyurethane, upon complete drying, creates a robust and shield-like plastic layer. It ranks as the most long-lasting wood finish that can be relied upon to seal and safeguard your wood carvings. In addition to its exceptional durability as a finish and sealer, polyurethane is transparent and won't alter the natural color of your wood carving.
Opting for a water-based polyurethane is advisable if you prefer a clear top coat for your wood carvings. While oil-based polyurethane offers slightly greater durability, it may impart a mild yellowish tint to your wood carvings over time. Water-based polyurethane is also a preferable choice because it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and possesses a minimal odor.
4. Protective Spar Varnishes
When it comes to sealing your outdoor wood carvings, including chainsaw creations, I rely on spar varnishes. Spar varnish is a type of varnish that has been enhanced with extra oil and UV additives, designed to provide superior protection against external elements. If your wood carving will be exposed to intense UV rays, heavy rainfall, and other environmental factors, spar varnish is your top choice.
In addition to delivering a robust protective seal, spar varnishes also allow your wood carvings to adapt to variations in temperature and humidity. This ensures that your wood carvings can undergo these changes without developing cracks or splits, as the wood retains its flexibility.
5. Apply Paint
Applying paint to a wood carving is an alternative method to establish a protective seal. Nevertheless, it's important to opt for acrylic or latex paints instead of watercolors, which can be absorbed by the wood. Acrylic or latex paints not only add color to your wood carvings but also create a topcoat that shields against elements like intense UV rays, rain, and moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sealing a Wood Carving
Step 1 – Select Your Wood Sealant
Prior to sealing your wood carving, the initial step involves the selection of the appropriate sealant. As discussed earlier, there are various options for wood sealers. However, the choice of sealant depends on several factors, including the intended location of the wood carving and desired finishing characteristics.
For indoor wood carvings, wax paste sealant is typically sufficient to offer the necessary protection. Wood oil sealers, such as linseed oil, also prove effective for indoor applications. On the other hand, if your wood carving is situated outdoors, it's advisable to opt for a more robust sealer like polyurethane or spar urethane, which can provide enhanced protection against challenging outdoor weather conditions.
Step 2 – Get the Carving Ready for Sealing
Once you've made your selection regarding the wood sealer, the next step involves preparing the wood carving, which can vary based on your preferences and specific requirements. For instance, if you're working on an outdoor wood carving, you might begin by adding color through painting to bring it to life, and then follow up with sealing using spar urethane.
The preparation process may also include sanding and smoothing certain carvings to achieve a consistent and polished finish. Employing fine-grit sandpaper, such as #150-grit, works well for achieving a smooth surface. For sanding intricate details, wood rifflers or needle files can be used.
In cases where you plan to paint your wood carving with acrylic paints, it's essential to apply a primer to the wood carving's surface to ensure proper paint adherence. However, some paints, like latex paints, may not necessitate a primer and can be directly applied without issues.
Step 3 – Administer Your Chosen Wood Sealant
The application method for your chosen sealer varies depending on the type of sealer you opt for.
For paste wax, use a cloth to rub the wax onto the wood carving, striving to remove excess wax. Afterward, allow it to dry for approximately 20 minutes and continue to eliminate any surplus wax while buffing to achieve your desired sheen.
When working with oils, apply an ample amount to the wood carving, permitting it to soak in for several minutes to ensure thorough penetration. After this, wipe away any excess and allow it to dry, considering the specific oil used.
Polyurethane and spar urethane require multiple coats applied with a brush. After the initial coat, allow it to dry for approximately 24-48 hours, then lightly sand the coat before applying a second one. You can repeat this process for additional coats or stop when you're satisfied with the results.
For painting, ensure the primer is entirely dry before using a brush to apply paint to your wood carving. A larger brush is suitable for larger wood carvings, but if you plan to add finer details, acquiring a set of smaller brushes is advisable.
Step 4 – Periodically Re-Seal as Needed
The process doesn't conclude when you finish sealing your wood carving, especially if it's exposed to the elements outdoors. Periodically, you'll need to reseal your wood carving and conduct repairs to ensure that the sealer continues to shield your wood carving from potential damage caused by various factors.
I cannot specify a particular timeframe for resealing your wood carving. Instead, it's essential to assess the carving's condition and reapply the sealer as needed.
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