Hi everyone-
We just had a 3-inch bar top (for an indoor bar) made from beams of on old school house. The lumber mill left the grey, barn wood exterior on the sides and the top of the piece. We would like to keep the grey barn wood exterior on the top, without sanding and staining it. However, we can't figure out how to finish it...protecting the wood and covering up the splinters.
We purchased a self-leveling epoxy from Lowe's, but are concerned it might made the piece look ecapsulated, like it is covered in plastic. We've also read that epoxies can crack and yellow over time as the wood changes throughout the seasons, and might harm the wood. We've considered using Waterlox, but don't know if this would cover up the splinters or protect the wood enough.
Does anyone have any recommendations about which product we can use to finish this bar top while retaining the natural grey barnwood exterior?
Thank you!