Clean Up Live Edge Wood

Scrape the fibers off with a nylon or wire brush.

Clean up live edge wood.

The cambium layer the fibrous glue that connects the bark to the wood can add depth and character to the edge if you leave it. Now if you re planning on finishing your wood with something other than a clear coat apply some of that finish to the side that won t be visible. Below we have a couple of links that. It won t come loose later scraping away that layer creates a slippery smooth edge with more rounded features.

There are lots of methods for removing bark and smoothing the edge including using a wire brush abrasive pads and balls and the good old disk sander. Begin by removing a 6 8 section of bark starting at an end. This sanding will reveal any checks that should be addressed prior to doing anything else. The first thing to do is to begin sanding to a smooth touch using 120 grit paper.

I ve talked with a few wood turners that specialize in live edge work and all seem to agree that the bark will come off at some point no matter what you do.