My gourd art has been sealed with either a coating of wax, paint, or finish. Caring for it is just a matter of light dusting. For stained designs, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight to reduce the chances of fading. Never, ever, subject your gourd art to water. These are not the ornamental gourds you see during the holidays in grocery stores and with proper care will last for generations. Once dried on the vine they are a gourd wood fiber that reacts and is treated just like wood. If the interior is left natural it will soak up any liquid it is exposed to and will stain. Even sealed gourds may have a pinhole spot *missed* in sealing that liquids can absorb into. Display alone or if using for containers, use dried flowers, etc. only.
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