stock blank (slab of wood)

The Butcher

I bought a nice piece of wood a couple of years ago, and would like to sell, and need to take pictures of it. It has been in my rafters of my shop for at least 10 years. I doubt I'm ever going to carve my own stock. How do I show the grain, without hurting the wood. when it is wet it looks better, as if it were finished. I did a small section. Do I spray polyurthane, oil? Any help please.

nononsense

The Butcher,

Make sure that you're blown off all the dust and accumulated dirt from storage then set up your camera and lighting ahead of time. Outside, indirect lighting works about as good as any thing. You are trying to reduce, eliminate really, the glare so that potential buyers can see all of the grain and color.

Once you're all set up, use either water or alcohol. The alcohol evaporates quickly so be ready but it doesn't stay in the grain. DO NOT use poly anything, just water or alcohol.

Best.

The Butcher

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. Don

mrbruce

If you really want the grain to show up, give her a shot of JD instead of plain ole alcohol...

Wolf.

--
-ditto- on the alcohol or water tip.

When stock blank sellers photograph their wood they usually get set up and at the last minute spray the wood with rubbing alcohol.

Just put an old spray top from just about any household product into a container of alcohol.

gregw

I agree also on the water bath, water will not hurt it a bit as long as all you do is wipe the surface with...

mrbruce

I still think Jack Daniels will raise the grain better than plain ole rubbin alcohol 'O)

Geri

With JD you just raise the glass.

The Butcher

I'll drink to that, in fact, I'll drink a toast to all who have provided excellent suggestions. Thanks to all. Don

gregw

gregw,

As I have stated many times previously:

Buying, selling and trading are NOT allowed on these forums.

Best.