First 3D attempt

[Wdp67]

Here are the results of my first attempt at doing a 3D plaque for a buddy. Thought it turned out fairly good for a newbie. Need some help on the finishing aspects of this though.

My process was:

1. Sand the blank
2. Stain the blank
3. Shellac the blank
4. Apply mask
5. Engrave letters and stars
6. Paint Engraving
7. Peel mask and continue with the 3D stuff

Had a little problem with the blue paint bleeding into the grain, maybe should have resealed with shellac first?

Any kind of painting advice would be great!!

Thanks, you guys have taught me so much by reading thru this forum.

Walt

[highpockets]

Walt, Looks really good for a first attempt! I like the Seabee logo.

Sealing the vcarving afterwards will help to prevent bleeding.

[dwilli9013]

Looks nice your buddy is sure to like it and my money would be he will never even notice that little bit of wicking.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Wdp67]

Thanks for the kind words!! Any advice on what I could do better regarding the 3D stuff or the finishing?

Walt

[highpockets]

Thanks for the kind words!! Any advice on what I could do better regarding the 3D stuff or the finishing?

Walt

I love oak, but it does cause problems with carvings do to the strong grain contrast. I would recommend sealing the carving then use a glaze or gel stain to bring out the detail. Practice on a scrap as this process can lend great results, but takes practice.

Here's a great article written by Tim Merrill.

http://www.vectric.com/cool-stuff/case- ... azing.html

[dwilli9013]

Thanks for the kind words!! Any advice on what I could do better regarding the 3D stuff or the finishing?

Walt

If I were to do anything carving wise it would be to bring in some more stars around the board to tie the text in. Also maight look at moving the Batallion number a little closer. I say this quietly because there are a ton of sign making experts on this forum and the word kearning tends to come up.
You're doing great like John said just keep putting the bit to wood on scrap. Your craft will progress quicker than you think.
BTW this forum has been a tremendous help to me as well. Very informative and tons more knowledge than I ever hope to have.

[Wdp67]

Do you mean the space between the letters and words or the space between the top of the lettering and the 3D part?

Walt

[dwilli9013]

Do you mean the space between the letters and words or the space between the top of the lettering and the 3D part?

Walt

Between the letters and numbers. Type in kearning in the search bar lots of good info. Sorry Kerning drop the A.