Chainsaw carvings are usually carved from green wood which is unseasoned and still full of moisture.  As the wood dries out it starts to shrink and cracks will form, usually from what was the centre of the log.  It is a natural part of the woods ageing process almost inevitable that some cracks will form, but this often adds to the character and uniqueness of the sculpture.  If you follow some simple steps to take care of your carving, it will last for many, many, years to come and the risks of any severe cracking can be minimized.

1.       If possible, your carving should be placed in a shady spot, so that it has less exposure to full sunlight and excessive heat.

2.       If the carving is situated indoors, then avoid placing it near radiators and other sources of heat.

3.       The carving should be raised up slightly so that it can’t sit in water in wet conditions and has some airflow underneath.  It doesn’t need a huge gap underneath 5 – 10mm will be fine and this will prevent any sort of rot setting in from the base where you can’t see it.

4.       Treat it regularly with a good quality preservative oil. I generally use and recommend Osmo UV oil 420 clear, available from www.restexpress.co.uk .  Regular treatment replaces essential oils lost from the wood, slows or even stops the drying process, helping to prevent and reduce cracking.  It is worth treating the wood with oil several times in the first year and then at least annually after that.

5.       If cracks do form, then generally, they should not be filled, as they will usually open and close depending on the weather conditions.  Filling them can often make the problem worse.  If you are concerned with any severe cracks forming, please contact me and I may be able to help with repair.