Authentic Chainsaw Art

Chainsaw carving art is austere and rugged in nature; naturally, your piece will be rustic, form cracks, and give the appearance of chainsaw marks. A wood sculpture or carving should last for several years if it is properly cared for.  Your carving will crack. It’s the nature of a log to crack as it dries due to humidity changes. The smaller cracks are not considered defects. It is part of the process, and it adds character to your piece. There are, however, some ways to prevent major cracking.

  • Unfinished Carvings: Most chainsaw carvings are designed for outdoor display.
    • Option 1: You like the natural look of the wood and want to keep it looking natural.
      You’ll need to purchase boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Mix these two 50/50 and brush on as many layers as you like (e.g. 1-3 layers per day for 5 days)
      Finally, if you want to preserve your piece from UV rays, mold, and mildew then apply 2-3 coats of spar varnish (follow the directions on the can).
    • Option 2: You love the carving, but you think it needs color or stain.
      You’ll need to purchase boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Mix these two 50/50 and brush on about six coats of this mixture and let it dry for a day.
      Add paint of your choice or stain to those parts that you want colored. Allow the color to dry.
      Lightly spray a coat of spar urethane, clear satin over the painted areas to preserve the color.
      Finally, to preserve your piece from UV rays, mold, and mildew apply 2-3 coats of spar varnish (follow the directions on the can).
    • Option 3: You purchased your unfinished carving with paint on it.
      Apply a coat of Satin Clear Oil-Based Spar Urethane within 24-48 hours. After 24 hours of applying the first coat apply another coat of satin spar varnish (following the directions on the can). Alternatively, you could use Clear Satin Spar Urethane Spray (following the directions on the can).
  • Attached Stump or Trunk Carving: Leaving the roots connected leaves the carving connected with its watering system. That means the inside of the carving stays moist while the outside of the carving, being preserved, keeps outside moisture out, and leaves internal moisture in. This may result in mushrooms, cracks, bugs, or even rotting from the inside out. This could mean a shorter lifespan and more maintenance to preserve the artwork.
      • Give it shade. Direct sunlight is hard on it and will make it fade and crack. Can you plant a tree nearby or set up a sunshade that would fit your landscaping plan?
      • Set it on a platform. One possible solution would be to cut the tree entirely, grind out the roots, and pour in a concrete base (use rebar). The carving would then be placed upon the cement base with ¼” flat metal spacers underneath (for air to flow), and fastened with angle brackets to the concrete pad. The concrete pad would have to cure at least a week before the carving is reinstalled.
      • Clear the debris. Blow out any rain, dirt, leaves, or snow that collects in crevices of the carving.
      • Protect your carving. Covering your carving for a season will damage the varnish and invite rot and mold. Simply keep it clean. If you do cover your carving use a tarp for temporary covering during inclement weather. 
      • Treat your carving. When your carving begins to fade, treat it with satin spar varnish one to three times per year.
  • Finished Outdoor Carvings: Most chainsaw carvings are designed for outdoor display.
    • Give it shade. Try to keep it away from heat or the hot sun.
    • Set it on a platform. A pad of concrete, gravel, bricks, another stump, or pressure treated blocks under the carving allow for airflow and drainage. Do not set your carving directly onto soil or grass.
    • Clear the debris. Blow out any rain, dirt, leaves, or snow that collects in crevices of the carving.
    • Store your carving. In winter, if possible, try to place your carving under a covered, outdoor area. Ice and snow can penetrate cracks and force them apart when freezing. You could place it in a cool garage or shed during off-seasons.
    • Treat your carving. When your carving begins to fade, treat it with satin spar varnish one to three times per year.
  • Finished Indoor Carvings: Most chainsaw carvings are designed for outdoor display, but may be acclimated to indoors.
    • If directed, your sculpture can be brought inside immediately.
      • Don’t set it in direct sunlight or by a heat source or a dehumidifier.
      • If your carving doesn’t have feet installed then don’t set your carving directly on the floor or table. It may leave moisture spots. Elevate it from the floor onto a platform, trivet or stool so that it prevents direct contact with the furniture.
    • Indoor carvings are not prone to fade much unless in contact with the sun.
    • Unless otherwise directed, the sculpture needs to be gradually acclimated to indoor conditions.
      • Set your carving outdoors in a dry shady spot for a few days.
      • Elevate it off the ground (e.g. bricks, etc.).
      • After the carving has set in the dry outside for a few days, it can be moved indoors.

Your carving is guaranteed to crack! Items sold, are sold as is. However, I will do all that I can to work with you to try to repair major cracks or fading. Repairs, if needed, will be after the piece has dried for about a year. For questions or concerns please contact me.