Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings brought to you by Clark the Carver are works of art that you will want to enjoy for years to come. After Clark created you an amazing gift that you fell in love with, and once it’s in your hands, it’s up to you to make it last. With the arrival of winter you might want to consider what the cold can do to your beloved carving. One of the common damages to expect is splitting or cracking of the wood. Now you don’t need to fear the moment you claim your prize that these damages will occur. Cracking and splitting occurs over time, especially as the wood dries out. You best defense for your wooden treasure is prevention. Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings share a few tips you may want to try this winter to prevent future damage.
Sealing & Treating Chainsaw Carvings & Wood Sculptures
Preventive maintenance comes after the carvings are first complete. Our carvings are sealed and treated. On the rare occasion you requested a carving with no paint, stain or some kind of sealer for your own customization, seal your work of art as quickly as you can. If you want to be thorough, you can add a clear coat of spar urethane or varathane, depending on whether you are displaying the carving outside or inside your home.
Wood High Moisture Content Can Lead to Cracking & Spitting
Even though Clark the Carver utilizes relief cuts in his sculptures, all woods will continue to breathe and release the moisture inside the wood. As the moisture is released, this will dry out the wood and create cracks and splits. If you are displaying your carving outside it is best to keep the carving on either gravel or stone. A good tip is to keep your carving off the ground or slightly elevated and off any surface that will allow the moisture to be drawn out of the bottom of the carving. You may want to consider bringing in your carving from the outside or covering it to prevent it from drying out. You can use a flat stone or even a furniture pad underneath the carving to prevent the moisture from being released out the bottom. Keeping the carving elevated from off the ground or floor allows better air flow. If you store the piece inside, avoid warm places. Some may like having a handmade wood carving next to their fire place, giving their home a rustic look. However this may cause the wood to split and crack faster due to the constant heat from the fire. When you build a roaring fire to help keep you warm in the winter, you should relocate your carving away from the heat.
Application of Wood Oil & Sealer to Your Chainsaw Carvings
Over time, your carving will begin to stabilize the moisture and the cracks will be less of a problem. If you have a wood carving outdoors, it is strongly suggested to reseal with spar varnish once a year, or every 2 to 3 years depending on the weather conditions. Before you reseal your carving, do a good wood oil treatment first to put moisture back in if it looks dried out. Resealing doesn’t hurt your wood carving, and only helps to make it have a clean shiny surface and help prevent cracks and splits. However, make sure your carving is cleaned before you reseal or you take the chances of trapping the dirt with it. Also creating a breathable surface is equally important. Avoid placing the carving directly on soil or grass. All the sealers in the world won’t stop rotting and mildew build-up.
Custom Chainsaw Carvings Made in Las Vegas, Nevada & Helena, Montana
Having a custom carving from Clark the Carver, Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings is a great gift and a great way to add to the personality of your home or business. Protecting the carving is important and comes with regular maintenance. We hope to help you keep your wooden treasures like new for years to come. For all your wood carving needs, Carve Me a Bear! Chainsaw Carvings is here. Contact us to learn more today!
