What sandpaper/oil to finish my carvings?

[VirusKiller]

Newby carving questions:

- Should I use more than one grade of sandpaper?
- What grade(s) of sandpaper should I use?
- What type(s) of sandpaper should I use?
- What oils could I use to seal the wood (and what are the pros and cons of the different types)?

If another thread exists with the info, please post a link as I couldn't find one.

Thanks,
Joel

 

[gregorach]

Don't do much carving myself, but the standard grades I have in are P40, P60 (for initial rough sanding), P120 (medium) and P240 (fine), all in bog-standard aluminium oxide wet'n'dry. You can get these in "selection packs" from any decent DIY store.

 

[durulz]

If in doubt, use linseed oil.
It may not necessarily be the best oil for the job (though it may), but it won't be the wrong one either.

 

[Mesquite]

Depends on what you're carving....

Spoons that are going to be used for eating with use something like walnut oil. If it's general carvings like wood spirits etc then any type of oil like linseed or danish oil can be used.

 

[hog]

Linseed oil for me, thats all I've got and loads of it so untill its all finished.....

 

[Muddypaws]

After using the finest grade of paper wet the wood to raise the grain, allow it to dry out and re-sand before applying the oil. This will give the smoothest finish.

 

[VirusKiller]

Great advice. Thanks!

It's spoons and kuksas rather than general carvings (at the moment).

 

[Madpuppy]

I use 100 grit and finish out with 240, I use walnut oil for my spoons and such.

 

[Tjurved]

If you use sandpaper make sure to sand the item real smooth! I also use and have used sandpaper but the texture I like the most is the hand carved one.