Rick Yochim
Well-known member
At the moment I am replacing my ugly builder-installed fierplace surround and shelf with an Early Federal period surround and shelf. I am using Euro chestnut (Castanea sativa) with carved rosettes in butternut topping the pilasters.
So, what have any of you found to be the putty or filler of choice that can be color matched, applied, and then not surprise and disappoint you later?
And, again assuming the wood is to be colored, have you found that coloring the putty and/or filler and applying it after the piece is colored is a good idea or do you apply it "raw" and let it take the dye or stain with the rest of the piece? Is there a 3rd option?
Finally, are epoxy sticks a good way to fix small errors in carvings? (Not talking major surgery here, just small slips of the gouge. You know what I mean.)
In attempting to answer these questions for myself I have done some experimenting and not been very happy with any solution I've come up with so far, so I'm seeking some help.
I generally use pigmented stains on softwoods and open grained hardwoords and dye stains on everything else. I'm not dogmatic about that, though, as I always do test pieces and settle with what looks best each time.
The finish on the surround will probably be water based poly, or a 2 or 3 lb cut shellac. I haven't decided yet.
Thanks for whatever help/wisdom you can offer.
Rick Yochim
So, what have any of you found to be the putty or filler of choice that can be color matched, applied, and then not surprise and disappoint you later?
And, again assuming the wood is to be colored, have you found that coloring the putty and/or filler and applying it after the piece is colored is a good idea or do you apply it "raw" and let it take the dye or stain with the rest of the piece? Is there a 3rd option?
Finally, are epoxy sticks a good way to fix small errors in carvings? (Not talking major surgery here, just small slips of the gouge. You know what I mean.)
In attempting to answer these questions for myself I have done some experimenting and not been very happy with any solution I've come up with so far, so I'm seeking some help.
I generally use pigmented stains on softwoods and open grained hardwoords and dye stains on everything else. I'm not dogmatic about that, though, as I always do test pieces and settle with what looks best each time.
The finish on the surround will probably be water based poly, or a 2 or 3 lb cut shellac. I haven't decided yet.
Thanks for whatever help/wisdom you can offer.
Rick Yochim