Basswood is not a good mix with "wet stuff". You might want to think about using some luan or doorskin and using drywall compound. It will give you the same effect and isn't as wet as plaster. Plaster will contract some but the warping most likely came from the water in the plaster. The other problem with basswood, sealed or not, is that it won't do a good job of holding the plaster. There is no tooth or lathe for it to bind to. You would have to really score the wood, drill it, or add some screening to act as lathe so that it will adhere and have something to attach to. (The drywall comppound does so much better). Acrylic gesso or compound works better as it will flex some, even after dry. So it is an alternative to consider.
Luan as a base works so much better in that it has no grain, it is essentially plywood that can be from 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. It is stable, tough, and is about the right scale for for some walls.
Plaster will sometimes crack as it dries and is really more of a mess than the effort warrants. Try the compound, it works easier, adheres well and looks just as good.
Mike
Mike
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