Bob Kemp Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I had a branch on a Pine tree in my back yard I had to cut off after a storm earlier this year, and I cut the branch into manageable pieces & stored in my shop to dry out figuring I could make something with it later. it's later, and I have cut a section of the branch into 3" x 1/2" beverage coasters to give as gifts this Christmas. Once I sand them down to a smooth surface, I am not sure what kind of a finish would be best not only to protect them, but also taking into consideration how some glasses will sweat on them. I want to give gifts that folks will actually use for years, not once or twice & then discard because of a watery mess or problem. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I made a bunch of coasters years ago. I used a water bourne acrylic finish and they have held up very well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombarde16 Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 These are end grain rounds or long grain planks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A McQuay Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I like my coasters absorbent so I wouldn't use anything but how about soaking in polyester resin? Sent from my phone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I made some from poplar last spring, just getting familiar with the lathe. Used rattle can spray lacquer from the home center, ala Steve Ramsey. It has held up quite well and looks nice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I made a bunch of coasters years ago. I used a water bourne acrylic finish and they have held up very well. Thank you. I will try this on one as a test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 These are end grain rounds or long grain planks? End grain rounds. The grain has created a nice circular pattern from the center working out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I like my coasters absorbent so I wouldn't use anything but how about soaking in polyester resin? Sent from my phone using Tapatalk Thank you. I will try this with one as a test. I like them to be absorbent also, but the problem with the ones I tested is the water will soak all the way through in a matter of a couple or three hours to the bottom side, which could damage a table surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I made some from poplar last spring, just getting familiar with the lathe. Used rattle can spray lacquer from the home center, ala Steve Ramsey. It has held up quite well and looks nice. Thank you and I will test one with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A McQuay Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Happened across this today: http://www.preservation-solutions.com/wood-preservation-treatment-products/wood-treatment-product-guides/diy-rustic-wedding-platters-coasters/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombarde16 Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 OK, with end grain rounds, you can saturate them with just about anything and you'll solve the problem. Thin out some polyurethane (50/50 with a solvent of your choice) and give them a dip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Happened across this today: http://www.preservation-solutions.com/wood-preservation-treatment-products/wood-treatment-product-guides/diy-rustic-wedding-platters-coasters/ Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Kemp Posted September 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 OK, with end grain rounds, you can saturate them with just about anything and you'll solve the problem. Thin out some polyurethane (50/50 with a solvent of your choice) and give them a dip. OK thanks. I will give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Cindy Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Happened across this today: http://www.preservation-solutions.com/wood-preservation-treatment-products/wood-treatment-product-guides/diy-rustic-wedding-platters-coasters/ Interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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