Thank you for purchasing a Thomas Chainsaw Carving!

Your carving is designed to last for years with the right care. However, wood is a natural material, and its appearance may change over time without proper maintenance.

By following these care guidelines, you can help your carving retain its beauty for many years.

1. Protect with Varnish
   
   All our carvings come protected with one or more coats of marine-grade yacht varnish.
   • Apply another coat approximately two weeks after receiving your carving.
   • For the first year, reapply varnish every six months. After that, recoat annually.
   You can purchase this varnish from Thomas Graham
2. Shield from Excessive Sunlight and Heat
   
   Place your carving in a shaded spot to prevent rapid drying and excessive cracking during summer heat. In hot weather, apply oil more frequently to keep the wood moisturized.
3. Protect During Winter
   
   If possible, keep your carving under a covered outdoor area during winter. Ice and snow can seep into cracks and expand them when freezing.
4. Elevate the Base
   
   Use small stones to raise the base of your carving off the ground. This improves airflow and prevents the wood from sitting in water, extending the carving's life. Furniture should be placed on paving slabs or gravel to aid drainage.
5. Avoid Filling Cracks
   
   For outdoor carvings, do not fill cracks or splits. These are natural and will expand or contract depending on weather and humidity. Filling them may worsen the issue. Cracks are a natural feature of wood and, in most cases, enhance the unique charm of the piece. Regular maintenance minimizes cracking, but some may remain open permanently.

We generally recommend keeping our carvings outdoors. Wood naturally reacts to environmental changes, and excessive cracking is more likely to occur with insufficient maintenance or improper placement.

If you must place your carving indoors, please make sure it is not near a radiator or other source of excessive heat, and not in a conservatory!