ARTIST GALLERY

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Moisture in the air and changes in moisture levels have effects on wooden structures. This causes log homes to develop cracks, wooden floors to creak, wooden furniture to become loose, and drawers to stick. Wood sculptures and chainsaw carvings are no different.

Every carving we create begins as a single log that is typically over 6 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. These logs are not the same as kiln dried lumber purchased commercially. 

These logs have higher levels of moisture. From the time the tree is cut down the log gradually dries and releases moisture until it acclimates with the surrounding environment.

 During this drying process the wood shrinks and moves which may result in “checking” or cracking on the carving's surface. This is typical and to be expected of a chainsaw carving. 

Once the carving is put in a permanent resting place and fully acclimates to its surroundings it becomes much more stable and generally does not check further.

Each life sized, human form carving we create is allowed to dry in an indoor, controlled environment for about a year prior to finishing. As a result, prior to sale, the carving is dryer, lighter, and more stable than it otherwise would be. 

Any checking that occurs during the drying period is removed or repaired before the carving is sold. 

While we can not guarantee that your carving wont crack or check to some degree after purchase, we are confident that its a much more stable product than most other life sized carvings out there.

Every life sized, human form carving that we create is intended to be displayed indoors. It's for that reason that our carvings spend about a year being dried to acclimate to an indoor environment. 

While some cracking or checking can occur, the overall life and integrity of a carving displayed indoors may outlast the buyer. 

The greatest enemy of large wood carvings is heat and 

dry conditions. The carving should not be displayed near fireplaces or heating vents or in direct sunlight. 

A cool area such as a finished basement or climate controlled room is usually the best option. This is especially true during the winter months. 

Indoor display requires you to place a moisture barrier or spacers beneath your carving to ensure that any residual moisture does not come in contact with the flooring.

• Keep your carvings away from a heat source: such as heat registers, fireplaces, prolonged sunlight, etc.

•  Keep carvings elevated slightly with wood strips, tiles or blocks or place a moisture barrier between the carving and the floor to avoid moisture coming in contact with the floor

• Recoating is generally not necessary.

While every life sized, human form carving is intended to be displayed indoors we understand that this may not be your preference. 

Outdoor displaying of any carving will greatly reduce its life. While carvings can survive 5, 10, or more years in the elements, the sun, wind, and rain will have adverse effects on your carving. 

Carvings should not be placed in the direct sun as that will have the most damaging effect. Under an eve or porch roof is preferred placement. No different than your wooden deck or picnic table, it will deteriorate over the years. 

Carvings placed outdoors should be treated annually with a polyurethane finish or more frequently if carving stops repelling water, looks dry, or starts to discolor.

• Keep your carving’s base dry. Your carving should not come in direct contact with the ground. Use bricks, pavers, stones, tile, pressure treated lumber, etc. under the carving to allow for airflow and drainage.

• The sun dries out wood carvings and can lead 

to excess drying and cracking. If possible, 

keep your carving under some type of shade; 

a covered porch is ideal for outside display. 

If your carving sees frequent sun, more frequent recoating will be necessary.

Your life sized, human form carving is usually sealed with Helmsman's interior/exterior grade marine spar urethane. 

If you carving is displayed indoors it will likely never need reapplication of urethane. If your carving is displayed outdoors, recoating it should be recoated annually as per the manufacturer recommendations. 

Thinning the product with approximately 30% paint thinner and applying two or three light coats makes the application more forgiving. 

Cracking or checking of your carving is inevitable. 

WE DO NOT MAKE REPAIRS. 

This is normal and adds character to your carvings. If you are dissatisfied with the look there are two common remedies:

First is to simply spray paint the crack black and wipe any over spray off the surface. This effectively camouflages cracks well and provides an aged look. 

Second is to insert and glue wood shims, sand, and recolor the carving. A search on Youtube.com will yield several DIY repair videos.

  These finishes are typically applied to our carvings:

Minwax Helmsman Spar Varnish - This finish is used on all life sized, human carvings. It is identified by a clear, smooth, gloss finish. It is unlikely that any carving displayed indoors will require a second coat.

Sikkens Cetol Log & Siding (natural) - This finish is sometimes used on outdoor carvings like bears. Its usually identified by an orange tint.

Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil (natural) - This finish is sometimes used on outdoor carvings like bears. Its usually identified by an orange tint.