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When we have completed our first carving, it is sanded and several coats of lacquer are added to bring out the beauty of the wood. As we broaden our carving skills, we may want to add color to the project. Most of us will use acrylic paint for this job. Acrylic paint is a combination of pigment and binder. Pigment added is the same for oil, watercolor and polymer resin (plastic).
Because acrylic paint is water based, it can be diluted with water or any number of mediums. These mediums can retard the drying of the paint to allow a longer working time. They can also make the paint appear glossier or have a matte finish. One thing you can't do with acrylic paint is to mix it with oil or watercolor paints. When drying, the acrylic will shrink and darken.
Before painting a carving project, make sure you seal the carving. Sanding sealer, either sprayed or brushed on, is an ideal product. Gesso is used as a primer after sealing. Don't apply too thick as the gesso may crack. When painting is complete, make sure the paint is completely dry. This takes a few days or you can use a blow dryer. After drying, the paint cannot be removed. It is plastic after all. You can use varnish as a final protective coat.
As you are painting, keep the brushes in water until you are ready to clean them. To make cleaning easier, dampen the brush before dipping in the paint. Rinse frequently to keep the paint from getting too tacky. Clean with soap and water.
Finally, when painting your carving, consider using the paint as a wash, mixing with water being up to 70% of the mix. The washes dry in layers, giving the paint a dimensional quality. This method will enhance the wood. Using the paint directly from the bottle will make the carving look like plastic. You must decide how you want your carving to look.
North Florida Fair, Tallahassee, Nov. 2- 12. Go to website: www.northfloridafair.com. In the menu go to Exhibitors. We compete in Dept. 610- Open Fine Arts & Crafts-click. We are in Class 6 - Sculpture. There are two groups Amateur and Professional. If you sell your carvings you are a professional. Look for the button to reach the general entry form and download. Entries must be delivered Oct. 27 from 11 to 7, or Oct. 28 from 10-5 to Bldg. #2 at the Fair Grounds. Pick up is Nov. 13 from 10 to 6. Ribbons and cash prizes. It's a mix of different crafts. When members enter, we are definitely winners.
Pensacola Interstate Fair, Pensacola, Oct. 18 to 29. Website: www.pensacolafair.com. A copy of the information and entry form can be obtained from Mike. Several members show every year and have a Best of Show and lots of blue and red ribbon to show for it. One member will deliver all our entries due on Oct. 17 or 18. Bring your carvings, carefully labeled and packed with entry form to our meeting on Oct. 9 or 16. Another member will retrieve the carvings and all ribbons on Oct. 30 and bring to the club meeting on Oct. 31. There are 59 awards available in 19 categories-this is a real wood carving competition. We will have a club banner on display during the competition. This is a good show in which we are extremely competitive. Pick out your best carvings done in the last year and enter. If you want to see the show it is in Bldg. 2 at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds not very far off I-10.
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