I had a sugar maple shatter over the winter and the crotch split at the fork. One half was shattered, but the other stayed whole and I've saved it from the wood pile. I know I need to paint/wax both ends, but my question is the wood where the crotch joined has no bark. Should I wax/paint that or leave it bare for drying? I'm thinking this face will have the most feature and I don't want to dry it improperly and lose it.
Thanks for your help. If a photo of the piece will help let me know and I'll provide one.