[Woodcarver] Re: Carving with Sumac

[Vic & Cynthia Hamburger]

> "Ralph Scheffler" wrote

> 

> Has anyone on the list carved with Sumac wood from Canada?  - what would 

 > be the preferred finish to put on this

> wood to keep the grain showing through?  Will a stain make it too dark 

> in appearance?


Hi Ralph,

For a finish, I would try getting a smallish piece of the same wood, cut 
some curvey lines and facets on it, and try a very light stain.  IF it 
is porous, you may want to seal the wood first with a wash of shellac, 
thinned about 1/2 with alcohol.  That will seal the wood somewhat and 
allow you to add stain and wipe off most of it before it gets too dark.

Use several light coats of stain rather than one dark one, it is more 
comtrolable.  And once you like what you did, record your results so you 
can do it again another time!

Best wishes,	Vic H