A sweet reader has asked me the following question.
I see that you like to use Minwax yellow can for staining. Do you also use some kind of protective coating - either after staining or instead of staining? I've heard a weaver should treat their reed baskets. Is there a good product other than those specifically for baskets (which I would have to order).Here is my answer:
I only use Minwax stain in the yellow can either spray or liquid. I have in the past used Weaver’s spray stain which worked quite nice but I had to order it. Minwax is just readily available and there are so many colors to choose from.
I personally do NOT put on any type of protective coating at all on my baskets after they are woven. I think some of the coatings that you mentioned make the basket hard and brittle. (she had mentioned using polycrylic, acrylic, polyurethane in her letter to me) I’m not saying this is wrong, but I just don’t like it. I’ve tried other stains that have a finish to them, perhaps kind of a shellac type finish. I tried it and said never again. My basket was sticky for weeks. I guess it is a personal preference thing, but I'm just happy with my good ol' Minwax and that's it.
So dear readers.....What do YOU do? Do you put a finish on your baskets? Please leave a comment and let us know.
Happy Weaving everyone. I hope the weather is treating you all well in your neck of the woods. We are fine here in New Mexico but the smoke from the Arizona fires is something else. For my readers who are close to the fires, please know you are in my prayers. Also for my dear readers who have been dealing with all the tornadoes and crazy weather, know I'm praying for you too.
Blessings,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI don't normally put finishes on my baskets, especially if I used colored reed. I like the way the reed ages and changes color as older it gets. I think each basket is like a living thing and each basket ages differently and it tells a different story. I have used danish oil in the past snf I've heard of people spraying liquid gold on their baskets but I've never done that myself.
The lady that taught me to weave used minwax, mineral spirits, linseed oil mixed, so,so did I. Then I read your blog and the last ones I've woven I've only used the yellow can of minwax. Much easier and a very nice finish.
ReplyDeleteJane