What is the best sealant to use for preserving woodcarvings.

Pat Long
by Pat Long
I chainsaw carve , it a hobby i picked up this past year. I believe I am getting pretty good at it. I am looking for a sealant to preserve my work for many years.
  14 answers
  • Sharon Sharon on Sep 10, 2017

    Since they are going to be outside, use marine epoxy.

  • William William on Sep 10, 2017

    You are good!!! Use a marine grade varnish/polyurethane whether they will be inside or out.

  • I have nothing to add, but so admire your craft! Love these and you certainly have the hang of it! Look into selling at local craft fairs - these always do well. 😍

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Sep 11, 2017

    First check with a hardware store, then go to Homedepot or Lowe's, and go the seasonal dept. Where they have lawn ornaments. See if you can find a wind mill or a single statue of a girl or animal. Then ask if they know what they used on the wood for a finish. This could be helpful, and you should experiment with say 3 small cans of different sealers on some scrap wood you have. See what you like and return the other 2. Good Luck. I admire you skill, it takes a lot of work.

  • Ida Ida on Sep 11, 2017

    Could this sealant be used on bird houses?

  • Bill Bill on Sep 11, 2017

    I use a mix of beeswax and mineral oil. (oil is 97 cents a pint at Walmart, used as a laxative)

    I have a old crock pot and mix it in different proportions.

    for outdoor things, i use less wax.

    this mix allows the wood to transpire, and protects it well, my counters bead water and don't stain.

    Totally non-toxic!! It does not support bacterial growth. As with most finishes, it will darken the wood.

    I us on bird houses, benches, butcher block, and tool handles.

    • Cathy Southerland Cathy Southerland on Sep 14, 2017

      Love it! My dad worked at Hearst Castle in charge of caring for its antiques. on wood he used a 50/50 mix of linseed oil and turpentine. It does wonders for wood! Not sure about outside but he used it!

  • Pat Long Pat Long on Sep 11, 2017

    Love the counter top. How often do you have to oil it?


  • Pat Long Pat Long on Sep 11, 2017

    Thanks

  • Pat Long Pat Long on Sep 13, 2017

    Thank You.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Sep 13, 2017

    Love your carvings! They're beautiful!

  • Babette Babette on Sep 14, 2017

    I would use a matte or satin finish deck sealer. Especially if the piece will be outside! Love the carvings, very nice work.

  • SusieQ SusieQ on Sep 14, 2017

    There is a product that will keep wood sealed and keep it from cracking but I don't know the name of it.

  • Jan Gair Jan Gair on Sep 17, 2017

    You are very talented. Love your Carvings.


    • Pat Long Pat Long on Sep 17, 2017

      Thank You, I am still working on the Southwest piece, it is coming along.




  • BeeZee BeeZee on Apr 19, 2022

    Great work!