Carving and Painting Advice

[Ben Lambert]

Workin on finishing my first carved decoy and was curious if I should put a clear coat over top my paint. Mostly am concerned about the glossy shine while gunning. Also could anyone point me in the direction of where to find a custom branding iron.

 

[RLLigman]

http://www.branding-irons.biz/contact-us.html

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Ben~

Congratulations on your first bird!

I do not clearcoat my birds, but plenty of other guys do. For context, I don't mind repainting my rigs every 10 years or so. And, more recently, I carry most of my decoys in slotted bags - so wear is minimal.

Testor's Dullcote is one product, another is Krylon Matte Finish. I have tried the latter and not liked the satin luster it imparted. But, I may have put it on too heavily. I will defer to others with more experience.

Hope this helps!

SJS

 

[Ben Lambert]

I appreciate the responses guys. One thing I didn’t put in my initial post is that I used acrylic not oils.

 

[patrick mccarthy]

I used this product, just barely a sheen.
I can not speak about its durability yet.
Like you I'm just starting out carving and have not gotten to use my decoys yet


View attachment image.jpg

 

[Bill Clark]

I have used both, testors has less shine. I wish it came in larger cans.

 

[Pat Gregory]

Hopefully this decoy will be making the trip to Longpoint...

 

[Ben Lambert]

Pat my goal is to have 6 birds done to take with us. This canvasback will definitely be making the trip.

 

[george w]

Ben, if you are using Golden MATTE acrylics, there will BE NO SHINE. With acrylics, you really will not need anything as a coat. You need sealer under, between the body and the paint, especially if you are making your stool out of cork. For info on color drop me an e mail at
gwdecoys@verizon.net

 

[Bob Reitmeyer]

Ben, my hunting decoys are painted with a combination of Liquitex and house paint. Sometimes I need better color options and sometimes I want to toughen up the paint a bit. I have been using the Krylon Matte finish as a final clear coat for a few years. I do two coats, but each is only a misting from 12" away or so - never a heavy coat that will run. Too much and it will turn hazy. I added this hen to the string this past season. I didn't notice any problems with the clear coat. Good luck with your decoy!View attachment Working Girl.jpg

 

[Ben Lambert]

George it is carved out of cedar and sealed underneath. I appreciate the advice and the email for future reference.