How to stop model wood ships from drying out and cracking?

Yip33085811
by Yip33085811
I inherited 9 model wooden ships that my dad spent hundreds of hours making. I had them moved from Coastal GA (hot and humid) Central AZ (Dry and colder). The wood seems to be drying out and starting to crack! I was told to use turtle wax, but too many horror stories. It’s very difficult to put a wax on and then rub or buff it off as there are many small and tight areas & everything is very delicate! Once I fix this then they’re going into glass cabinets! Also, sny suggestions how to best maintain them?
  4 answers
  • Karen Brunck Karen Brunck on Apr 03, 2018

    You can use a humidifier in the room where you'll be keeping them. Scott's Liquid Gold furniture polish using q-tips will help to moisturize the wood without the wax build up.

    • Yip33085811 Yip33085811 on Apr 03, 2018

      A few have plexiglass covers but they’re still drying out. And one cover got cracked during the move. I’m running my humidifier and an ionizer to try to keep them from drying up too bad or getting too much dust. Getting my built ins converted to glass isn’t going to

      happen overnight. I may have a humidifier put onto my furnice - cheaper and no cleaning filters constantly! Thanx for your help!

  • Emily Emily on Apr 03, 2018

    It sounds like you have the best answer to keep them under glass. Although my husband who makes many half hull models, once made a kit model of one of Columbus' ships (forget which one) he made a case out of plexiglass for that.

    • See 1 previous
    • Yip33085811 Yip33085811 on Apr 03, 2018

      I was trying to say that I’m running a humidifier and an ionizer! Auto-correct blunder!

  • Kac32568501 Kac32568501 on Apr 03, 2018

    Your ship is stunning! And to have 9 of them... Before I put anything on these beauties I would contact one of the many model ship sites to ask for advice. They may have a product made specifically for your needs. Your dad was a very talented man - enjoy your inheritance!

  • Liz25425758 Liz25425758 on Apr 03, 2018

    Explore using coconut oil! I used some on an antique wooden dry sink and an outside wooden swing and the results were outstanding.


    • Yip33085811 Yip33085811 on Apr 03, 2018

      Thanks! I am going to try each suggestion in an out if the way spot and see shattered works best. I’m scared that I’ll ruin them But doing nothing is not an option