[Woodcarver] Cottonwood Bark Finishing question

[Alex Bisso]

I have a question abut finishing a cottonwood bark carving that I would like
to get some input on.  The piece I am working on is fairly delicate and the
bark is soft.  Although I am thinking of adding a little color wash in some
places, I want to first apply a heavy spray of Deft.  I like the deft and
think that when applied as an initial coat it tends to penetrate into the
bark and do a good job of binding and strengthening it.  In my mind probably
better than a gel or tungoil varnish.  (Is that a reasonable contention?).
I want a very light wash of color and have not been to please the way
watered down acrylics work for this.  I know it is OK to apply a gel or
tungoil varnish to the bark and then use it as a medium for artist oil
paints to add some color - but is it OK to do this after an initial coat of
Deft (somehow I think not).  In addition to in spray cans, the Deft comes as
a liquid in a can and I am wondering if I can use that as a medium to add a
little color with artist oil paints.  Has anyone tried that?  If those are
bad ideas, what is a good way to strengthen soft bark and then apply a very
light was of color in some places?

Thanks in advance for any ideas shared.

ALEX

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