Wood Cracking

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19-Jan-2007, 01:46 PM

imported_Zyepher

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Wood Cracking

Anyone who has experience working with wood (ha..ha..not) help me out here?..

Situation: I purchased three tiki's while on vacation and one of the glazed and finished tiki's is starting to have cracks coming out of the front/back/bottom/ and top. What is going on and what can I do to stop it?

19-Jan-2007, 01:53 PM

Whiplash

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is it just the finish that's cracking? or the wood itself??

19-Jan-2007, 01:56 PM

imported_Zyepher

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The wood itself is starting to have cracks not too thick but they are coming.

19-Jan-2007, 01:57 PM

Cynikal.Mindset

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its cuz the wood is drying out here in the cold dry canadian climate opposed to the humid hawaiian climate...you can try and keep the humidity up in your place with a humidifier or just let them crack naturally...keepin them in the bathroom will help since the steam from showers will keep them more humid than say in the living room...also keep them away from heater vents

cracking is natural tho

19-Jan-2007, 02:03 PM

imported_Zyepher

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like its cracking in the worst spots..Like on the dude's lip and etc. Nothing else I can do to stop it? L(

19-Jan-2007, 02:15 PM

Cynikal.Mindset

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nope...cracks add to the originality of tiki art...well u can stain them to preserve the wood's natural moisture content and slow the cracks but they will crack regardless...all tikis crack

19-Jan-2007, 02:16 PM

imported_TuttiGirl

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maybe lemon wood oil... for antiques... put a little on a Q-tip and dab it on, that might help. You can find it at Home Depot

I use it on out antique table so it doesnt crack

19-Jan-2007, 02:29 PM

Whiplash

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sounds like it was crafted when the wood was still fresh..
that's why good artists use old wood, it's already dried throughout

19-Jan-2007, 02:33 PM

imported_Zyepher

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yah he recommended to do that But I didnt have time to wait as I was leaving. btw guys it was already stained when I got it.

19-Jan-2007, 02:48 PM

#10

Cynikal.Mindset

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seriously just let her crack...it adds character...as long as it doesnt totally split but crackin on the lips and on the top and bottom and such is part of the tiki look...u dont want it to look "machined"

19-Jan-2007, 02:53 PM

#11

imported_Zyepher

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Twas perfect before now it looks faked. The lines are coming so strong that the top lip might just crack off..Ill post pics later when I get a chance.

19-Jan-2007, 05:46 PM

#12

imported_Zyepher

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The best way to fix a crack is to bevel the cracks and fill them with a mix of saw dust and wood glue (extend the bevel and fill for about an inch beyond the ends of the crack). You might have to refill again after a week as the mix will shrink as it dries.

Any truth to this?