I'd love to use stainless actually, but the cost would be absolutely
enormous and the time spent building it increased as well.

Lacquer products outgas for a while I believe.

Your mention of wax made me think of beeswax though... it should be
very safe and a good sealer, maybe heating it with an oil would be a
good way to go?

I've offered the table to someone else, and I need to keep the glass,
but if they refuse and you really want to pay for shipping on such a
large (5 feet) simple item feel free to email me.