DJB, I use Inkscape 0.91 for the writing program (and it is not easy to use) to choose the font and size of the engraving for the person's name. It took a loooooong time to find a program that I could type out the name, save it to desktop and then slide it over to the Laser carver and then to rotate it, if needed. Inkscape also took a long time to finally figure it out.
I tried at least a dozen programs for the writing and none of them worked.
The reason I asked about sealing is because I have the pen or seam ripper completely finished and assembled and I can not put it back on the lathe to put on another coat of finish. I can try to use a small brush and cover the engraving but would rather not, if not necessary. If sealing is not necessary then good for me, as I don't want to do it if it isn't normally required.
Thanks to everyone for their answers and suggestions.
Tim.