On 10/6/2008 5:08 AM dadiOH spake thus:

David Nebenzahl wrote:

On 10/5/2008 6:49 PM The Ranger spake thus:

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.

Varathane just happens to be one variety of varnish (one containing
polyurethane). I'd use varnish, but instead of Varathane, I'd use a
good marine spar varnish (like McCloskey). Even tougher; a couple of
coats ought to stand up to any amount of handling.

2. Surface film depends on the amount of solids in the coating
material and the thickness with which it is applied; however, two
coats of anything other than catalyzed, poured material is
insufficient to give a decent film that will last and protect for a
reasonable amount of time. That is doubly true on end grain which is
what the OP has.

That's true, and I should have caught that. End grain soaks up any
finish like crazy, so it'll take as many coats as it takes to completely
cover the wood, no matter what the material used.


--
Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the
powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.

- Paulo Freire