Lineworker on Basswood blank

[jamieline]

Just finished cutting this pattern on a Basswood blank. Have done this pattern on plaques for lineworkers but thought this would be something to try.
How have others finished basswood blanks? I think it needs a little tint.

[Jimern]

I used those basswood blanks a lot some time ago, I found that unless you first use a coat or two of sanding sealer, they do not take stain real well. Often they turn out blotchy - technical term.. And sometimes they still do after the sanding sealer

I used poly on the live edge too, that held it together better than anything else

[Rolf]

Nice work! Who did the design?

[handibunny]

When I made bowls from basswood and aspen slices, I had a terrible time with blotching, even with super blonde shellac. The blotching was just as apparent on the bowl sides, which were straight grain, as they were on the bottoms, which were end grain. I actually sanded away all the shellac for a fresh start, since the appearance was not acceptable.

My solution was to use shellac on the bark, both the rough outer areas and the darker edges of the faces. This stabilizes the bark, minimizing its tendency to break off in pieces, and heightens the contrast between the dark and light areas. For the light areas, I used several coats of water based poly, which gave a lovely luster and no blotching. I experimented with wax, and found the effect was too minimal to make much of a difference.

I think, given the complexity of the fretwork on the slice (beautifully cut!), that darkening the bark areas to heighten the contrast might be sufficient. If you want a more "finished" look, adding a coat of Minwax Polycrylic should do the job. However, before proceeding with any finish, try it out on the underside of the slice for a real-time preview.

Hope this helps, and please post the results once you've made your decision!

[jamieline]

Nice work! Who did the design?

The pattern was done by Gayle on The Scroller Cafe.

[jamieline]

I tried Natural stain with clear coat. Not happy with results. Should have use sanding sealer. Have stained pine a lot and never gave it a thought until too late. Going to look at other options in the future.

[NC Scroller]

Very nice job. I think if you put a black backer on the piece it will really make it POP. Try it by laying the project on a dark surface.

[will8989]

I have 14 slices of this to make a gift for my family. The slices came from my niece’s wedding in May. As she was going to the burn bin with them, I stopped her and said I would make something for family out of them. Of course I did. They were part of a decoration on the tables. People took the decoration but not the round. So no finish is best? I need to slice part of the bottom so it will stand on a shelf or table so I can experiment on the slice. Gees, Should started this in June.

[will8989]

Life can flip in one phone call. There is now an urgency to finish this project so I will just cut and sand it. Bruce and I are fine but a family member isn’t. Please give good thoughts and prayers. Our entire family needs them. And we know what a large family that is. I’ll fill you in when the time is right it just isn’t now. 💔

[handibunny]

Stay strong, Betty. We’re here for you.

[will8989]

Thanks Carole.

[NC Scroller]

Life can flip in one phone call. There is now an urgency to finish this project so I will just cut and sand it. Bruce and I are fine but a family member isn’t. Please give good thoughts and prayers. Our entire family needs them. And we know what a large family that is. I’ll fill you in when the time is right it just isn’t now. 💔

🙏 for your family.