Impregnating Wood With Resin

[gradenG]

Hi guys, I am looking to stabilize some wood for a delicate jewelry application. My goal is to make it rock hard, I have been reading about stabilizing with resin, but I couldn't help feel like there must be other methods to consider as well. I have been looking at some old Japanese war weapons, and some African hard wood masks and sculptures, however their processes are unclear. I know it may be a shot in the dark, but I am wondering if anyone here has any thoughts or experience on hardening wood?

 

Cheers,

 

G

[Turtle]

Polyethylene glycol-1000 (PEG) can be used to stabilize some woods. My understanding is that it's not suitable for ring-porous woods such as oak. Not sure that it 'hardens' the wood, but rather it prevents the cracking and splitting that come with drying. It is particularly useful on green wood.

 

How PEG Helps the Hobbyist Who Works With Wood

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE FOREST PRODUCTS LABORATORY

Summary

Polyethylene glycol-1000 (PEG) is introduced to

the hobbyist as an agent to dimensionally stabilize

wood. Directions are given for mixing PEG solutions,

preparing treating vats, and drying and gluing treated

wood. Directions are also given for producing decorator

clocks, bowls and other turnings, green wood

carvings, statuary, and rifle stocks with maximum

dimensional stability. “How to’s” for protecting imported

wood carvings and for preserving archaelogical specimens are also included.