handle decoration technique, any idea how its done?

[stuckinthemud]

I want to give this a go
w w w.pinterest.co.uk/pin/424956914836679763/

its a pattern pressed into the timber and filled with something, any ideas on what the filler is?

apologies for the link, I'll try again later

[Pat B]

It looks like it was burnt in and not filled.

[stuckinthemud]

Yes it does, but the curator of the piece specifically describes it as "shallow engraving filled with a dark mastic-like substance " (Brieding, D)

[PatM]

Just use any filler that sets and is either the color you want or can have dye added to achieve the color.  Lots of products available. 

[stuckinthemud]

I was wondering if even an acrylic paint could be used but am worried about the colour bleeding out into the surrounding timber;  maybe PVA mixed with talc, acrylic paint and soap?

[PatM]

Why not something actually designed for  it?  A Min Wax  scratch repair pencil or Apoxie sculpt putty in suitable color etc.

[stuckinthemud]

This is outside my experience and I don't know what's suitable 

[PatM]

OK. A dark mastic like filler.   You could probably just mix some pine or spruce resin with charcoal.

[stuckinthemud]

Thanks Pat,
I'll let you know how I get on. 

[Sabb]

Looks like chip carving, filled with charcoal and hide glue. Hard to tell from here, but that would give a pretty similar effect..

Sebastian

[High-Desert]

Just chip carve you design and use whatever substance you want. I’ve used earth pigment, sawdust and ground stone, and set with CA glue, or you can just use paint which is what it looks like this person did.