Wood with Character - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Northstar · 06-10-2009, 09:11 PM

Hello Everyone,

I am in the process of refinishing an old outdoor glider. I think that the wood I removed has real "character". It is really weathered and has moss growing on it. I thought, "Wow, that would make some great picture frames".

Now my questions. How can I preserve the wood and keep the moss from falling off? Some of it is pretty delicate. I thought of Mod Podge. Do you think that would work? I'd have to cut rabbets on the back and would like to stabilize the moss before I start.

Any suggestions you have is appreciated.

El

Scrolling Days · 06-11-2009, 12:22 AM

I imagine once the wood is brought in and no longer exposed to moisture and sun, the moss would die, brown up and dry. I've seen moss sold in craft stores (to use on railroad scenery, etc) which is still green, but I'm not sure what's done to it to preserve that.

miniwoodworker · 06-11-2009, 09:24 AM

Is it green moss or a grey lichen (sp?). If green, I agree with Shawn, it isn't likely to keep its current appearance. If it's lichen, you'll have a better chance of it staying grey.

How are you going to cut the rabbets? If using a table saw, that shouldn't be a big problem. If using a hand held router, you'll definitely need some type of cushion -- non slip shelf liner comes to mind.

If you have some scrap, try spraying with matte polyurethane. Hit the surface from all angles to get into the nooks and crannies. Several light coats. When cured, that'll act like an adhesive to some extent.

Hope this helps a bit. Let us know how it turns out. I love pieces with "wood with character".

Northstar · 06-11-2009, 03:21 PM

Thanks for your responses, guys,

The moss is green. I brought the wood indoors, so I'll see what happens in a week or two. I'm going to experiment with some of it to see what happens when I do this or that with it.

I think I'll start by letting it dry and then put a coat or two of clear sealer on it.

My plan was/is to cut the rabbets with a table saw.

I think either way, I'll make some picture frames with it. I'll just make sure it is dry before I do.

I'll keep you posted if that is okay.

Thanks for you help.

El

Haggard3230 · 06-12-2009, 01:22 AM

Good luck with it and make sure to wear your mask.

06-10-2009, 09:11 PM	#1
Northstar Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Park Falls, WI Posts: 69	Wood with Character Hello Everyone, I am in the process of refinishing an old outdoor glider. I think that the wood I removed has real "character". It is really weathered and has moss growing on it. I thought, "Wow, that would make some great picture frames". Now my questions. How can I preserve the wood and keep the moss from falling off? Some of it is pretty delicate. I thought of Mod Podge. Do you think that would work? I'd have to cut rabbets on the back and would like to stabilize the moss before I start. Any suggestions you have is appreciated. El __________________ That's not rain, it's liquid sunshine.

06-11-2009, 12:22 AM	#2
Scrolling Days Jigsaw Puzzle Maker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Along the Lower Niagara River Posts: 1,562 Blog Entries: 5	I imagine once the wood is brought in and no longer exposed to moisture and sun, the moss would die, brown up and dry. I've seen moss sold in craft stores (to use on railroad scenery, etc) which is still green, but I'm not sure what's done to it to preserve that. __________________ Shawn Ferguson Come visit at The Ferguson Puzzle Company !

06-11-2009, 09:24 AM	#3
miniwoodworker Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 496	Is it green moss or a grey lichen (sp?). If green, I agree with Shawn, it isn't likely to keep its current appearance. If it's lichen, you'll have a better chance of it staying grey. How are you going to cut the rabbets? If using a table saw, that shouldn't be a big problem. If using a hand held router, you'll definitely need some type of cushion -- non slip shelf liner comes to mind. If you have some scrap, try spraying with matte polyurethane. Hit the surface from all angles to get into the nooks and crannies. Several light coats. When cured, that'll act like an adhesive to some extent. Hope this helps a bit. Let us know how it turns out. I love pieces with "wood with character". __________________ Lee in NC Als Ik Kan DW788 1975 Dremel (labeled Craftsman) Scroll saw w/3" pin blades

06-11-2009, 03:21 PM	#4
Northstar Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Park Falls, WI Posts: 69	Thanks for your responses, guys, The moss is green. I brought the wood indoors, so I'll see what happens in a week or two. I'm going to experiment with some of it to see what happens when I do this or that with it. I think I'll start by letting it dry and then put a coat or two of clear sealer on it. My plan was/is to cut the rabbets with a table saw. I think either way, I'll make some picture frames with it. I'll just make sure it is dry before I do. I'll keep you posted if that is okay. Thanks for you help. El __________________ That's not rain, it's liquid sunshine.

06-12-2009, 01:22 AM	#5
Haggard3230 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Riverton, KS on Route 66 Posts: 3,561	Good luck with it and make sure to wear your mask. __________________ Merle SSG US Army Retired. merlehobbs@yahoo.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode