[RainMan 2.0]

Beautiful outcome already . What I don’t understand is why people use a quality wood such as Cherry if they plan to paint over it . Isn’t there a less expensive option for material, or is cherry necessary for fine details?

 

[RainMan 2.0]

I have tried many types of wood. Soft woods like pine just didn't give the results I wanted. If the design is intricate I would see chipping. The edges are just not sharp and have lots of fuzz. I prefer to use cherry, red cedar, walnut and others. I get fine detail, smooth finish and minimal post prep work.
When I send a piece out to be painted I give it a stained finish. Then the artist has the option to leave some areas unpainted.

I kind of figured so . Unfortunately Cherry is costly here