Jim Yanik wrote in message
...
"The Ranger" wrote in
ndwidth:

I recovered three tree-ring disks from a 100+ year old tree
that was recently cut down. I've sanded the disk down smooth
and the rings and rays look really good. I would like to
apply
a finish to the tops to really enhance the tree rings while
offering some form of protection at the same time.

I've used Varathane in the past on wood projects but these
rings will be seeing a lot of hands-on activities so
Varathane
might not be the best idea.

Any ideas or suggestions would be grand!

Thanks again.

it depends on indoor or outdoor use.
for outdoors;use a marine finish,that will have UV
protection.

indoors;shellacs and oil finishes will not protect against
water rings from
drink glasses.

you probably want to apply some sort of stain first,to
enhance the
grain,then seal with urethane,lacquer,or varnish.

Remember you are dealing with END grain.
it will soak up a lot of finish if not stained/sealed first.
the first coat will probably raise the grain,and then need a
bit more
sanding.

They'll be used for classroom exploration in a 2-3 combo class.
As a result, I want something that will assist in keeping the
rings pen(cil) free, while also enhancing the durability of the
wood. I remember seeing a tree disk from a redwood that had
this clear varnish finish all around it when I was a young kid;
me and several classmates spent many a fun hour counting rings,
and working with it. It was almost a self-contained theme
lesson: history, math, science...

The downside is the disk weighs in at 20 pounds so if I add too
much more weight to it, I'm simply asking for someone to get
hurt.

Thanks for the reminder about end-grain soaking up unless
sealed; I'd forgotten about that lesson the last time I learned
it. sigh

The Ranger