Carving Care

Displaying your carving indoors will give it the most protection. It is recommended to keep your carving away from direct heat such as a fireplace or heat vent. Being exposed to warm/dry air may cause excessive cracking. The underside of your carving is left unsealed. This allows any moisture in the log to slowly be released as the log dries. For this reason, it is recommended to place your carving on furniture pads or wood shims to elevate it slightly off of the floor. 

When displaying your carving outdoors it is important to put some thought into its location. A location out of direct sunlight is ideal. Direct sunlight for extended periods can cause excessive cracking. Try to avoid placing the carving directly on dirt or grass. Instead, a concrete pad or gravel is recommended to keep the base of your carving dry. This will prevent rot and bug damage. The elements take a toll on your carving over time so in order to prevent this, it is recommended to re-apply a coat of Helmsman Spar Urethane at least once per year or whenever you notice cracks forming. This can be brushed or sprayed on, being sure to work it into the cracks. 

If you have purchased one of our smaller carvings (less than 5" in diameter), it is carved from kiln dried wood. This wood is 100% dry and will not develop any new cracks. These are sealed with indoor sealer and are meant for indoor display. If you would like to display them outdoors, it is recommended to brush or spray on two coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane.