Thank you for the compliments everyone!!
Paul, this pine is Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus). It grows abundantly in the North East US and into Canada. I’m not familiar with Oregon pine but I think it may be what we call Sugar Pine. I like the working properties of Eastern Pine and the grain pattern is prettier than sugar pine.
Production: After the slab is sanded, I carved the elf. I then coated out the front and back with 5 (brushed) coats of Helmsmans Spar Urethane (a Minwax product). The elf is then painted with 1Shot (I always add hardner). I apply a paint mask where the lettering goes and then carve the letters through it….prime (2 coats), two coats Speed Dry UV Clear (1Shot), size and gild. Remove the mask and outline the letters. It’s a pretty straight foward process.
Any clear on wood has a 2-5 year working life. If the owner recoats regularly, the sign will last pretty much forever. I have one customer (that I know of) who says his is as good as new after 20 years…..not bad.
Thanks again…..i’ll find another to post next week. 😀
Joe,
Makin Chips and havin Fun!