Care Instructions for your Wood Sculpture
Your sculpture should not come in direct contact with the ground.
Keep your carving at least one half inch off any surface for airflow (Cinder Blocks, Bricks, Coasters, Stone etc..) can be used for this purpose.
Wood sculptures housed indoors.
Avoid putting your wood carving in very dry places such as near a woodstove (Heat source or Direct Sunlight). This will reduce excessive drying and cracking. Elevate slightly on wood strips or blocks: Wood contains moisture, so it needs airflow.
Placing you carving under a roof and out of the elements is recommended. If you notice your carving is beginning to dry, re-apply a urethane or oil-based finish to the carving and base to help mitigate cracking. We recommend using Sikkins Proluxe Cetol Log and Siding in 077 Cedar Color.
The Natural Aging Process Of Wood
All due care was taken to use high-quality materials and artistic processes for your sculpture. Wood is a living medium, and it naturally changes over time. No matter how well it is cared for, EVERY wood sculpture will develop some natural cracks during its lifespan. Other changes you might see in your sculpture include darkening of the wood (patina). All of this is part of the natural aging process of wood.
We encourage you to see the changes in your sculpture as we do: a testament to the natural world and a chance for your sculpture to develop its own unique character. Cracking is a normal part of the drying process but maintaining your carving and re-applying finish as needed can keep your carving looking good for many years.
