which finish

[tracyguy]

Hi all

I am using birch plywood for the first time on my portraits. I have two portraits to do for my mum and aunt for christmas. I was wondering what would be the best choice of finishing should I use. High gloss varnish, teak oil or something else.

All help would be very much appreicated.

Thanks

Martin

[LarryEA]

My preference is lacquer. Follow directions. Spray very light coats.

[Phantom Scroller]

Yes I'm with Larry on this one, it's so easy to spray lacquer portraits.

 

Roly 

[jrpeteo]

Yup me too! Light coats, from different angles, smooth between coats (I use the paper from a brown grocery bag).

Pete

[LarryEA]

I've tried smooth cardboard and that seems to work well also.

Make sure it is dry !

[amazingkevin]

Who would have thought ,bare paper to polish with !  

[Ron Johnson]

Hi Martin;

 

I agree with the above members where a spray lacquer is an excellent choice and easy to apply. Brown paper bag. Thanks for the tip. Something I haven't tried.

Another process I've used being I prefer a natural finish is cabinet makers wax. I'll cut out three or four sizes of birch I need for the portrait or scene, router the edges to my liking, apply the wax and finish each board. Then I stack the pieces, apply the pattern and cut away. When done they are finished except for the one that had the pattern attached. Just an idea that works for me. Everyone has their own liking when it comes to finishing a project. Good luck and I hope your portraits turn out beautiful.

[tracyguy]

Thanks everyone looks like its the spray lacquer is the one to use.

[Jim Finn]

I use a spray on acrylic from that I get at Walmart or Lowes.  Less than $4 for a rattle can of it.

[Clayton717]

for my portraits I'm with Jim, I use the spray on acrylic, and usually a satin finish.