It is important to preserve wood slices with bark since they add extra beauty to the display of furniture. And if you have a fantastic taste you know how these wood slices with bark help to make coasters, platters, or your tabletops look excellent.
But how to preserve wood slices with bark has been a serious question for bark happens to fall off the wood. A scratch or collision, you cannot save the bark from wood. Only the right preservation can help the bark stick to the wood slices and we will now learn those ways of preserving wood slices with bark.
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Ways to Preserve Wood Slices with Bark
There can be several ways to preserve wood slices with bark. But all methods are not appropriate. Following the right method can help the moisture out of wood slices and keep the bark stick to the slices.
One of our articles – How To Preserve Wood Slices For Wedding.
Step 1: Cutting of the Wood
You’ve got to start afresh by knowing when to cut slices of wood. The right time to cut wood is not the growing period. As the moisture of wood works as an agent of pulling away bark from wood, the growing time of the tree is crucial for cutting slices.
The best time to cut your wood is when it stops growing. This way the cambium of the tree becomes hard and makes it easier to cut wood slices with their bark on. Also, your bark is almost safe and quite in a good shape.
Step 2: Choose a Container
A container comes with different materials. But preserving the wood slices with bark requires special attention on this point. Choose a container that will not make any chemical reaction with the wood stabilizer you will be using later.
A metal-made container, in this case, is not a good idea since they tend to react. Materials like fiberglass or plastic are more suitable to hold wood slices with bark. For more caution, add skewers at the bottom of the container to protect the slices from direct contact with the floor.
Also, make sure that the container is big or spacious enough to hold the slices comfortably.
Step 3: Get a Preservative
Preservative for wood is important to save the slices with bark. They work like a stabilizer, therefore also known as stabilizers. There are preservatives like creosote, pentachlorophenol, and Pentacryl. These stabilizers come with additives that help to stand UV rays and won’t let your wood have a crack or scar.
You need to have some basic knowledge of using this wood preservative. 240 ml of the preservative works just fine for the wood slices if they are soft and are open-grained. Also, it is applicable for 12 inches thickness of slices.
Step 4: Adopt a Different Way to Apply the Preservative
As different projects to preserve tree branches with bark for decoration, crafts, wedding, or making tabletops require different sizes of slices with bark, applying preservatives requires different ways too. For example, you cannot put a large slice of bark in a container. It will be struggling enough.
To face the problem you need to soak the slice into the solution instead of struggling to put it in the container. Let the wood soak in the solution for some days and when it stops absorbing the solution, flip the other end of the slice with bark. In the same manner, let the other end soak until it absorbs no more of the solution.
Step 5: Apply the Preservative with a Brush
Another convenient way to apply the preservative is using an applicator. This way you can avoid the labor of submerging it in the solution. Just brush the preservative on the slice with bark and continue applying until the preservative penetrates into the open-grained wood properly and finishes absorbing the solution.
You need to let the wood some times to let it dry. A day would be enough for this. Then flip the wood and apply the preservative with the brush in the same manner until your wood is fed enough with the preservative.
Step 6: Prevent the Preservative from Evaporating
The next task is important otherwise all your great work will go in vain. Make sure the preservative you applied on the bark and slices does not evaporate. Therefore, you need to wrap the container with plastic. Cover the container with a large plastic wrap.
If you don’t have any of the sorts, you can think of using trash bags instead. Several of them will work perfectly to seal live edge wood with bark. This way you don’t have to worry about the evaporation of the preservative anymore.
Step 7: Get Your Math Straight
We have already told you that according to the thickness and size of the slices with bark, the amount of use of the preservative will be different. That’s why wood slices with bark that are meant for making ornaments, and little aesthetics need 24 hours of soaking.
On the other hand, if your wood slices are bigger in size and meant for making tabletops or shelves then you need to let them soak for almost 36 hours. Mind that preservatives are good as long as they sit on the slices and they won’t damage or do any harm to wood slices with bark.
So, you are safe. In the case of thickness, 2.5cm is ideal for each slice regardless of the size.
Step 8: Drain the extra Preservative to Dry it
It is important that you learn how to drain the excess preservative from wood slices with bark and make it dry. For this method, you will need to have a wire rack and a bucket. Also, to save your hands from any reaction of the preservative, bring thick hand gloves to ensure your safety
Now place the bucket under the wire rack. You can also use a rimmed shit that will catch the extra preservative and we can use it for later usage after doing some purifying action. Now place the wood on the wire rack and let the bucket catch the drippings of the solution.
Step 9: Prepare other Ways too
If the wire rack is too small for the slices, then you need to apply another trick to dry the slices. Here, you can use plain paper and with it, wrap the whole slice. This way the paper will soak the extra preservative, though you will not use the extra solution for your next project.
Anyways, another way to make your wood slices dry is to put them in a cardboard box and place them vertically. And put the cardboard box in a warm space. Don’t close the lid tightly of the cardboard box. Just cover the lid loosely. The warm space should be within 50 to 70degrees F because slow drying of the wood is what we need.
Warning: Don’t place the cardboard in an open yard to have direct contact with sunlight. It will help to warp or split the wood too easily.
Step 10: Wait till Wood Slices Become Completely Dry
Your wood slices need a slow drying process otherwise they will split. And drying completely these wood slices might take a few weeks to a few months. It actually depends on the thickness of the slices. Taking a few months in hand for a complete dry of the slices would be wiser.
When the slices of wood with bark will not feel sticky or wet anymore and give you a very matt-like touch, you will know that these slices are ready for the next step.
Warning: You must keep in mind that the drying process is legit lengthy and therefore, you should take enough time in hand before making anything out of these preservative wood slices with bark.
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Advantages of Drying the Preservative Wood Slices
- Your bark is now totally safe and you can sand or smooth finish these slices without worrying about them splitting or warping.
- You can also apply stain if you want to decorate the slices for extra beauty.
- The dried preservative wood slices are now great in shape and you can store them for several projects for several years.
Warning:You don’t want to sand bark for it will damage its raw and asymmetrical beauty of it and will flake off too.
Step 11: Apply Polyurethane for Extra Protection
This is the last step that you need to do to keep the slices stored for many years. For this, you need polyurethane and apply it with a brush on wood. Let it dry for another 24 hours. It will remove the moisture from the wood and let the bark stick to the slices.
However, another seal of polyurethane on the bark will embody the process and won’t let moisture to damage it for a longer period of time. Voila! You are done with the whole preserving process of wood slices with bark.
Additional Tips for Successful Preservation
Tip 1 – Regular Maintenance
Preservation doesn’t end with the application of a sealant. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your wood slices. Periodically inspect them for any signs of wear or damage, and reapply the sealant if necessary.
Tip 2 – Avoiding Extreme Conditions
To preserve your wood slices effectively, keep them away from extreme conditions. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, excessive moisture, or drastic temperature changes, as these factors can accelerate decay.
Tip 3 – Display and Store Wisely
When displaying or storing your preserved wood slices, choose a location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consider using display cases or shadow boxes to protect them from dust and physical damage.
One of our articles –How to Preserve Wood Slices with Bark?
Related Questions
How do you preserve wood slices naturally?
Preserving wood slices naturally is not really a very much of efficient job but you can store it for pretty much a good time. Just let the wood slices soak in denatured alcohol and let them dry properly.
How do you preserve tree trunk slices?
Epoxy resin with its clearness can preserve tree trunk slices pretty well. It has stabilizing effect.
How do you keep wood slices from cracking?
By soaking the slices in a denatured alcohol solution, you can keep wood slices from cracking. For a homemade remedy, take water, table salt paste, egg whites, and cornstarch. Mix them properly and apply them with a brush on the wood. Let it dry in the right way and you are done.
Why would I want to preserve wood slices with bark?
Preserving wood slices with bark is a great way to create natural, rustic decor for your home or event space. The wood slices can be used as a base for centerpieces, table settings, or other decorative arrangements.
How do I preserve wood slices with bark?
There are a few different methods you can use to preserve wood slices with bark. One method is to apply a clear coat of polyurethane or a natural wax or oil to the wood and bark. Another method is to soak the wood slices in a solution of glycerin and water, which will replace the moisture in the bark and keep it from drying out and cracking.
What kind of wood slices are best for preserving with bark?
Any type of wood slice with intact bark can be preserved for decoration. However, some types of wood, such as birch or oak, may be more popular for their unique grain patterns and color.
How long will preserved wood slices with bark last?
The longevity of preserved wood slices with bark will depend on the preservation method used and the environmental conditions in which they are displayed. With proper care, they can last for several months to a few years.
How should I display preserved wood slices with bark?
Preserved wood slices with bark can be displayed in a variety of ways. They can be used as a base for centerpieces, table settings, or other decorative arrangements. They can also be hung on a wall or used to create a wreath or other decorative piece.
Can I preserve wood slices with bark that have already been cut?
Yes, you can preserve wood slices with bark that have already been cut. Just make sure to remove any loose or damaged bark before applying the preservation method.
How to preserve wood slices for a garden path?
To preserve wood slices for a garden path, you can use pressure-treated wood, apply wood sealant, or use boiled linseed oil for protection against decay and moisture.
How to preserve wood for crafts?
Preserve wood for crafts by using wood sealants, varnishes, or clear coatings to protect against moisture and give a durable finish.
How to remove bark from live edge?
To remove bark from a live edge, use a chisel or drawknife to carefully peel away the bark, following the natural contours of the wood. Sand the surface afterward for a smooth finish.
