Outdoor finish to prevent cracks spreading

[Woodfield]

I’ve made some toadstools from the branch of a fallen tree. There are already several splits in the wood and they’re going to live outside. What finishes do you recommend to prevent the cracks getting worse?

Ideally want something fairly natural looking. Not too shiny.

 

[rogxwhit]

I wouldn't use a finish! For starters you ain't gonna stop 'em cracking. Cracking is natural. Let them weather (and crack) gracefully.

 

[MARK.B.]

As above,you could spend a fortune on fancy finishes and while they may look nice and shiny they wont stop the wood cracking/splitting.

 

[Jacob]

Red gloss paint with white spots?

 

[rogxwhit]

Not on a shaggy ink-cap, Jacob. ;-)

 

[Phil Pascoe]

What finishes do you recommend to prevent the cracks getting worse?...

Invent one. Make your fortune.

 

[Woodfield]

I’m surprised there is nothing that would help. Not even a wood glue or epoxy?

 

[Jacob]

You can get these stretchy rubber devices from chemists and places. Not sure what they are called. Ask a shop girl next time you are in Boots. People use them on mobile phones in adverse conditions. I reckon they'd fit perfectly. How big are they? Hope that helps.

 

[Phill05]

You can get these stretchy rubber devices from chemists and places. Not sure what they are called. Ask a shop girl next time you are in Boots. Condoms.

Sorry that was to good to miss, If your into mold making or know someone that is try some of the Silicon rubber liquid either dip or brush on and let it dry.
It should leave it looking natural and still protect.

 

[Jacob]

Sorry that was to good to miss, If your into mold making or know someone that is try some of the Silicon rubber liquid either dip or brush on and let it dry.
It should leave it looking natural and still protect.

Handy to know if you can't get to the chemist!

 

[clogs]

decking oil finish will smarten em up but it wont stop the cracking....

 

[geraldmartin]

Try a water seal to help with sapwood protection, but as other people have remarked you won't stop splitting.

 

[TheUnicorn]

As per others, I don't think any finish will stop cracks, as you need to physically restrain the movement. I think realistically it better to just accept splitting and cracking as part and parcel of the design. The only thing I could think to try would be the bowtie inserts that people use on tabletops with big splits, however the scale is going to make that very fiddly, as is the lack of a flat surface

 

[Woodfield]

You can get these stretchy rubber devices from chemists and places. Not sure what they are called. Ask a shop girl next time you are in Boots. People use them on mobile phones in adverse conditions. I reckon they'd fit perfectly. How big are they? Hope that helps.

I don’t think even the biggest Trojan would fit over these

Thanks for the advice everyone. Just slapped on some decking oil I had on the shelf and will learn to embrace the cracks