Replies

1. 
   user-83153 | Feb 23, 2008 10:30pm | #1

   pocket,

   I would use fresh mixed shellac in your choice of grades topped with Waterlox Original Satin or High Gloss varnish. The combination of fresh shellac and tung oil based varnish is about as good as you are going to get for water vapor resistance unless you are equipped to use some of the specialized professional stuff. It will also give you a very hard and durable finish.

                      Rob

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 24, 2008 05:26am | #2

   Why not try an epoxy finish - like they use on bar tops?

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   user-83153 | Feb 24, 2008 05:37pm | #3

   I wouldn't reccomend the epoxy finish. They scratch easily, they yellow pretty severely, they don't move with the wood either, so they usually crack. And once you are sick of all of that... they are almost impossible to remove.

   They do look nice with pictures and pennies and small shells in them though. :^)

                                    Rob

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 25, 2008 06:37am | #5

   Rob,

   I was under the impression that epoxy was a super durable, clear finish.  Does the yellowing have anything to do with sunlight?  Could the cracking be due to applying it to relatively green lumber?Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   user-83153 | Feb 25, 2008 08:54am | #6

   Chris,

   I think it is the UV that causes the yellowing. The cracking or crazing comes from the finish's inability to move with the wood due to its thickness. Just to make sure we are talking about the same thing, I am referring to what is commonly known as "bar finish".

                    Rob

1. 
   Quickstep | Feb 25, 2008 11:04pm | #7

   I believe the finish that you see coins encapsulated in is polyester resin which is more brittle than epoxy. Also, imagine how thick that finish has to be to encapsulate the coins. Epoxy is more flexible, but will yellow or even lose its bond with exposure to sunlight. I've seen many accounts where people have used epoxy to prevent water intrusion and put varnish with a UV inhibitor over top. Check out the attached article.  

    

    

   
3. 
   PCM | Feb 24, 2008 05:44pm | #4

   I would consider taking the pieces to a local cabinet shop and having them apply the finish they would use for kitchen cabinets, vanities, etc. They use finishes not available to most woodworkers and not easy to apply.

   Let us know.

   Pete

4. 
   blewcrowe | Feb 26, 2008 07:55pm | #8

   Not much beats Waterlox.