As far as my young son knows, this pirate chest spent 200 years under the tide line in a cave on the Oregon coast, until we dug it up. I want to preserve it as well as possible, and not damage the aged look or the burned-on skull & bones. (100lb Golden Retriever in the background for scale).
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In truth, it was only buried for a week, but the wood came out of a 100-year-old barn. I don't know what it is, but this being the PNW I'm guessing fir. It's old, dry, cracked. After "discovery," I soaked it in fresh water for a while to try to get the salt out. It's been sitting in the basement for two years, so I expect it's as moisture-stable as it will get.
Two questions:
1. What would be a good finish? I was thinking of a few coats of thinned tung oil, or something similar that will penetrate rather than build up. I don't care if it darkens a little.
2. How should I fill the cracks? Or should I fill them at all? I worry about them getting gummy, filled with finish. A friend recommended epoxy putty, but I've never used that.
Thanks!