These carvings are all made from Eastern White Pine that has been dried for over a year. It is a soft wood that carves and holds paint well.
If placed inside it should be kept away from a heat source. If placed outside it should be on a paving stone, so its not in direct contact with the moisture from the ground. A shady area that is not in direct sunlight is ideal.
We use marine grade polyurethane from Holland. You can use a spar urethane from your local hardware store to do it yourself and to keep the carving well maintained.
You should plan to re-glaze the carving every two years, to help preserve the longevity of the carving.
Yes, in winter they can be left outside or placed in an unheated garage. Do not wrap or cover them as it will attract moisture.
Yes, this is known as “checking” and happens naturally as the wood dries. It generally does not affect the structural integrity of the carving. If the appearance of the check bothers you, I recommend painting inside the check to blend it back into the carving.
These carving bars do not have a sprocket on the tip. Slack is needed so the chain doesn’t bind.