1. Brush the finished and cleaned or washed carving with Mineral Oil and cover it completely.
2. Once brushed with Mineral Oil, (as soon as fully covered) wipe excess off with heavy paper towels.
3. Let the carving dry for 3-4 days.
4. Using acrylic paints, mixed to a thin wash (more like a colored tint) paint on the carving).
5. To make the color darker, keep painting with the colored wash until the carving is the desired color. (I use a hair dryer to get it to dry more quickly)
6. Once you are satisfied with the color let it dry overnight.
7. NOTE: the whites of the eyes need to be thicker paint – not as thin as the wash but not full strength.
8. Take the MinWax 209 Natural Clear Wood Sealer and apply it with a brush to the carving. Let sit for 20 minutes, wipe off excess. Repeat this step two more times. The carving will have a slight sheen.
If you want an antique look take the MinWax 209 Natural Clear Wood Sealer and put 1 tsp in a small dish or saucer. Add Golden Oak Stain to the end of a small paint brush (just a small dip to moisten the end bristles). Then stir the brush into the MinWax. Brush on the carving, let sit for 5 minutes, and wipe off excess.