What finish is best?

[Gaia]

I've finally finished my first portrait (my two brothers) as a gift to my parents.

I cut it out of oak ply, it is 9x13. What do you think the best finish would be for it? Since I've never tried a protrait, and very little fretwork, I really have no clue.

I plan on a black backer board for it and plan to frame it.

Thanks for any/all thought on the subject.

Bobbi

Sorry, posted on the wrong board....getting old and senile I guess.

[Fremmed]

My preferences are for Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) first choice, or Watco Danish Oil Natural.

[Gaia]

Thanks Kevin,

I've seen people mention BLO but have never used it myself. What is the best way to apply it to a portrait? Brush on/wipe off or do you dip it?

Sorry, I really am clueless about it and since my Dad is the one who got me started on scrolling, I really want to try to make this the best possible. (and since it is a surprise, I can't go ask him...)

Thanks again,

Bobbi

[R.Edwards]

Bobbi,
Watco Danish oil natural makes a nice finish and is easy to apply. Just take your wood and liberally brush/splash on being liberal enough to get the oil down into the cuts. If you have a large shallow pan you can even dip the portrait. Let the oil soak in for a few minutes then let the excess drip off. After about an hour, wipe off any wet spots. Let this set overnight and repeat the process. Let the piece cure for a couple of days before putting in a frame.
Good Luck,
Ralph

[Steviegwood]

Hi Bobbi, I use a spray lacquer on my portraits using several light coats until I get the desired finish. You can get it in a matte finish or high gloss. Steve

[Fremmed]

I like the Watco if I need to get the finish done quickly. To me, if I have extra time, the BLO is my choice. The Watco thickens faster meaning I need to stick around waiting for it to wipe down. With BLO, it takes longer to cure. I can wait up to a couple of hours before I wipe it, depending on how warm the weather is. Just be careful and let the rags air dry before throwing them out. Wet rag can spontaneously combust. You don't want that!

[Jediscroller]

I do what Steve does for portraits. I prefer spraying the finish on. I typically use Deft Semi-gloss spray lacquer.

[workin for wood]

My thoughts are that finishing first place is best. Far as finish top coats go, I don't think anything is better than anything else, it just depends what it's for and what you want it to look like.

[Gaia]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I think I will have to us a spray lacquer. I would like to get this completed by Sunday if possible and it doesn't sound like I will be able to have it cured and framed if I use the BLO or the Danish Oil.

all again.

Bobbi

[minowevie]

Bobbi, I like Deft spray on also. what I love about it. is if, you are like me, and wont to get into those tiny places, and get hevy on the spraying, Deft. seams to smooth itself out. not running like alot of lackers. it also drys like a oil look. I think. on some things, I like a high gloss finish, but the Deft simmi gloss look pretty nice but not so shiny. if you wont it shiny, their is a prosses. but I have'nt used it yet. I think Jeff knows. like put a highgloss on first. then a simie or something, I just get the simie gloss. love the look, and it drys pretty fast. if you do get any runs. wipe it with your fingure while wet or wait till it drys, and, just sand it alittle, and spray again. works for me. you would wont to do this treatment first befor mounting on you felt. I just hang my piece on a wire hook. hanging from a string, or what ever. and spray away. or lay it flat on a bed of nails or something to hold it up. I like hanging it myself. that way you can get to both sides. and really get the Deft in the frets. watching for runs. hope this helps. your friend Evie
Ps. you can get Deft at wallmart.