protect, clean, seal, but keep character

[pete00]

howdy

not sure i can explaine this but.

A lady wants to give me a piece of wood to make a pen, no problem
However she is gong to put the pen in a little nick nack shelf, and add to her collection(not of pens but a lot of different items) to display.

Problem she want to put a piece of the wood there as well.
The wood has a lot of character, its dry, and has a nice color to bark.

But it looks a little out of place not being shiny or polished like a trophy. So finaly the question.
Is there anything i can put on a piece of wood that wont change the color, or character but will look like it belongs in a trophy case.

Not sure i explained right but thanks......pete

 

[Old Griz]

Sand the piece to at least 1200 grit and use clear Deft lacquer... allow the lacquer to cure for at least 5-7 days and polish with plastic polish to a high gloss...

 

[pete00]

thanks tom
but she wants to keep the bark on the sides. oops dont think i mentioned that
before.
pete


edit
Tom , what would happen if i just sprayed the piece with deft, and not sand

 

[dubdrvrkev]

It may actually work for you though. The comment will always be, "yeah, that pen came from that wood". You may talk her into at least putting some deft spray on it so it could be dusted, but that will most likely make the bark a lot darker. Alternatively, the more knarley the wood looks the better the pen will look.

 

[TomServo]

I've seen clocks made from stump slices, with bark inclusions that were coated in a casting resin or epoxy. Is there enough of the wood to do some trials? maybe the piece you'll be cutting into pen blank(s) could be used to trial some finishes?

 

[Old Griz]

Originally posted by pete00
<br />thanks tom
but she wants to keep the bark on the sides. oops dont think i mentioned that
before.
pete


edit
Tom , what would happen if i just sprayed the piece with deft, and not sand

There is not reason the bark would not stay on the side if you are careful sanding...

 

[pete00]

Originally posted by TomServo
<br />I've seen clocks made from stump slices, with bark inclusions that were coated in a casting resin or epoxy. Is there enough of the wood to do some trials? maybe the piece you'll be cutting into pen blank(s) could be used to trial some finishes?

I do have a few pieces that ive been testing with.
Would that be the same resin as some folks make pens from?
I'll have to chek it out.....thanks

 

[jdavis]

CA the bark and spray on Deft

 

[jdavis]

CA the bark and spray on Deft