DIYbanter - View Single Post - can you recommend a clear wood preservative?

chaniarts[_2_]

wrote:
On Tue, 31 May 2011 22:43:24 -0400, Ohioguy wrote:

Specifically, use CPES - Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer. I
believe you can even get some with UV inhibitors at marine supply
stores. If you can not spend much money, you can try thinning
regular slow set epoxy with acetone. It will work but not quite as
well as the dedicated products.

Good Luck,

Thanks! I think I'll see if my Dad can use a chainsaw to cut out
the affected area using a V shape cut. Then we can dry the wood and
apply the epoxy.

If this is a very large tree, which it must be at that age. Make a
cut above and below the area you want to save. Then use a plunge cut
to cut behind that section. A chainsaw carver could do it, but for
anyone else, I'd practice on something else first. Or, cut the tree
above the part you want to save, then remove the whole log part you
want to save, and use a bandsaw to cut off that section.

I think others already told you the best sealer. That epoxy is often
used on table tops. Bars often use it, they might put photos or coins
under the epoxy. Your other option would be to put some wood glue
behind the bark, then just frame the whole thing with glass in front.
That will keep dust from building up on the bark too, because that
could be a pain in the ass to clean after some years. Plus this way
it's more natural.

that epoxy is very runny and self-leving. it would be hard to get it to
level out on a curved surface. you cold paint it on and do this in layers,
but you'd have to read about how to prepare the hardened surface for another
layer; making it be an invisible interface would be hard if this required
sanding.