Quick question about carving/painting decoys

NickR

NickR

Well-known member
Hey guys,
New guy here again.

I carved a decent canvasback head out of basswood this weekend. This one is actually good enough to go on a decoy (that's a first!) so now I'm wondering how to procede.

Should I prime it before painting? I would think that soft basswood would really suck up the paint.

Also looking for recommendations on a type/color of paint to use for canavasback/redhead heads.

Thanks!

NR
 
Seal it and then prime it. I use good quality sealer and primers .... there are lots on the market. I do add a little basic black to my primer to make a grey ..... does't show up as much if you scratch the paint. Hope the painting goes well, Richard Bell
 
I've carved maybe 100 basswood heads that mostly went on cork bodied decoys. I never primed any of them. I read some instructions (can't remember) that said painting on unprimed wood helps keep the colors dull for working decoys.

A first coat of flat black (I use oil based rustoleum) isn't a bad idea.

In my experience decoys used a lot probably will need a paint touch up every year. Particularly the heads - where you often grab the decoy.
 
Nick:

I seal my decoys (carved from cedar) with Deft Clear Wood Finish (3 coats). When that dries, I prime the decoy with Gesso, tinted to the base color of the particular bird.

Hope this helps.

Dave
 
You definatly want to seal the wood. Deft is good stuff, as is an exterior spar urethane. Seal it, texture it (if you want), then paint it!!!

Lets see some pics!!!
 
Thanks for the info!

Josh -
Maybe I'll post up a pic later this fall of the whole spread on the water or something, but posting just a picture of my work would be embarassing! I'm just getting going and I realize that standards are relative! Nice signature, btw.

NR
 
Posting up a pic now may reduce further embarrassment. Maybe we can give some tips to help you along.
 
Nothing to be embarrased about. You should see my first decoys!!! Whoa. I shouldda gave up....

Lets see 'em!!!!
 
Nick:

In regards to the second part of your question, "recommendation on a type/color of paint to use for Canvasback/Redhead heads." I looked up the following from Bruce Burk's book, Decorative Decoy Designs, circa 1990.

Canvasback Drake Head

Burnt Sienna
Raw Sienna
Black

Canvasback Hen Head

Burnt Umber
Raw Sienna
White
Raw Umber

Redhead Drake Head

Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ochre

Redhead Hen Head

Burnt Umber
Raw Umber
White

I use Jo Sonya Acrylic paints for my decoys (gunners). Liquitex Acrylic paints are another brand I've used in the past. Some carvers prefer the Jo Sonya paints because they dry to more of a matte finish. You can't go wrong with either however.

Don't be embarrassed by your work. Everyone starts somewhere. Some of my first birds....if I saw something like them flying toward me now, I'd drop the gun and run.

Dave
 
Thanks for the continued interest fellas.

Particularly the "recipes" for head colors, David. Can a person get these paints locally, or is it an online mail order scenario?

I'll try to snap some pics after work and post em on a new thread tomorrow. Should be good for some laughs!

Later,
NR
 
Nick:

The Liquitex paints I can usually find in an art/crafts store. The Jo Sonya's, for whatever reason, are difficult for me to find locally where I am. I get my Jo Sonya's from Jerrysartarama.com. If it's art related, Jerry's usually has it.

Dave
 
Dave's color/tint colors are just fine, but I use only oil paints. Acrylic covers oil just fine, but you can't put oil on acrylic. It will craze/crack. Sticking with one kind of paint saves you from having to remember what you used.

I go to an art store and just buy tubes of oil based paint. For bright colors I'll occasionaly buy small cans of oill based paint at a hardware store.

Flat rustoleum black & white will get you to any shade of grey you are looking for.

These are hunting blocks. Adding detail is fun but not necessary.
 
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