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Question
can you mix latex and oil based stain to achieve a finish. I'm having difficulty getting what I want.
Hi Cindy, You don't really give me much info to go on. Ordinarily I would immediately say no. Water and oil do not mix. That is simple science. I can tell you that I've never tried this myself. I suspect that even if it does work somewhat, the latex will eventually bubble up or peel. But since you are trying to achieve a certain look and I'm not sure exactly what that look might be, I encourage you to try it on a practice piece of the same wood or as close as you can get. Only mix a very small bit so you don't waste much of either one. Do not apply it directly to anything that you will have to refinish and start over again. It may not work at all and it certainly won't mix together but will surely separate. But who knows what look you will achieve when your experiment is done. There is no danger in what you are trying, just remember to work in a well-ventilated area. I am just pretty sure it will fail. I am one of those who believes in trying almost anything once if its not life threatening or plain stupid. So go ahead and experiment as long as you realize that it probably won't work. Thanks for the question and have a good day.
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Answers by Expert:
maura macaluso
Expertise
I can answer most questions, regarding, wood sculpture, wood carving, carving tools and accessories and different types of woods.I am not an appraiser of carvings nor an antique dealer.
Experience
I do full design work, custom carving, restoration, fabrication, repair and refinishing. I can take a piece of raw wood and turn it into a work of art and I can help you do the same. I am "the" carving instructor for the new york city parks dept. I am heavily involved in carving on the internet and belong to many, many mail lists which are quite active. I am also an international promoter of woodcarving and am affiliated with many master carvers, notably nora hall, originally from holland, now in the U.S. and kalina pavlova, a bulgarian master carver. I routinely communicate with the top names in professional woodcarving nationally and internationally.
Organizations
the national association of woodcarvers. the woodcarvers of queens NY, the staten island woodcarvers. the northeast woodcarving association. the world wide carving internet list
Publications
chip chats-the national magazine of woodcarving. also at www.carvinginnyc.com
Education/Credentials
Self taught artist and sculptor, 40 years of drawing and painting as a hobby, 5 years of serious woodsculpting. I have my own website and have written a 300 pg book on carving. I have published online tutorials and pictorial projects
Awards and Honors
many first place awards
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